Quick Start

Getting Started with Astra

Astra is a web-based AI video enhancement platform designed for creative upscaling and stylized refinement. It operates entirely in the browser and leverages advanced AI models to enhance visual detail, clarity, and structure.

Astra is optimized for modern creative workflows, including AI-generated content and stylized video production. It is not designed as a traditional archival restoration tool.

Product Architecture

Platform Type: Web-based (Cloud Rendering)

• Local Installation: Not supported
• Offline Mode: Not available
• Rendering Infrastructure: Cloud GPU servers
• Subscription Required for Rendering: A subscription is not required to render videos if you have sufficient cloud credits available in your account.

If your render requires more credits than you currently have, you can either:

• Purchase one-time cloud credits, or
• Subscribe to a monthly cloud credits plan

Astra processes video entirely in the cloud. Rendering capacity is prioritized for active subscribers.

You can launch Astra using either method listed below:

1. From your Web App homepage after logging in:→ Click Astra under your Studio apps.
   
2. Or go straight to the Astra URL: you can bookmark this for direct access.

Log in to Astra

• Open the Astra Cloud App in your browser.
• Click on Log In.
• Sign in using your Topaz Labs account credentials.
• Once logged in, you will be taken to the Astra Cloud interface dashboard.

Upload Your Video

• On the main interface, locate the “Upload a Video” button in the center of the screen.
• Click Upload a Video.
• Select your video file from your computer.

Important requirements:

• The video must be in MP4 format.
• The video must use the H.264 or H.265 codec.

Select the AI Model

• After the upload is complete, you will see the model selection options.
• Choose the model that best meets your needs. Available options include:
  • Astra 2 model
  • Proteus, Iris, Rhea, and NYX model
  • Starlight models (Starlight Precise 1, Starlight Precise 2.5, Starlight Fast 1 & 2, Starlight Mini)

Each model offers different speed, quality, and frame length capabilities.

Select the Output Parameters

Choose your desired output resolution.

Astra supports output up to 4K resolution.

Select the frame interpolation (FPS) option.

You can increase the frame rate from 24 FPS up to 120 FPS, depending on your requirements.

These settings allow you to control the final video quality and smoothness.

Set the Render Length

Use the timeline controls to define the portion of the video you want to render:

• Drag the blue expander to set the start point.
• Drag the white expander to set the end point.

If you want to render the entire video, expand the selection to cover the full timeline.

Start the Render

Once you have:

• Uploaded the video,
• Selected the model,
• Chosen the output parameters, and
• Set the render range,

Click the Render button to begin processing.

You can monitor the progress and download the final output once rendering is complete.

Supported File Types

Astra currently offers limited file compatibility, with more to be added in the near future.

Currently Supported

Input:

• H.264 encoded MP4

Output:

• H.264 encoded MP4

At this time, Astra supports only H.264 MP4 video for both input and export.

In Development:

• Expanded MOV support (including ProRes)
• Improved unsupported file error messaging

File Size and Frame Limits

Below, you will find information on Astra's file upload limitations.

Are there file size limits?

There is no strict upload file size limit enforced on the backend.

However:

• Files larger than 2GB may encounter processing instability.
• For best performance and reliability, we recommend keeping uploads under 2GB.

Are there frame limits?

Frame limits are enforced per single video render and vary by model.

Browser Compatibility

Fully Supported Browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari

Recommendations:

• Use the latest browser version
• Enable hardware acceleration
• Maintain a stable internet connection

Performance on unsupported browsers may vary.

Video Storage

Rendered videos are stored for active subscribers for 7 days. After 7 days, the download link will no longer be accessible.

Users are advised to download completed renders promptly.