DNxHD / DNxHR
DNxHD and DNxHR are Avid's professional video codecs designed for editing and post-production rather than delivery to viewers. DNxHD covers HD resolutions, while DNxHR extends the same approach to 2K, 4K and higher. Both compress lightly to keep quality high and make editing smooth. Files are usually stored in MXF or MOV containers and are very large.
Why it matters
DNxHD and DNxHR are common in broadcast and post-production, so platforms that take studio deliveries will receive them. Their files are large and need conversion before streaming, which affects upload reliability, storage and processing time.
How it works
- Editors record or export video in a chosen DNxHD or DNxHR quality level.
- Each frame is compressed lightly and on its own, which keeps editing responsive.
- The video is stored in an MXF or MOV container alongside the audio.
- For viewers, the finished master is converted to a streaming codec such as H.264.
What is the difference between DNxHD and DNxHR?
DNxHD is Avid's codec for HD video up to 1080p, while DNxHR extends it to 2K, 4K and higher resolutions. Avid announced DNxHR in 2014 to handle footage beyond 1080p. Both are editing codecs that trade large files for quality and smooth editing.
DNxHR vs ProRes: which should I use?
Use whichever your editing workflow supports best, since both are high-quality editing codecs with similar goals. ProRes is common on Apple systems and cameras, while DNxHR is common in Avid workflows and on Windows. Either can serve as a master file that is later converted for streaming.
Where it's used
Broadcasters and OTT services receive DNxHD or DNxHR masters from Avid editing teams. Video platforms that accept studio files must upload, store and convert them.
By the numbers
- Avid reported on February 13, 2008, that DNxHD was approved as compliant with the SMPTE VC-3 standard. (Wikipedia: DNxHD codec)
- Avid announced the DNxHR codec on September 14, 2014, to support resolutions greater than 1080p. (Wikipedia: DNxHD codec)
