Avid DNx in 2025: New Naming Scheme, Greater Flexibility, and What It Means for Your Workflow
Avid has introduced a significant update to the DNx codec family, streamlining naming conventions while expanding flexibility across quality levels, bit depths, and data rates. Based on the 2025 revision of the SMPTE ST 2019-1 standard, this update goes far beyond a simple rename — it modernises how DNx is defined, deployed, and scaled across today’s production environments.
At Altered Images, we’re often asked how codec changes impact storage performance, bandwidth planning, and real-world editorial workflows. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, and why it matters.
Goodbye DNxHD, DNxHR, DNxGX — Hello “Avid DNx”
Historically, Avid DNx codecs were split into profile-specific families such as DNxHD, DNxHR, and DNxGX. With the latest SMPTE update, most of what was previously DNxGX has now been folded into the core VC-3 definition.
As a result, Avid has simplified the naming scheme. Going forward, the codec is referenced simply as Avid DNx, organised around five familiar quality levels:
DNx 444
DNx HQX
DNx HQ
DNx SQ
DNx LB
This removes profile-based complexity while delivering feature parity across all levels.
One Codec, Broad Capability
Under the new structure, Avid DNx supports an impressive range of formats and workflows:
Bit depths from 8-bit to 16-bit
RGB, 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 colour sampling
Optional alpha channel support across all levels
Any colour primaries and transfer characteristics
Resolutions up to 16384 × 16384 (progressive)
Crucially, these capabilities are no longer tied to separate codec families. Instead, they’re unified under a single DNx umbrella.
Customisable Bitrates: Flexibility Where It Counts
One of the most important practical changes is the introduction of customisable bitrates within each DNx quality level.
This allows users to scale bitrate between:
DNx LB for cost-effective storage and bandwidth efficiency
Up to DNx 444 for the highest-quality finishing workflows
For post houses, broadcasters, and facilities working across multiple deliverables, this means:
Better control over storage consumption
More predictable NEXIS performance planning
The ability to tailor quality per project without changing codecs
DNx Quality Levels at a Glance
Quality Levels Explained
444 – Highest quality, RGB and 4:4:4 only
HQX – High Quality Extended (Y’CbCr)
HQ – High Quality
SQ – Standard Quality
LB – Low Bitrate
All levels support input and output bit depths from 8 to 16 bits, with alpha available throughout.
Understanding DNx Data Rates
Data rates vary by:
Resolution
Frame rate
Quality level
Selected (customisable) bitrate
Below are reference data rates at the highest (default) bitrate per level, shown in MB/s, commonly used for storage and network planning.
Full HD (1920 × 1080)
DNx 444: ~42–104 MB/s
DNx HQ / HQX: ~21–52 MB/s
DNx SQ: ~14–34 MB/s
DNx LB: ~4–11 MB/s
2K (2048 × 1080)
DNx 444: ~43–111 MB/s
DNx HQ / HQX: ~22–55 MB/s
DNx SQ: ~15–37 MB/s
DNx LB: ~5–11 MB/s
UHD / 4K (3840 × 2160 & 4096 × 2160)
DNx 444: ~167–444 MB/s
DNx HQ / HQX: ~83–222 MB/s
DNx SQ: ~55–147 MB/s
DNx LB: ~17–46 MB/s
These figures assume frame rates between 23.98 and 59.94 fps. Lower data rates can be achieved using DNx’s customisable bitrate options.
What This Means for Storage and NEXIS
From a storage and infrastructure perspective, the simplified DNx model makes it easier to:
Predict bandwidth requirements
Match codec choice to available NEXIS connectivity
Scale performance without switching formats
As a general guide:
Higher DNx levels and 4K workflows may require 10 GbE connectivity
Lower bitrate DNx workflows can operate efficiently on dual 1 GbE connections
This flexibility is particularly valuable for hybrid facilities running editorial, finishing, and remote workflows side by side.
Final Thoughts
Avid’s 2025 DNx update is less about introducing something entirely new, and more about making DNx clearer, more flexible, and more future-proof.
By unifying codec capabilities, simplifying naming, and enabling customisable bitrates across all quality levels, Avid DNx is now easier to deploy and scale — whether you’re cutting HD offline, mastering in 4K HDR, or optimising storage for long-form productions.
If you’d like help sizing storage, validating NEXIS performance, or choosing the right DNx settings for your workflow, Altered Images can help.
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