The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose VideoProc Converter AI if you want an affordable, lighter-weight media toolbox that also upscales video. Choose the current Topaz Video if restoration quality and specialized AI models matter more than price, your computer meets its considerably higher requirements, and you accept a subscription.
One naming detail changes the comparison: Topaz Video AI is now a discontinued legacy application. Topaz identifies version 7.1.5 as its final release; the actively developed subscription product is called Topaz Video. The comparison below therefore treats VideoProc Converter AI against current Topaz Video, while explaining when a legacy Video AI license still matters.
What is the difference between VideoProc Converter AI and Topaz Video?
VideoProc Converter AI is a general-purpose media application with AI enhancement added to a much broader workflow. It can convert, compress, edit, download, record a screen, digitize DVDs, and handle audio tasks in the same interface. Its AI functions include super-resolution upscaling, frame interpolation, stabilization, image enhancement, face restoration, colorization, vocal removal, and noise suppression.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Topaz Video is a specialist enhancement application. Its workflow is centered on selecting an AI model for a source problem—such as noise, interlacing, blur, low resolution, or unstable footage—then rendering a corrected output. It includes models such as Proteus, Iris, Nyx, Rhea, Artemis, Gaia, Theia, Apollo, Chronos, Aion, Themis, SDR to HDR, and Stabilization. Pro plans add local access to Starlight Sharp, Starlight HQ, and Starlight Fast.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
That difference determines the practical choice: VideoProc is easier to justify when one program must do many media jobs, while Topaz is designed for people who will spend more time tuning enhancement models and waiting for specialist renders.
The name “Topaz Video AI” is no longer the current product
Topaz labels “Topaz Video AI: Discontinued, Legacy app” in its documentation. Version 7.1.5 is the final version and will not receive further updates or new models. New buyers should evaluate current Topaz Video, not assume that a license or review for the old application describes the subscription product.
Which app should you choose for your type of project?
| Choose VideoProc Converter AI when you need | Choose current Topaz Video when you need |
|---|---|
| Upscaling plus conversion, compression, editing, downloading, screen recording, DVD digitization, or audio tools. | A dedicated enhancement workflow with a large set of purpose-built restoration models. |
| 2x, 3x, or 4x super-resolution options and frame interpolation up to 120, 240, or 480 FPS. | Model selection for difficult footage, including denoising, deblurring, deinterlacing, stabilization, HDR conversion, and other restoration tasks. |
| A lower-cost annual or lifetime purchase and a computer with modest memory. | Ongoing model development and updates, provided you can meet modern GPU, RAM, and storage requirements. |
| A mostly local workflow on older Windows versions or supported macOS versions. | Local rendering for most work, with selected Starlight models rendered in the cloud depending on your license and hardware. |
There is no universal quality winner established by a controlled, independent comparison of identical source clips. Output depends on the source, model, scale factor, settings, and the artifacts you are trying to correct. Treat claims that one application is always sharper or faster as unverified unless they identify the same footage and test conditions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat can VideoProc Converter AI actually do?
VideoProc’s AI tools cover several common reasons for enlarging or repairing footage:
- Super Resolution: enlarges video by 2x, 3x, or 4x.
- Frame interpolation: creates higher-frame-rate output up to 120, 240, or 480 FPS, depending on the selected workflow and output target.
- Stabilization: reduces visible camera shake.
- Image enhancement: improves overall clarity and appearance.
- Face restoration: targets facial detail that has been lost through compression or low resolution.
- Colorization: adds color to supported monochrome footage.
- Vocal removal and noise suppression: addresses audio rather than image resolution.
The software also supports more than 370 codecs and 420 formats, according to Digiarty’s technical documentation, without requiring third-party codec packs. That breadth is useful when a project contains camera files, downloaded clips, DVDs, screen recordings, and delivery formats that would otherwise require several utilities.
Where VideoProc is strongest
VideoProc is strongest when the job is a sequence rather than a single restoration pass. You can ingest an unusual source, convert it, trim or edit it, apply an AI enhancement, compress it for delivery, and record or download additional material without moving between separate applications.
Its lower hardware floor also makes it a practical option for older home or office systems. That does not mean every AI operation will be fast on a low-end computer; it means the documented memory and operating-system requirements are substantially less demanding than Topaz Video’s current recommendations.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What VideoProc does not establish
The available product information does not provide an independent head-to-head benchmark against Topaz using the same footage, output settings, hardware, and measurement method. VideoProc’s list of features and supported formats therefore shows workflow scope, not a guaranteed ranking in fine detail, artifact removal, or rendering speed.
How deep is Topaz Video’s enhancement model selection?
Topaz Video organizes enhancement around models intended for different source conditions. The available model families include:
| Model or family | Typical role in the workflow |
|---|---|
| Proteus | General-purpose enhancement with adjustable controls for challenging material. |
| Iris | Face-focused enhancement and restoration workflows. |
| Nyx | Noise-reduction work, particularly on dark or heavily noisy material. |
| Rhea | High-quality enlargement and detail recovery for suitable sources. |
| Artemis | Enhancement variants for different compression and quality conditions. |
| Gaia and Theia | Specialized detail and enlargement approaches for selected footage. |
| Apollo, Chronos, and Aion | Frame-interpolation models for generating intermediate frames and changing motion cadence. |
| Themis | Another specialized enhancement option available in the current model set. |
| SDR to HDR | Conversion workflow for standard-dynamic-range material. |
| Stabilization | Correction of camera movement and shake. |
Model names are not a promise that every source will improve. A heavily compressed video may gain apparent detail while also exposing ringing, halos, or invented texture. The sensible process is to preview a representative section, compare several models, and inspect faces, text, edges, and moving backgrounds before committing to a long render.
What Pro adds
Topaz’s Pro offering adds local Starlight Sharp, Starlight HQ, and Starlight Fast access. Local availability matters if source footage cannot leave your workstation, but the exact model access and rendering path depend on the license and hardware. Selected Starlight models can require cloud rendering, so check the model’s current availability before planning an offline or confidential workflow.
How much do VideoProc Converter AI and Topaz Video cost?
The prices below were listed when checked in 2026. Software pricing, plan names, taxes, and included features can change, so verify the vendor’s checkout page before purchasing.
| Product and plan | Listed price | Billing or license condition |
|---|---|---|
| VideoProc Converter AI Premium 365 | $34.95 | One year; annual plan listed at the time of checking. |
| VideoProc Converter AI lifetime, single PC | $54.95 | Lifetime license for one computer as listed. |
| VideoProc Converter AI lifetime, family | $79.95 | Family lifetime option as listed; confirm the current device allowance. |
| Topaz Video Personal | $25 per month | Billed annually. |
| Topaz Video Personal | $39 per month | 12-month term with monthly billing. |
| Topaz Video Pro | $58 per month | Billed annually. |
| Topaz Video Pro | $74 per month | 12-month term with monthly billing. |
On the listed figures, VideoProc’s lifetime single-PC price is close to two months of Topaz Video Personal at the monthly-billed rate and less than three months at the annual-billing equivalent. That is a price comparison, not a value guarantee: Topaz’s subscription pays for continuing model development and updates, while VideoProc’s appeal is a lower one-time cost and a wider set of non-AI utilities.
What computer do you need for each upscaler?
Hardware can decide the purchase before image quality does. VideoProc documents a much lower minimum for its AI tools, while Topaz Video expects a modern Windows system with a discrete GPU and substantial local storage.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Requirement | VideoProc Converter AI | Topaz Video current Windows requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11. Classic features support macOS 10.13 or later; AI capabilities require macOS 10.15 or later. | Minimum Windows 10. Topaz recommends Windows 11. |
| RAM | 2 GB minimum for AI tools. | 16 GB minimum; 32 GB recommended. |
| GPU | Digiarty documents broad GPU support; no equivalent 8 GB dedicated-VRAM recommendation is stated in the supplied specifications. | 6 GB dedicated GPU VRAM minimum; RTX 30-series or newer recommended, with 8 GB VRAM or more. |
| Storage | 1 GB disk space for AI tools. | 45 GB internal storage minimum; 60 GB recommended. |
| Rendering path | Local processing according to the desktop workflow. | Local rendering is supported; selected Starlight models may use cloud rendering depending on license and hardware. |
Why VRAM matters more for Topaz
Topaz’s minimum of 6 GB dedicated VRAM is not the same as system RAM. A computer can have plenty of ordinary memory and still fail to run a model that exceeds available graphics memory. The recommended configuration—an RTX 30-series-or-newer GPU with at least 8 GB VRAM, 32 GB system RAM, and 60 GB of storage—gives the application more room for large frames, model files, previews, and temporary output.
If you are buying or upgrading a GPU specifically for Topaz, verify the exact VRAM variant rather than relying on a model number alone. Two cards with similar names can have different memory capacities. Also leave working space beyond the stated storage requirement when processing long or high-resolution clips.
What the VideoProc requirements mean in practice
VideoProc’s documented 2 GB AI-tool RAM minimum and older Windows support make it easier to install on an existing computer. They do not establish a particular render speed or guarantee that every 4K job will be comfortable. Preview a short segment first, especially when using high frame-rate interpolation or 4x enlargement.
Can either application upscale old video to 4K?
Yes, both applications can enlarge lower-resolution footage, but an upscale creates new pixels; it cannot recover information that was never captured. VideoProc explicitly offers 2x, 3x, and 4x Super Resolution, so a compatible 1080p source can be targeted at 4K with a 2x scale. Topaz Video can also perform enlargement through its enhancement models, with the best choice depending on noise, compression, faces, motion, and the source’s original resolution.
Older footage often contains several problems at once: interlacing, mosquito noise, blocking, camera shake, faded contrast, and soft focus. Applying the largest scale factor first can make those defects more visible. A better workflow is to inspect a short clip, identify the dominant defect, choose a model or correction for it, and then judge the enlarged result at the intended viewing size.
A practical 4K decision checklist
- Confirm the source is progressive or determine whether interlacing must be addressed.
- Check faces, subtitles, fine foliage, and diagonal edges for false detail or halos.
- Compare a short render at the target scale before processing the whole file.
- Decide whether frame-rate conversion or stabilization is needed separately from enlargement.
- Keep the untouched original so you can change models or settings without generation loss.
How do local rendering, cloud models, and authentication differ?
Both products are desktop applications, but their access rules are not identical. Topaz Video supports local rendering, while selected Starlight models can require cloud rendering depending on the subscription and the computer. That means a privacy-sensitive workflow must check the specific model path rather than assuming every feature runs offline.
Topaz’s current subscription and authentication rules also differ from the license behavior of legacy Video AI. An owned legacy license may not provide access to current models, and current subscription access should not be treated as a perpetual entitlement to every future feature. Review the account and activation terms shown for the edition you are buying.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
VideoProc is better suited to a workflow where broad conversion and AI operations remain on the local machine. The supplied specifications do not state that every feature has identical offline behavior, so verify any internet requirement that matters to your studio, archive, or client-confidentiality policy before deployment.
Is Topaz Video worth the subscription?
It can be worth it when difficult restoration is the main job and you will use its model updates often enough to justify recurring fees. The subscription buys access to the actively developed Topaz Video product, whose model set is broader and more specialized than a general media converter’s enhancement menu.
It is harder to justify when you only occasionally enlarge clips, need DVD or screen-recording tools, or have a computer below the current Windows requirements. In those cases, VideoProc’s annual or lifetime options and lower hardware floor reduce the cost of getting a usable result.
Count the number of projects you expect to process, the value of model updates, the cost of a suitable GPU, and whether cloud rendering is acceptable. A subscription can be economical for a restoration-heavy workstation and excessive for a household that needs occasional 1080p-to-4K exports.
How should you test either app before processing a long project?
- Select representative footage. Include the worst noise, faces, text, motion, and dark scenes—not only the cleanest shot.
- Make a short source segment. A brief clip lets you compare settings without waiting for a full feature-length render.
- Set the intended output. Choose the final resolution, frame rate, codec, and delivery destination before judging the preview.
- Compare at equal conditions. Use the same source section and output target when comparing VideoProc with Topaz; otherwise the visual difference cannot be attributed reliably to the software.
- Inspect problem areas at normal viewing size. Look for natural faces, readable text, clean motion, stable edges, and absence of halos or crawling texture.
- Check the complete workflow. Confirm that audio remains synchronized, subtitles or metadata are preserved as required, and the output opens in the player or editor that will receive it.
- Estimate storage and time from the short run. Use the test output size and observed workload to plan the full render, but do not treat one short clip as a universal speed benchmark.
What are the main pitfalls, and how can you avoid them?
Buying the wrong Topaz product
Search results and older tutorials may still call the application Topaz Video AI. Check that the download and plan refer to current Topaz Video if you want ongoing model development. Version 7.1.5 is the final legacy release.
Running out of VRAM or storage
Topaz’s 6 GB dedicated-VRAM minimum and 45 GB storage minimum are starting points, not a promise that every high-resolution model will fit comfortably. Use the recommended 8 GB-or-more VRAM and 60 GB storage figures when possible, and reserve additional working space for source and output files.
Recommended Free Tools
Expecting invented detail to be factual detail
AI enhancement estimates missing information. A sharper-looking face or sign may be plausible rather than historically accurate. Keep the original, avoid presenting generated texture as evidence, and inspect archival or legal material with particular caution.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Comparing unlike settings
A 4x upscale, a denoising pass, and frame interpolation solve different problems. Compare applications with the same source, scale, frame rate, codec, and viewing conditions; otherwise a visual preference says little about the underlying tools.
Ignoring the source before choosing a model
Clean digital footage, interlaced television captures, dark phone clips, animation, and heavily compressed web video need different treatment. Start with the defect that most limits the result instead of automatically choosing the largest scale or the newest model.
Which license and workflow fit common users?
| User or project | More suitable starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Family archive with mixed formats and occasional enhancement | VideoProc Converter AI | Conversion, editing, DVD work, and AI tools are combined, with lower listed costs and lighter documented requirements. |
| Restoration specialist processing difficult footage every week | Current Topaz Video | Specialized model selection and ongoing development can matter more than a one-time license. |
| Older Windows or modest-memory computer | VideoProc Converter AI | Its documented support reaches older Windows versions and lists 2 GB RAM for AI tools. |
| Modern workstation with an RTX 30-series-or-newer GPU | Topaz Video | The hardware aligns with Topaz’s recommended configuration and makes advanced models more practical. |
| Confidential footage that cannot leave the workstation | Verify the exact model path before choosing | Topaz supports local rendering but selected Starlight models may be cloud-rendered; confirm VideoProc and model-specific access rules for your policy. |
What is the final recommendation?
Buy VideoProc Converter AI when value, compatibility, and an all-in-one media workflow are your priorities. Its 2x/3x/4x Super Resolution, high-frame-rate interpolation, stabilization, and broad format support cover ordinary enhancement jobs without requiring the hardware or subscription commitment specified for current Topaz Video.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose current Topaz Video when video restoration is the central task, you need its model-driven approach, and you can provide at least the required Windows hardware—or preferably the recommended 32 GB RAM, RTX 30-series-or-newer GPU with 8 GB or more VRAM, and 60 GB of storage. Remember that “Topaz Video AI” is the discontinued legacy product, not the name of the actively updated application.
Because no independent controlled head-to-head test establishes a universal quality winner, make the decision with a representative short clip and the exact source, output, privacy, and budget constraints of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VideoProc Converter AI require third-party codec packs?
Digiarty says VideoProc supports more than 370 codecs and 420 formats without third-party codec packs. That can simplify playback and conversion of mixed camera, download, and archive files, although unusual or damaged media may still need separate troubleshooting.
Can Topaz Video process everything locally?
Topaz supports local rendering, but cloud rendering can be required for selected Starlight models depending on the license and the computer. Check the rendering method for the exact model before importing confidential footage or planning an offline session.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat happens if I keep using legacy Topaz Video AI 7.1.5?
It remains the final legacy release, but Topaz says it will not be updated and will receive no new models. It may still suit someone who specifically needs an owned legacy installation, but it should not be confused with access to current Topaz Video features.
Should I judge an upscale while zoomed in to 400 percent?
Use both a pixel-level inspection and normal intended viewing size. Extreme zoom reveals processing artifacts that may be invisible during playback, while normal-size viewing shows whether the result actually looks better to the people who will watch it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
