Topaz Labs Starlight: the first diffusion-based video quality enhancement model

General Introduction

Topaz Labs Starlight is an innovative video enhancement tool from Topaz Labs focused on restoring and optimizing old, low-resolution or corrupted videos using AI technology. It is the first video enhancement tool to use the Diffusion Model to dramatically improve video clarity, reduce noise, eliminate aliasing and maintain temporal consistency between frames for a more natural and smooth image. Founded in 2005 as a leader in AI image and video processing technology, Topaz Labs offers a solution without complex manual adjustments through Starlight for individual users, professionals and enterprise customers. Currently supporting cloud-based processing and offering free trials and paid extensions, the tool is dedicated to making video restoration easier and more efficient.

Function List

• Video Resolution Upgrade: Upgrade low-resolution video (e.g. SD or VHS) to 1080p or even 4K support in the future.
• Denoising and Deblurring: Automatically removes noise and blur from video and restores detail clarity.
• Eliminate aliasing effects: Reduces jagged edges caused by compression or low quality recording.
• Time Consistency Optimization: Ensure natural object motion by analyzing hundreds of frames to avoid flickering or motion artifacts.
• Cloud Rendering Support: Utilizes server-grade hardware to handle complex tasks without the need for local high-end equipment.
• No manual adjustment required: One-click operation to automate the enhancement process for novice users.
• Multi-format compatibility: Supports importing common video formats, such as MP4, and outputting high-quality results.

Using Help

How to get started with Topaz Labs Starlight

Topaz Labs Starlight offers two main ways to use it: uploading videos directly through the web version or experiencing full functionality through the Video AI desktop app. Below are the detailed steps and instructions:

1. Access through the web version

The web version of Starlight requires no installation and is perfect for a quick trial or temporary video processing.

• Access to the website: Open your browser and enter the URLhttps://www.topazlabs.com/starlight, go to the Starlight homepage.
• Upload VideoClick the "Try it - Free" button on the page to enter the upload interface. Select a local video file (recommended resolution is not more than 1920x1080, format such as MP4), click upload.
• Preview and Processing: Once the upload is complete, the system will automatically initiate cloud enhancement processing. For free users, up to 3 10-second video clips (1080p output) can be processed per week. Processing time may take minutes to hours depending on video length and server load.
• Download results: After processing is complete, you will receive an email containing a download link. Click the link to download the enhanced video. The rendering results are saved for 7 days, so it is recommended to save them in time. (Note: There is no audio output in the free version)

2. Used through Video AI desktop version

For more features or to handle longer videos, download Topaz Video AI and enable the Starlight module.

• Installation process::
  1. Visit Topaz Labs official websitewww.topazlabs.comIf you want to download the file, navigate to the "Downloads" page.
  2. Select "Topaz Video AI" and download the installer depending on your operating system (Windows or macOS).
  3. Double-click the installation package and follow the prompts to complete the installation (Internet connection required to verify license). Minimum Hardware Requirements: 8GB RAM, NVIDIA/AMD graphics card recommended.
  4. Launch the program and log in to your Topaz account (registration required for first time use).
  5. Update to the latest version (6.1 or higher) to ensure the Starlight module is available.
• Enable Starlight::
  1. Open Video AI and click the "Import Video" button to load the file.
  2. Find the "Starlight" panel in the right toolbar and click to activate it.
  3. Set the rendering duration: free users are limited to 10 seconds, paid users can process up to 5 minutes through cloud credits (9000 frames, 30fps calculation, 90 credits per minute).
  4. Click "Send to Cloud" to submit the task, confirm the credit balance and start rendering.
  5. Once processing is complete, the email notification will provide a download link, again retained for 7 days.

Detailed explanation of the operation of the main functions

• Resolution Upgrade
  Starlight analyzes video frames with diffuse AI technology to predict and fill in missing details. For example, it automatically optimizes frame edges and textures when upscaling older VHS videos from 480p to 1080p. The operation requires no additional settings and is done with one click after uploading.
• Denoising and Deblurring
  For old films with heavy noise (e.g. 8mm/16mm), Starlight automatically recognizes and removes graininess while enhancing details in blurred areas. Users simply wait for the rendering results without having to manually adjust the parameters.
• Time Consistency Optimization
  This is Starlight's core strength. While traditional enhancement tools often cause objects to jump or flicker between frames, Starlight ensures that the action is consistent by analyzing hundreds of frames before and after. For example, when fixing a NASA rocket launch video, the flames and smoke will move in a more natural path.
• cloud rendering
  Due to the large amount of model calculations (over 6 billion parameters), Starlight relies on cloud processing. Free users get three 10-second renders per week, and paid users can purchase cloud credits (at a subscription price of $0.10 per credit, or $0.195 for a single purchase) for about $9 per minute of video. After submitting a task, the software shows an estimated completion time.

Tips and Precautions for Use

• Video Selection: It is recommended to try lower quality videos (e.g. old movies, VHS) to experience Starlight's restoration capabilities. HD video effect improvement is limited.
• Duration control: The free version is limited to 10 seconds, and it is recommended to edit the video to key segments to test the effect. Paid users can adjust to 5 minutes with Video AI's built-in cropping tool.
• Save Backup: Cloud rendering results are only retained for 7 days, so be sure to back them up locally after downloading.
• audio processing: The current version does not include audio, you need to merge the original audio later with other tools (e.g. Audacity).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is processing so slow?
  Diffusion modeling requires significant computational resources, which can take 15 minutes for a 10-second video and hours for a 5-minute video. In the future Topaz plans to optimize speed and support local processing.
• How do I buy points?
  Log in to your Topaz account, select a package on the "Cloud Credits" page, pay for it and use it for rendering.

With the above steps, users can easily get started with Starlight and restore their precious images to HD quality, suitable for home memory restoration or professional film and video post-production.