When televisions were invented, the original intention was to get the frame rate to match up with the rate that electricity was cycling in our walls… but that didn’t really work out. To compromise, it was decided that there would be the same number of interlaced fields… whih produced smoother motion on video displays. However, interlacing has introduced some new problems. Whenever the video or graphic signal contains very thin lines (generally less than 2 pixels), a visible flicker is annoying present. Never fear though, both Photoshop CS2 and After Effects offer solutions.
In Photoshop CS3:
1. Open up the Actions Palette (Window>Actions)
2. From the Actions Palette submenu choose Video Actions
3. Select Interlace Flicker Removal
4. Press Play
5. Be sure to analyze the new image on a video monitor. Continue to adjust as needed.
In After Effects:
1. Go to the topmost layer of your composition.
2. Press the Home key to assure you are at the beginning of your comp.
3. Choose Layer> New Adjustment Layer
4. Choose Effect> Video> Reduce Interlace Flicker
5. Adjust Softness Slider as needed
6. Preview the results at Full Quality
7. Be sure to analyze the new image on a video monitor. Continue to adjust as needed.
Fixing Flicker During Scan:
If you are scanning in previously printed items such as newspapers, magazines, books, inkjet prints, etc, you will likely get a moiré pattern. This is caused by Photoshop scanning the small spaces between the previously printed dots. Most scanners have a de-screen filter in their software. If available use it when scanning previously printed items.