ntsc-rs: an open-source effect that accurately emulates analog TV and VHS

ntsc-rs is a free, open-source video effect that accurately emulates analog TV and VHS artifacts. The project's website offers version 0.9.4, distributed as a standalone application, a browser-based web app and a plugin for video editors.

Why it differs from other "retro" filters

Most popular effects imitate the look of VHS tapes using simple color lookup tables and overlays. ntsc-rs takes a different route: it uses algorithms that model how NTSC transmission and VHS encoding actually work. Its approach builds on ideas developed in the composite-video-simulator, zhuker/ntsc and ntscQT projects, so the output matches the original not only in color but in the characteristic distortions of the signal itself.

Speed: Rust and SIMD

The effect is written in Rust and is multithreaded and SIMD-accelerated. According to its authors, unlike similar effects such as ntscQT it can run in real time at much higher resolutions than actual NTSC footage. An example published on the site shows a render completing in 15 seconds, which makes the tool practical inside a normal editing workflow.

Where it can be used

ntsc-rs is available as a standalone application and a web version, and as a plugin for After Effects and Premiere as well as every OpenFX-compatible program, including DaVinci Resolve, Hitfilm and Vegas. The site also presents a side-by-side comparison with Red Giant Universe's VHS effect, while documentation, downloads and discussions live on GitHub.

The project follows an open-source model, which lets users verify the algorithms themselves and adapt them to their own pipelines.