A method for de-interlacing is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) determining a plurality of target mode values for a target pixel being synthesized to convert a current field into a current frame, wherein at least two of the target mode values are based on both (i) a plurality of original pixels and (ii) a plurality of synthesized pixels in a plurality of synthesized frames, (B) generating a plurality of candidate values for the target pixel using a plurality of interpolation techniques that includes a motion estimation interpolation utilizing a particular one of the synthesized frames and (C) selecting a particular one of the candidate values for the target pixel in response to the target mode values.