EVS XS - 4.3. Video Codecs and Bitrates

4.4. AVID DNxHD ® and APPLE ProRes 422
4.4.1. Introduction
XS servers feature a native implementation of the Avid DNxHD® and Apple ProRes 422
high definition video codecs. This enables native audio and video file transfers in either
direction between the XS servers, and Avid and Apple post-production tools in High
Definition. This document explains the impact of using Avid DNxHD® and Apple ProRes
codecs on XS servers, on the XNet2 SDTI network and on the XF2 in terms of storage
capacity, number of usable video channels and network transfers.
For details on how to setup a direct connection between an HD XS server and an Avid or
Apple server, please refer to the specific documents (EVS_AvidTM_integration_v3.01 or
EVS_Apple_integration_v.3.01).
4.4.2. Video Bitrate Compatibility
Avid DNxHD® is standardized at specific bitrates according to 2 profiles:
• Standard profile: 120Mbps in “PAL” (50Hz) and 145Mbps in “NTSC” (59.94Hz)
• High Level profile: 185Mbps in “PAL” (50Hz) and 220Mbps in “NTSC” (59.94Hz)
Although Avid DNxHD® is standardized at the specific bitrates mentioned here above,
Avid products can seamlessly read DNxHD® files and streams at other bitrates.
DNxHD® pictures at other bitrates than those defined by the 2 official Avid profiles can
also be referred to as “VC-3” as defined in SMPTE 1019.
To allow users to determine the best balance between picture quality, storage capacity,
number of video channels per server, and network speed, XS servers can generate Avid
DNxHD® files and streams at any given bitrate between 20 Mbps and 220 Mbps. These
files and streams should remain compatible with Avid production tools.
Apple ProRes 422 is also standardized at specific bitrates according to 3 profiles:
1. Apple ProRes 422 (also sometimes referred to as Apple ProRes 422 SQ): 120 Mbps in
“PAL” (50Hz) and 145Mbps in “NTSC” (59.94Hz)
2. Apple ProRes 422 HQ: 185Mbps in “PAL” (50Hz) and 220Mbps in “NTSC”
(59.94Hz)
3. Apple ProRes 422 LT: 85Mbps in “PAL” (50Hz) and 102Mbps in “NTSC” (59.94Hz)
Apple ProRes 422 on XS servers is only available at these bitrates.
22 4. Software Specifications
EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A. -November 2011 Issue 11.00.A