StarNet Software

AI-powered software for star removal and noise reduction in astrophotography.

FAQ

Common questions about StarNet, DeepSNR, PixInsight modules, command-line tools, and release files.

The FAQ will expand as new questions come in. The StarNet v2 discussion thread may also be useful, and help requests can be posted in the StarNet v2 help requests thread. These Cloudy Nights threads are primary community resources that I monitor from time to time.

StarNet

What stride do I choose?

In the PixInsight module, choose stride from the kind of image you are processing:

  • Large: use for super-wide landscape images.
  • Standard: recommended default for telescope images.
  • Small: slower; use only when testing extremely large stars.

DeepSNR

What input data works best with DeepSNR?

DeepSNR works best on calibrated, integrated data where the remaining noise is mostly random and high-frequency. Correlated artifacts such as walking noise, banding, strong gradients, or stacking defects should be addressed before denoising because they are part of the image structure, not the noise pattern DeepSNR is meant to remove. See DeepSNR input guidance.

Why does my DeepSNR output look "choppy"?

This is usually a PixInsight display issue caused by excessive stretching and the image not being visualized with enough display precision. The "choppy" appearance is present even before noise reduction, but DeepSNR can make it easier to notice because the random noise that was hiding the display steps has been reduced. To render the image properly, enable the 24-bit LUT option from the PixInsight top menu. With 24-bit LUT enabled, the output should display smoothly.

Choppy-looking DeepSNR output before enabling 24-bit LUT in PixInsight.
Image 1. "Choppy"-looking output on the right.
PixInsight menu option for activating 24-bit LUT.
Image 2. Activating 24-bit LUT.
DeepSNR output rendered correctly after enabling 24-bit LUT in PixInsight.
Image 3. Output rendered correctly with 24-bit LUT enabled.

Common

Are the PixInsight repository URLs down if I cannot open them in my browser?

These repository endpoints serve PixInsight package metadata; they are not normal browser-facing websites. Browser errors usually do not mean the repository is down. If PixInsight cannot update or install a module, check the error shown inside PixInsight and verify the repository URL in PixInsight's repository manager.