DNX

DNx is a family of video codecs developed by Avid Technology for professional post-production workflows. It is commonly used to describe the DNxHD and DNxHR codecs, which provide edit-friendly compression at multiple bitrates and resolutions to support both HD and higher-end formats. The DNx family is designed to deliver consistent image quality, predictable file sizes, and reliable performance in non-linear editing environments.

DNxHD, introduced by Avid around 2009, is an intra-frame codec optimized for HD sources. It is typically wrapped in MXF or QuickTime containers and offers a range of constant-bitrate profiles that balance quality and storage for editing, color grading, and effects work. The intra-frame structure minimizes inter-frame dependencies, facilitating smooth scrubbing, fast decoding, and efficient use in professional editing systems.

DNxHR extends the DNx line to cover higher resolutions, including 4K and beyond, with additional profiles to balance quality and bitrate for various workflows. DNxHR is designed to accommodate modern post-production needs, offering options suitable for high-resolution workflows, high dynamic range, and diverse delivery formats. Like DNxHD, DNxHR files are commonly found in MXF or MOV wrappers, depending on the editing software and pipeline.

Usage and compatibility: DNx codecs are widely supported across major editing platforms, including Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Premiere Pro. They are favored in broadcast and production environments for their edit-friendly performance, robust interoperability, and clear quality metrics. DNx remains closely associated with professional workflows and cross-platform interchange, often chosen to maintain compatibility within Avid-centric pipelines.

See also: ProRes, codecs, MXF, video editing workflows.