Topaz Denoise Video Review: How Topaz Nyx Model Reduces Video Noise

Video noise—such as grain, speckles, and compression artifacts—can significantly degrade the quality of footage, especially under challenging conditions like low light or high ISO. Topaz Video AI’s Nyx model is designed to tackle these issues head-on, offering advanced noise reduction that preserves fine details and improves overall clarity.

In this review, we will explore how the Nyx model works, its key features, and its performance in real-world scenarios. We will also guide you through how to use the tool effectively and compare it with an alternative solution, UniFab Denoise AI, to help you decide which best suits your needs.

Topaz Video AI Denoise Overview

Topaz Video Enhance AI has several progressive models to enhance your overall video quality. But its Nyx model stands out as the best model for noise reduction. Originally launched in version 3.5.0, the Nyx model has become a favored choice among professionals for its ability to accurately separate noise from fine textures.

Purpose of Topaz Nyx Model

The Nyx model by Topaz Labs is a specialized AI-powered denoise algorithm crafted to reduce noise and fix compression artifacts in video footage, particularly effective in challenging scenarios such as low-light or high-ISO conditions. This model excels at cleaning up high-resolution, out-of-camera videos while preserving important image details.

Key Features of Topaz Nyx Model

• Purpose-Built Noise Reduction: Targeted at videos with significant noise and compression challenges, particularly in low-light or high ISO scenarios.
• Preservation of Image Detail: Maintains sharp textures and fine details while effectively eliminating unwanted grain and noise.
• Advanced Artifact Mitigation: Addresses and reduces typical video artifacts such as stair-stepping and chroma subsampling for cleaner visuals.
• GPU Acceleration Compatible: Supports NVIDIA CUDA and Apple Metal technologies, enabling faster processing and smoother previews on compatible hardware.
• Granular Manual Controls: Allows users to finely tune parameters for precise balancing between noise reduction and detail preservation, catering to diverse professional needs.

This combination of precise denoising and preservation of original details makes Topaz's Nyx model ideal for videographers, content creators, and professionals seeking high-quality video enhancement without sacrificing image fidelity.

Performance Evaluation of Topaz Nyx Model

We conducted performance testing of Topaz's Nyx model using the following hardware and test footage:

Test System:

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics

Test Footage:

• Duration: 30 seconds
• Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
• Frame Rate: 24fps

Nyx Model Output Resolution: 4K

Nyx Denoising Performance Analysis:

The Topaz Nyx model delivered excellent noise reduction performance across diverse scenes. It effectively removes grain and compression artifacts while preserving the natural textures and fine details of the original footage. Unlike some denoisers that tend to over-smooth resulting in an artificial “plastic” look, Nyx maintains a natural and realistic image quality, significantly enhancing the viewing experience.

Performance Metrics:

• Processing Time: 2 minutes 37 seconds
• Processing Speed: 4.59 frames per second

However, the Nyx model's processing speed is relatively slow compared to other denoise models, requiring more time to complete the task—particularly on higher-resolution footage. 

How to Use Topaz Denoise Video

Now, anyone can enhance their low-resolution videos by using Topaz Video AI Denoise, which is no longer complex. We have simplified the task of improving your low-quality video clips by providing detailed steps for utilizing the Topaz Nyx model to remove noise and sharpen video frames for optimal clarity. 

Step 1: Download and Run Topaz Video AI

Begin by installing and running the Topaz Video AI (newest version) from the official site. Then, click the Open button and import your desired noisy, grainy, low-quality video, whether captured from an older mobile phone or VHS tape, for enhancement into the program.

Step 2: Select the Nyx Model and Adjust the Settings 

Hover your cursor over the Enhancement section and choose the Nyx model variant from the list of available models for optimal balance. While Nyx may yield slightly less refined results, the output will be generated quickly.  

Configure the necessary settings and model a cylindrical shape to represent the body. Use the Path Deform Modifier to align it with the control spline. Turn on Auto Stretch to customize the dynamic length. Optimize all the segments to balance performance and other details.

Select the Scale as 1x to maintain the original resolution.

Zero out the settings in the Recover Detail section to prevent compression artifacts. With this, you can enhance the output clarity, resulting in a smooth and precise output. 

Additionally, adjust the Denoise slider to control the level of noise reduction. Although '50' is the most effective (balanced) setting, you may fine-tune it depending on your specific footage. 

Step 3: Adjust Other Parameters 

For optimal results, in addition to denoising, consider adjusting other parameters as well. It includes: 

• Sharpening: Refines the edges of your video footage to increase clarity.
• Dehaloing: Removes peripheral edge artifacts around the sharpened edges, especially in older video formats.
• Noise Reduction: This reduces and cleans up visible compression artifacts while introducing subtle grain to preserve natural texture for a filmic look.

Step 4: Preview the Video

Hit Render Preview to check your enhanced video. Using the playback controls, compare the source video footage with the processed one. 

Step 5: Export the Enhanced Video

Once you are fully satisfied with the settings and preview results, click the Export button. Select your desired output format and storage path to store your enhanced video clip. Then, press Start Export to process and save the improved video clip without hassle. 

Pros and Cons of Topaz Video Denoise Nyx Model

The Topaz Nyx model is explicitly designed for denoising video clips and high performance. Here's a quick breakdown of the Topaz Video AI Denoise Nyx model's pros (strengths) and cons (weaknesses) to help you learn about its nitty-gritty details. 

Pros of Topaz Denoise Video

• Effective: The Topaz Nyx model can remove any type of heavy noise, whether from high-ISO footage or a video shot in low-light conditions.

• Maintains Temporal Stability: The Nyx model by Topaz can reduce and eliminate flickers, grains, or noise across different frames with minimal motion artifacts.

• Retains Fine Details: When balanced accurately, Topaz Denoise AI can preserve more fine texture and details, better than most AI denoisers.

• AI-Powered Customization: It gives granular control for fine-tuned results and adjustable denoising strength. It can automatically detect and adjust various noise types, including luminance, chroma, and grain.

• Non-Destructive Editing: It can process files with megapixels exceeding 100 MP more effectively than Lightroom or DxO PureRAW.

• Works Fine with HD Videos: It can handle up to 4K video footage for professional post-production video work.

Cons of Topaz Denoise Video

• Slow Speed: Nyx works well with NVIDIA CUDA and Apple Metal (RTX 4090 and M2 Max are the fastest) but is still 2-3 times slower than Topaz's Standard and Low Light models. 

• No Batch Processing: The Topaz Nyx model is not ideal for batch processing large volumes.

• Demands High GPU/CPU: TheTopaz Nyx model requires powerful GPU resources and processing time; weaker PCs may struggle, particularly with 4K or higher resolution content.

• Occasional Over-Smoothing: Aggressive settings can soften fine details if the strength is too high, resulting in a loss of texture and slight blurring, especially when working with skin tones or shadows.

• Quite Expensive: The Topaz Nyx model is not free to use. Instead, it is part of the Topaz Video AI suite, which is available for a one-time fee of US$299. 

• Complex UI: Preserving the details requires trial and error. As the process is not fully automatic, you must manually control adjustments and tweaks to achieve the best denoising and enhancement results.

Topaz Video Denoisesoftware is a powerful program with distinct enhancing and denoising features. However, its complex UI requires a certain degree of technical knowledge to work with the program. Additionally, it is not available as a standalone app or software, and one must purchase the expensive program to utilize the denoising facility. In such a case, it is better to seek reliable denoising alternatives. We recommend using UniFab Denoise AI due to its ease of use, versatility, and accessibility for users at various skill levels. Let's explore its features and working (denoise process) in detail. 

Alternative to Topaz Nyx: UniFab Denoise AI

UniFab Denoise AI is a smart and easy alternative to Topaz Denoise Video, offering a solution to clean and fix grainy video clips. It can remove any kind of video noise, regardless of the reason, while preserving the quality, vibrant colors, and fine textures. UniFab's AI denoise technology can denoise and enhance clarity for high-definition visuals. Its GPU acceleration technology can convert any video at a rapid speed for faster, smoother, and noise-free results, as well as top productivity. Plus, with UniFab, you don't need to keep a separate video editor, as its built-in video editing toolkit can help you edit videos without hassle. 

Key Features and Highlights 

• Enhances poor-quality videos shot in low-light conditions, high ISO issues, or camera artifacts
• Powerful, intuitive, AI-powered interface for sharp, clean, and enhanced videos
• Supports NVIDIA 50 Series GPU for faster and more efficient processing speeds
• Customizable output settings to adjust resolution, format, codec, etc., for a higher degree of control
• Accessible for all users, whether videographers, vloggers, casual users, or business owners 

How to Denoise Video with UniFab Denoise AI

Step 1: Download and launch the UniFab software from the official website. In the left column of the main interface, click All Features. Then, select the Denoiser module under Video AI from the main screen. 

Step 2: Click the Add option to import the grainy and noisy video clip you wish to denoise into the main interface. 

Step 3: Tailor the video's output parameters to edit it and meet your preferences. Adjust the quality, resolution, format, codec, and other parameters as you like. Alternatively, you can proceed with the denoise process with the default settings. 

Step 4: Recheck the settings, and once you are satisfied, tap Start to remove the digital noise from your source video. UniFab will complete the entire process in a few seconds.  

Comparison between Topaz Nyx Model & UniFab Denoise AI

We conducted a performance test comparing Topaz's Nyx and Artemis models with UniFab Denoise AI.

Test Environment:
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics

Source Video:

• Duration: 50 seconds
• Frame Rate: 30 fps
• Resolution: 1280×720

Here’s a concise summary of results:

Let’s take a closer look at the results：

Processing Speed Comparison

Denoising Performance Comparison

Basic Information Comparison

Here's a clear comparison table between Topaz Nyx Model and UniFab Denoise AI based on basic information:

Conclusion

Nyx is designed to handle extreme noise in high-resolution content, providing unmatched clarity and flexibility. Today, Topaz Video AI's Nyx model has become the industry standard. It delivers crystal-clear results even in the most demanding lighting conditions. With its advanced AI and hands-on controls, it's no wonder professionals are making it their #1 choice. However, its steep learning curve may not please casual users. So, they can use UniFab Denoise AI to experience intuitive denoising and video enhancement with advanced customization for personalized results. 

FAQs about Topaz Denoise Video

Is Topaz Denoise Video free?

No. Topaz Video AI offers a 30-day free trial, after which you must purchase its one-time plan for US$299 to continue using its advanced capabilities. It includes one year of free upgrades. Additionally, you will need to repurchase to receive regular updates. However, if you decline renewal, it will still work with the latest update.

What is the best AI model for Topaz?

The best AI model for Topaz depends on your specific needs, but the Nyx model is widely regarded as Topaz’s top choice for video denoising. Designed for challenging conditions like low-light and high ISO footage, the Nyx model excels at removing noise while preserving fine details and textures. However, for different tasks such as upscaling or general enhancement, other Topaz AI models may be better suited. Always choose the model that fits your video’s requirements and your desired outcome.

What is the best video denoising software? 

UniFab Denoise AI is the best video denoiser for Windows and Mac users. Its AI-powered denoising capabilities include noise removal and grain reduction while preserving the original quality of the video footage. Regardless of how the original video was shot, UniFab can denoise and enhance the video in just one click.