Apple 6 About the Apple ProRes 422 Codec

Preface About High Definition and Broadcast Formats 9
About the Apple ProRes 422 Codec
The Apple ProRes 422 codec is a high-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 video codec designed for
demanding post-production workflows. Both SD and HD resolutions are supported
at two quality levels—standard and high. All standard frame rates are available:
23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, and 59.94 fps. The standard-quality format is called Apple ProRes 422
and the high-quality format is called Apple ProRes 422 (HQ).
The following Apple ProRes 422 codec formats are available in both high and
standard quality.
The Apple ProRes 422 codec uses variable bit rate (VBR) encoding. The actual bit rate
depends on the dimensions, frame rate, image complexity, and quality you are using.
The following table shows several sample bit rates.
Format Frame dimensions Frame rate Scanning method
1080i 1440 x 1080
1920 x 1080
25, 29.97, and 30 fps Interlaced
1080p 1440 x 1080
1920 x 1080
23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, and
30 fps
Progressive
720p 1280 x 720
960 x 720
23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30,
50, 59.94, and 60 fps
Progressive
486i (NTSC)
486p
720 x 486 29.97 fps Interlaced
Progressive
576i (PAL)
576p
720 x 576 25 fps Interlaced
Progressive
Format Frame dimensions
Average bit rate
(high quality)
Average bit rate
(standard quality)
1080i60, 1080p30
720p60
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
2201 Mbps 1472 Mbps
1080p24 1920 x 1080 176 Mbps 117 Mbps
720p50 1280 x 720 184 Mbps 122 Mbps
720p30 1280 x 720 110 Mbps 73 Mbps
720p24 1280 x 720 88 Mbps 58 Mbps
486i60
486p30
720 x 486 63 Mbps 42 Mbps
576i50
576p25
720 x 576 61 Mbps 41 Mbps
1247.5 Mbps is the maximum data rate allowed.
2165 Mbps is the maximum data rate allowed.