New ProRes- what is it, and what do you use it for? at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Levin · July 29th, 2009, 09:46 AM

Greetings.

I was wondering if someone could clarify this.

I understand that the there were previously two ProRes422 formats before FCS3 came out. One was Good Quality, and the other best quality (HQ). So that made the choice pretty easy.

Could someone briefly explain the new ProRes codecs in layman terms. I think the 4444 version is for real heavy duty if you are doing a motion picture for theatrical release use.

And also, when and how would you use these new codecs? What situations would the new ProRes codecs be good for, for example? What's the advantage over plain old 422 or 422(HQ)?

Help I'm drowning...

Thanks for this.

Jonathan

Christopher Drews · July 29th, 2009, 10:56 AM

Apple has already written a nice piece about this.
Enjoy.
http://images.apple.com/finalcutstud..._July_2009.pdf
-C

Jonathan Levin · July 29th, 2009, 11:28 AM

Christopher,

Thanks for that, saved and will print that out.

As to workflow, would it still make sense to import via firewire using the 422 or 422HQ codec into FC, edit, and then on export, use one of the oterh codecs depending on use?

For example, after I've finished editing in a 422 (non HQ, for disk space considerations), and I know that I'll be doing two things with my project. First, going to DVD and second a small-ish web video for my web site, say 360 pxls wide.

So for the web version would I export using the PR LT or proxy version for lower data rate? I watched the Ripple training video on the new prores, and it did say that the LT was for broadcast, but not sure if that includes internet. Proxy is still a mystery, unless you just use that "work print" stuff.

And for the DVD version, use something higher like plain PR422 to compressor?

Let me know if I'm completely lost.

Thanks for your help.

Jonathan

Floris van Eck · July 29th, 2009, 12:17 PM

Jonathan,

I think the LT and Proxy versions are like offline edits. So you work with lower quality footage which you replace at the end with HQ footage for your final render. This makes it easier to edit on for example macbooks.

I am sure someone can give a more detailed description.

Christopher Drews · July 29th, 2009, 01:20 PM

Please read the 2009 white paper, as all of this is explained.
Proxy is the lowest bit-rate of the pro-res codecs. It allows for full resolution playback at "draft" quality. MacBook Pro supports 5 streams of 1920x1080, 23.98 FPS playback with the Proxy codec, verses two of Pro-Res HQ. It's all about data rate here since Pro-Res preserves the spacial resolution.
-C

July 29th, 2009, 09:46 AM	#1
Jonathan Levin Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 692	New ProRes- what is it, and what do you use it for? Greetings. I was wondering if someone could clarify this. I understand that the there were previously two ProRes422 formats before FCS3 came out. One was Good Quality, and the other best quality (HQ). So that made the choice pretty easy. Could someone briefly explain the new ProRes codecs in layman terms. I think the 4444 version is for real heavy duty if you are doing a motion picture for theatrical release use. And also, when and how would you use these new codecs? What situations would the new ProRes codecs be good for, for example? What's the advantage over plain old 422 or 422(HQ)? Help I'm drowning... Thanks for this. Jonathan

July 29th, 2009, 10:56 AM	#2
Christopher Drews Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 628	Apple has already written a nice piece about this. Enjoy. http://images.apple.com/finalcutstud..._July_2009.pdf -C

July 29th, 2009, 11:28 AM	#3
Jonathan Levin Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 692	Christopher, Thanks for that, saved and will print that out. As to workflow, would it still make sense to import via firewire using the 422 or 422HQ codec into FC, edit, and then on export, use one of the oterh codecs depending on use? For example, after I've finished editing in a 422 (non HQ, for disk space considerations), and I know that I'll be doing two things with my project. First, going to DVD and second a small-ish web video for my web site, say 360 pxls wide. So for the web version would I export using the PR LT or proxy version for lower data rate? I watched the Ripple training video on the new prores, and it did say that the LT was for broadcast, but not sure if that includes internet. Proxy is still a mystery, unless you just use that "work print" stuff. And for the DVD version, use something higher like plain PR422 to compressor? Let me know if I'm completely lost. Thanks for your help. Jonathan

July 29th, 2009, 12:17 PM	#4
Floris van Eck Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 993	Jonathan, I think the LT and Proxy versions are like offline edits. So you work with lower quality footage which you replace at the end with HQ footage for your final render. This makes it easier to edit on for example macbooks. I am sure someone can give a more detailed description.

July 29th, 2009, 01:20 PM	#5
Christopher Drews Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 628	Please read the 2009 white paper, as all of this is explained. Proxy is the lowest bit-rate of the pro-res codecs. It allows for full resolution playback at "draft" quality. MacBook Pro supports 5 streams of 1920x1080, 23.98 FPS playback with the Proxy codec, verses two of Pro-Res HQ. It's all about data rate here since Pro-Res preserves the spacial resolution. -C