Apple ProRes QuickTime Decoder software allows both Mac and Windows users to play Apple ProRes files through QuickTime. Apple ProRes is a visually lossless format that provides uncompressed HD quality at SD data rates. It is an excellent choice for mastering and can easily be transcoded to distribution formats like H.264. Apple ProRes codec is the best video codec for editing in Final Cut Pro X, Final Cut Pro 7/6, Adobe Premiere Pro, and other editing software on Mac platform. For this reason, you may need to convert your video to Apple ProRes for further editing.
How to Convert H.264 to ProRes Quickly and Easily. H.264 or MPEG-4 Part 10, Advanced Video Coding (MPEG-4 AVC) is currently one of the most commonly used formats for the recording, compression, and distribution of video content. But the problem with H.264, many folks found it's a painful experience to edit edit H.264 file with Final Cut Pro on Mac. Probably not, ProRes is an Apple codec. You would need to convert it to a more open format like h.264 and then import it into the video editor that you are using on the Mac. Apple ProRes QuickTime Decoder software allows both Mac and Windows users to play Apple ProRes files through QuickTime. Apple ProRes is a visually lossless format that provides uncompressed HD quality at SD data rates. It is an excellent choice for mastering and can easily be transcoded to distribution formats like H.264. In this episode, I show you how to install Apple's ProRes 422 codecs (plus a ton of other ones) FREE and LEGAL, and then I show you how to set it up with your Adobe Media Encoder or Premiere Pro!
Apple ProRes is a high quality, lossyvideo compression format developed by Apple Inc. for use in post-production that supports up to 8K. It is the successor of the Apple Intermediate Codec and was introduced in 2007 with Final Cut Studio 2.[1] It is widely used as a final format delivery method for HD broadcast files in commercials, features, Blu-ray and streaming.
- 3ProRes 422
- 4ProRes 4444 and ProRes 4444 XQ
Overview[edit]
ProRes is a line of intermediate codecs, which means they are intended for use during video editing, and not for practical end-user viewing. The benefit of an intermediate codec is that it retains higher quality than end-user codecs while still requiring much less expensive disk systems compared to uncompressed video. It is comparable to Avid's DNxHD codec or CineForm which offer similar bitrates and are also intended to be used as intermediate codecs. ProRes 422 is a DCT-based[2]intra-frame-only codec and is therefore simpler to decode than distribution-oriented formats like H.264. In 2018 Apple added a new 'ProRes RAW' (compressed Bayer filter) to Final Cut Pro X[3], after Blackmagic Design implemented compressed Bayer as 'CinemaDNG 3:1' and 'CinemaDNG 4:1' in their cameras and DaVinci Resolve[4].
ProRes-Overview[edit]
ProRes supports different data rates and different resolutions. All ProRes422-variants use Chroma subsampling of 4:2:2 at 10 Bit Color depth. ProRes 4444 samples color in the 4:4:4 schema with a color depth of 12 Bit.
| resolution | fps | ProRes 422 Proxy | ProRes 422 LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes 422 HQ | ProRes 4444 (without Alpha) | ProRes 4444 XQ (without Alpha) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (points) | (Hz) | (Mbit/s) | (Mbit/s) | (Mbit/s) | (Mbit/s) | (Mbit/s) | (Mbit/s) |
| 720 × 0576 | 50i, 25p | 12 | 28 | 41 | 61 | 92 | 138 |
| 1280 × 0720 | 50p | 19 | 42 | 61 | 92 | 138 | 206 |
| 1440 × 1080 | 50i, 25p | 32 | 73 | 105 | 157 | 236 | 354 |
| 1920 × 1080 | 50i, 25p | 38 | 85 | 122 | 184 | 275 | 415 |
| 50p | 76 | 170 | 245 | 367 | 551 | 826 | |
| 2048 × 1536 | 25p | 58 | 131 | 189 | 283 | 425 | 637 |
| 50p | 117 | 262 | 377 | 567 | 850 | 1275 | |
| 3840 × 2160 | 25p | 151 | 342 | 492 | 737 | 1106 | 1659 |
| 50p | 303 | 684 | 983 | 1475 | 2212 | 3318 | |
| 4096 × 2160 | 25p | 162 | 365 | 524 | 786 | 1180 | 1769 |
| 50p | 323 | 730 | 1049 | 1573 | 2359 | 3539 | |
| 5120 × 2880 | 25p | 202 | 456 | 655 | 983 | 1475 | 2212 |
| 50p | 405 | 912 | 1311 | 1966 | 2949 | 4424 |
ProRes 422[edit]
Key features[edit]
- 8K, 5K, 4K, UHD, 2K, HD (up to 1920×1080), & SD resolutions
- 4:2:2 chroma subsampling
- 10-bit sample depth
- I frame-only encoding
- Variable bitrate (VBR) encoding
- Normal 147 Mbit/s and High-Quality 220 Mbit/s and ProRes (LT) 100Mbit/s as well as ProRes Proxy for HD 45Mbit/s for HD resolution at 60i
- Normal 42 Mbit/s and High-Quality 63 Mbit/s for SD resolution at 29.97
- Fast encoding and decoding (both at full size and half size)
ProRes 4444 and ProRes 4444 XQ[edit]
ProRes 4444 and ProRes 4444 XQ are lossyvideo compression formats developed by Apple Inc. for use in post-production and include support for an alpha channel.
ProRes 4444 was introduced with Final Cut Studio (2009)[5] as another in the company's line of intermediate codecs for editing material but not for final delivery. It shares many features with other, 422, codecs of Apple's ProRes family but provides better quality than 422 HQ in colour detail.[6] It has a target data rate of approximately 330 Mbit/s for 4:4:4 sources at 1920x1080 and 29.97 fps
ProRes 4444 XQ was introduced with Final Cut Pro X version 10.1.2 in June 2014. It has a target data rate of approximately 500 Mbit/s for 4:4:4 sources at 1920x1080 and 29.97 fps, and requires OS X v10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later.
Key features[edit]
- 8K, 5K, 4K, 2K, HD (up to 1920×1080), & SD resolutions[7]
- 4:4:4 chroma subsampling
- Up to 12-bit sample depth for video
- Variable bitrate (VBR) encoding
- Alpha channel support at up to 16-bit sample depth
ProRes RAW[edit]
In April of 2018 Apple released ProRes RAW. It is built upon the same technology as other ProRes codecs, but is directly applied to the raw data coming from the sensor, thus delaying the debayering process to the post-production stage. ProRes RAW therefore aims at quality and better colour reproduction, rather than performance.[8]
Playback[edit]
On 28 August 2008, Apple introduced a free ProRes QuickTime Decoder for both Mac and Windows that allows playback of ProRes files through QuickTime.
Open source projects[edit]
On 15 September 2011, FFmpeg introduced a free decoder for ProRes 422 for libavcodec.
FFmbc, a fork of FFmpeg customized for broadcast and professional usage, supports ProRes 422 and 4444 files.[9]
On 1 October 2011,[10]JCodec introduced an open source (FreeBSD License) pure Java decoder for ProRes 422, a translate[11] of FFmpeg version.
Encoding[edit]
Installing Final Cut Pro will install the ProRes codecs for encoding files on OS X.
Apple released ProRes bundled with other pro codecs as a download for users with 'qualifying copies of Final Cut Pro, Motion, or Compressor' installed, for OS X with QuickTime 7.6 and newer.[12]
At the April 2010 NAB Show, Digital Video Systems launched the first Windows 7 platform with the ability to encode to all the varieties of Apple ProRes at speeds far faster than real time on their Clipster product.[13]
On March 31, 2011, Telestream added support for ProRes encoding on Windows systems with Episode Engine, Vantage, and FlipFactory as a free upgrade to the current versions of these products. The system must be running on Windows Server 2008 and be able to support this feature. ProRes video capturing and output to tape is available in Telestream's Pipeline network encoder.
On 29 October 2011, FFmpeg introduced a free encoder, enabling ProRes 422 encoding on all FFmpeg supported platforms.
On 1 November 2011,[10]JCodec introduced an open source (FreeBSD License) pure Java encoder for ProRes 422.[14]
At the April 2012 NAB Show, Brevity introduced a customized algorithm for the accelerated transport and encoding of ProRes files.[15]
Frame layout[edit]
A typical ProRes 422 frame has the following layout:
ProRes hardware[edit]
The Arri Alexa has a built-in ProRes recording unit for its 1080p and 2K video streams, supporting ProRes 4444 and all ProRes 422 versions.
As of June 2011, several hardware-based ProRes encoders exist, from AJA Video Systems[16] (IO HD FireWire 800 interface; Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini portable recorders, Ki Pro Rack and Ki Pro Ultra for 4K/UltraHD workflows), Atomos[17] (Ninja and Samurai recorders), Sound Devices (PIX series recorders), Convergent Designs (Odyssey7, 7Q, 7Q+), and Fast Forward Video[18] (Sidekick recorder).
At NAB 2012, Blackmagic announced ProRes recording support for their HyperDeck SSD recorders as well as onboard recording on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, and Brevity announced a GPU-based ProRes transcoder with simultaneous accelerated file transport.[19]
In 2013 Blackmagic Design release Blackmagic Cinema Camera that record in raw and Prores files directly in camera 4:2:2 10bit.
In 2013 Convergent Design introduced their Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q monitor/recorders that can record in Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) and are certified by Apple.[20]
In 2014 Atomos introduced their latest advanced recorder Shogun that can record 4K in Apple ProRes.[21]
In 2015 AJA introduced the CION production camera that can capture 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD to all Apple ProRes 422 formats as well as Apple ProRes 4444 in 12-bit.[1]
In 2016 Blackmagic Design release UrsaMini 4.6k that can capture from 4.6k to HD in all Apple ProRes flavor from Proxy to 4444 in 12-bit.
In 2018/2019 Blackmagic Design release Pocket Cinema Camera 4K that can capture 4k/UltraHD/1080p in all Apple ProRes 422 formats.
The 2019 Mac Pro has a new 'Apple Afterburner' card as an optional component to accelerate ProRes and ProRes RAW decoding.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Final Cut Pro 6 - Broad Format Support'. apple.com.
- ^Adcock, Gary (2009-03-03). 'ProRes: A Closer Look'. ProVideo Coalition. Archived from the original on 2009-03-12. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
- ^'Final Cut Pro X update introduces ProRes RAW and advanced closed captioning'. apple.com.
- ^Design, Blackmagic. 'Media - Blackmagic Design'. www.blackmagicdesign.com.
- ^'Final Cut Pro 7. Expanded ProRes Family'. apple.com.
- ^Apple ProRes White Paper July 2009
- ^https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Apple_ProRes_White_Paper_December_2013.pdf
- ^Apple ProRes RAW White Paper April 2018, https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Apple_ProRes_RAW_White_Paper.pdf
- ^'Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting'. code.google.com.
- ^ abJCode authors (2011-10-01). 'JCodec site'. Retrieved 2015-10-24.
- ^'jcodec/jcodec'. GitHub.
- ^'Pro Video Formats 2.0.4'. support.apple.com.
- ^'Broadcast and Media'. www.dvs.de.
- ^'jcodec/jcodec'. GitHub.
- ^'NAB 2012: Brevity Emerges From Stealth Mode'. Sports Video Group. 2012-04-16. Retrieved 2012-05-14.
- ^AJA Video Systems
- ^Atomos. 'Atomos'. www.atomos.com.
- ^'FFV - Fast Forward Video'. www.ffv.com.
- ^http://sportsvideo.org/main/blog/2012/04/16/nab-2012-brevity-emerges-from-stealth-mode/
- ^'Recording in Apple ProRes 422(HQ) on the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q'. convergent-design.com., Retrieved from web.archive.org. March 18th, 2015.
- ^Atomos. 'Shogun - Atomos'. www.atomos.com.
External links[edit]
- Final Cut Studio site at Apple.com
Apple ProRes is a lossy video compression format to use in post production that supports up to 4k; it is the successor of the Apple Intermediate Codec and was introduced in 2007 with Final Cut Studio 2. ProRes is a line of intermediate codecs, which means they are intended for use during video editing, and not for practical end-user viewing. The benefit of an intermediate codec is that it retains higher quality than end-user codecs while still requiring much less expensive disk systems compared to uncompressed video. It is comparable to Avid's DNxHD codec or CineForm who offer similar bitrates which are also intended to be used as intermediate codecs. ProRes 422 is highly supported by Final Cut Pro.
Final Cut Pro is a non-linear video editing software, which allows users to log and transfer video onto a hard drive, where it can be edited, processed, and output to a wide variety of formats. Since the early 2000s, Final Cut Pro has developed a large and expanding user base, mainly video hobbyists and independent filmmakers. Final Cut Pro 7 claims better integration with Apple's other professional applications and improved codec support for editing HD, DV and SD video formats, including encoding presets for devices such as iPod, Apple TV, and Blu-ray discs. On June 21, 2011, Apple released Final Cut Pro X. Described as a complete rewrite of the original application, FCP X is a 64-bit application with Grand Central Dispatch and OpenCL support, allowing it to scale and use all available cores for background rendering.
As Final Cut Pro is difficult to import or can't unwrap the AVCHD MTS/M2TS files recorded by Sony and Panasonic AVCHD camcorders, we need to convert the file to Apple ProRes and then easily import it into Final Cut Pro due to Apple ProRes 422 is highly supported by Final Cut Pro. AnyMP4 MTS to ProRes Converter for Mac is the professional Mac MTS to ProRes Converter software. You can download this versatile MTS to ProRes Converter and then install it on your Mac OS.
- Convert MXF to any popular format, such as MOV, MP4, AVI, FLV, MKV, SWF, WMV, and others on Mac
- Import converted video into Final Cut Pro, iMovie and Avid Media Composer on Mac for editing
- Convert MXF to 2D and 3D videos, especially to special formats like Apple ProRes, Apple Intermediate Codec and Avid DNxHD on Mac
- Cut video length, crop video to remove unwanted part, merge segments into one new file, and add watermarks on Mac
Free Codec Download For Mac
Step 1. Add MTS/M2TS file
Xvid Codec Download For Mac
Press 'Add Video' button to add your MTS/M2TS files to the program, this program supports batch conversion.
Step 2. Select output format
To convert MTS to ProRes, you need to press 'Profile' drop-down button to open the 'Profile' list to choose 'Final Cut Pro > Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)' as output format.
Step 3. Adjust the video effect
If you want to change the video effect to make it more perfect, you can press 'Effect' button to enter the 'Edit' window, and then start to adjust the video brightness, saturation, contrast, and hue by dragging the corresponding scroll bar.
Step 4. Define output settings
Press 'Settings' button to open the 'Profile Settings' window, and you can define the video settings and audio settings like video resolution, video bitrate, frame rate, video encoder, aspect ratio, and audio channels, sample rate, audio encoder, audio bitrate.