---
title: "Codec"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/codec
language: en
description: "A codec (compressor-decompressor) is a hardware device or software algorithm that encodes and decodes a digital audio or video stream. Modern post-produ..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

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# Codec

A codec (compressor-decompressor) is a hardware device or software algorithm that encodes and decodes a digital audio or video stream. Modern post-production workflows depend on codec choices at every stage: capture, dailies, editorial proxies, finishing, and final delivery. Codecs fall into two families: intra-frame (each frame compressed independently, like ProRes, DNxHR, Cineform) which favor editing performance and quality preservation, and inter-frame (compression across frames using motion prediction, like H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1) which achieve much smaller files at the cost of CPU-heavy decode and editing latency. The choice of codec dictates color depth (8, 10, 12 bits), chroma subsampling (4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4), bitrate, and whether the file is mezzanine-grade (suited for grading and VFX) or distribution-grade (compressed for streaming or broadcast). A typical feature film pipeline uses log-encoded RAW or ProRes 4444 XQ at acquisition, ProRes 422 LT proxies for offline editorial, and H.265 with PQ transfer for HDR streaming delivery. Selecting the wrong codec at any stage causes irreversible quality loss (8-bit chroma rounding), unmanageable file sizes, or playback failures on delivery platforms. SMPTE, ITU-T and ISO/IEC standardize the most widely used codecs (H.264 is ITU-T H.264 / ISO/IEC 14496-10 AVC). Understanding codec characteristics is foundational to every post-production decision.

Formats, WorkflowAssistant Editor, DIT, Mastering EngineerTranscoding, Delivery, Dailies

## Related terms

[Container Format](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/container-format)[Bitrate](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/bitrate)[Transcode](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/transcode)[H.264 (AVC)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/h-264-avc)

A container wraps multiple essence streams; codecs encode each stream. The same codec can live in different containers and vice versa.

## Articles covering this term

* [Codecs and containers: understanding video files

  Understand the core differences between codecs and containers, inter-frame vs intra-frame compression, and technical requirements for various post workflows.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/codecs-and-containers)
* [Delivery formats and specifications

  Master delivery specifications for cinema DCP, broadcast TV, streaming platforms, and web. HDR, SDR, and IMF workflows explained.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/delivery-formats)
* [Video compression: principles and methods

  Complete guide to video compression in post-production. Understand spatial/temporal redundancy, GOP structures, bitrates, and multi-generational artifacts.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/video-compression)
* [Capture and acquisition formats

  Complete guide to acquisition formats. Learn about RAW data, Log gamma, ProRes, resolution, bit depth, and chroma subsampling.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/capture-formats)
* [Broadcast delivery and broadcaster standards

  Master broadcast delivery requirements. Understand PAD specs, AS-11 DPP, XDCAM HD, R128 loudness, closed captions, and AQC validation workflows.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/broadcast-delivery)
* [What is post-production?

  Comprehensive guide to post-production in cinema and audiovisual works. Learn about workflows, formats, roles, and technical standards.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/what-is-post-production)