Video AI vs Topaz Video

Both apps use AI to improve video quality, but they belong to different generations of Topaz products and have distinct licensing and system architectures.

This page explains the key differences between the two apps and answers frequently asked questions to help you understand how they compare and which best fits your workflow.

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Status

⚪ Topaz Video AI:

  • Discontinued, Legacy app
  • No model updates will be released
  • Video AI v7.1.5 is the final version

🟢 Topaz Video:

Installers

⚪ Topaz Video AI:

  • Installer available from your Account page, Legacy Section
  • A stable high-speed internet connection is required for installation and Cloud Rendering

🟢 Topaz Video:

  • Installer available from your Account page and Apps Page
  • A stable high-speed internet connection is required for installation, model downloads, updates and Cloud Rendering

Licensing & Ownership

⚪ Topaz Video AI:

  • A Topaz Video AI license gives you ownership of a specific version. Your Account > Legacy page will confirm which Video AI version you own
  • Video AI v7.1.5 is the final version and will not be updated further
  • Can be used on 2 computers simultaneously
  • Authentication is needed every 6 months, allowing 6 months of offline use

🟢 Topaz Video:

  • Subscription-only app. Requires a paid subscription. Once paid time lapses, it requires an active renewal to keep access to the app
  • You can check your current subscription(s) here: Subcription Page
  • Can be used on 1 computer at a time
  • Authentication is required monthly to verify subscription status, allowing up to 1 month of offline use
    • Please note: models will need to be pre-downloaded using the model manager for offline use (File > Model Manager).

AI models

⚪ Topaz Video AI:

  • No new models will be released as it is discontinued
  • See Full list here of models available in Video AI v7.1.5 (final version)

🟢 Topaz Video:

  • Includes all models from Video AI plus additional newer models such as Starlight Sharp, Denoise, Nyx XL, Proteus Natural
  • See Full list here
  • Ongoing development for new models

System Requirements

⚪ Topaz Video AI:

  • System Requirements
  • Discontinued in September 2025, it will not be optimized or updated for newer OS updates or new systems
  • Intel-mac systems with at least 4gb VRAM supported

🟢 Topaz Video:

  • System Requirements
  • Will continue to be optimized and updated to support newer OS updates and new systems
  • Intel-mac systems not supported

Starlight Processing (Local vs Cloud)

⚪ Topaz Video AI

  • Starlight Mini can run locally on Windows systems with a compatible NVIDIA GPU using a personal license
  • Starlight Mini local processing is not supported on Mac or Windows AMD GPUs

🟢 Topaz Video

  • Starlight (Mini and Sharp) processing requires cloud rendering when using a Personal license
  • With a Pro license:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "Can I still use Video AI ?"

A: Yes. You can download your owned ⚪ Topaz Video AI installer from the Legacy Section of your Account page.

Q: "Why am I asked to subscribe when I have a licence?"

A: To access 🟢 Topaz Video, you need an active subscription to this app.

  • If you already have a subcription to 🟢 Topaz Video, ensure to log in using the email used at purchase.
  • To purchase a subscription, see the Pricing page. There are Single Apps options, Desktop Collection options or the full Studio offering, depending on your needs.

If you have a ⚪ Topaz Video AI license, and no subscription to the new app:

  • You can uninstall 🟢 Topaz Video and go in your Accounts Page > Legacy section and find the installer for your owned ⚪ Topaz Video AI version.
  • At login, make sure you login using the email used at purchase.

Q: "Why am I in Trial mode?"

A: Trial mode will occur in the ⚪ Topaz Video AI app for one of these reasons:

  • If using incorrect email and/or password: Make sure you use the email used at purchase. You can contact us if you need help locating the purchase or reset your password.
  • If using the ⚪ Topaz Video AI app when you are owner of the new 🟢 Topaz Video app: Uninstall the Legacy app and install the new app from your Apps page.

Q: "Is Topaz Video a free upgrade?"

A: No, the 🟢 Topaz Video app is part of a subscription-only model. There are Single Apps Subcription options, Desktop Collection options or the full Studio offering, depending on your needs. You can see Pricing options here.

Q: "Where can I find plugin setup steps?"

A: Plugins will install automatically. If the plugin path is missing: Make sure all host programs are closed, then go to Plugins > Install, and the plugin paths will automatically install in your host program.

Q: "Which one should I use?”

A: This depends on your workflow needs and whether you prefer to continue using your perpetual Video AI license or Subscribe to access the newer app.

Use ⚪ Topaz Video AI if:

  • You’re on older hardware such an an intel-mac
  • You do not want a subscription or renewal

Use 🟢 Topaz Video if:

  • You want access to the newest models
  • You’re working on modern hardware and want the latest AI features

You are not required to switch. If ⚪ Topaz Video AI already meets your needs, you can continue using it. 🟢 Topaz Video is an additional option for users who want the newer models and workflows.

Q: "Why does Video AI show as “Expired” even though I can still use it?"

A: “Expired” only refers to updates, not access. ⚪ Topaz Video AI is a perpetual license app, which means you own the version you purchased and can continue using it as long as you like. It shows as “Expired” because the app is discontinued and no longer receives updates.

Contact Support

See the Troubleshooting pages below for common issues and fixes.

Account | Troubleshooting page

Account | Troubleshooting page

Topaz Video | Troubleshooting page

Topaz Video | Troubleshooting page

If you still have issues or questions, contact us at support@topazlabs.com and provide us these details:

  • Email address associated with your Topaz Account and purchases
  • Questions you have or details on the activation/installation/app issues happening
  • Screenshots of any error messages

Photo AI vs Topaz Photo

System Requirements