Topaz Labs expands AMD partnership to accelerate local AI video processing

This update signals a strategic shift toward specialized, local-first processing for high-compute tasks like GenAI video upscaling. By utilizing NeuroStream to optimize VRAM, Topaz is lowering the hardware barrier for professional-grade enhancement, directly challenging cloud-heavy competitors. For the streaming ecosystem, this local capability allows production houses to enhance AI-generated content or archival footage with greater security and zero per-gigapixel cloud costs. Watch for increased adoption of AMD hardware in creative workstations as specialized software-hardware partnerships improve local ROI for high-resolution 4K pipelines.

The Precision Update follows a period of significant structural shifts for Topaz Labs. Per GStory, January 2026, the company recently moved to an annual subscription model priced at approximately $299 to $396 per year, a move that ended its long-standing perpetual license offering. This shift has placed pressure on the company to deliver frequent, high-value AI model updates as it faces increasing competition from integrated tools like DaVinci Resolve's Super Scale and specialized rivals like Aiarty. These competitors frequently market themselves as one-time purchase alternatives for budget-conscious creators.

Technologically, the focus on local acceleration via NeuroStream coincides with broader hardware industry trends. Per Topaz and AMD filings from May 2026, the updated NeuroStream 2 tech now delivers 2x-to-4x faster processing on consumer setups, effectively dropping rendering times from minutes to seconds. This advancement is critical as the global AI video processing market is projected to reach $1.16 billion by 2032, according to Intel Market Research, December 2025. This growth is driven by the industry's need to upscale low-resolution assets for modern 4K and 8K distribution channels.

While Topaz Labs continues to lead in standalone enhancement, it also faces encroachment from foundational AI model providers. Per Reddit and industry discussions in late 2025, platforms like Sora, Gemini, and Midjourney are increasingly incorporating native upscaling features. Topaz's strategy involves positioning its high-precision models like Starlight Precise 2.5 as the essential professional finishing layer for these generated assets, specifically targeting artifact removal and texture reconstruction that general-purpose models often overlook.