What is an intermediary codec?
A. An intermediary codec is like a translator, or “in-between” codec, that assists the editing software. Connect HD (for Sony Vegas) Aspect HD (for Adobe Premiere) and Lumiere (for Final Cut Pro) are all intermediary codecs. You capture in either native MPEG from the High Definition Video camera, and the video is converted to the intermediary either in real time after capture, or during capture. This assists in the editing process, as native MPEG transport streams are very heavy on the processor, and may be difficult to edit. Further, you don’t want to be editing the raw MPEG transport stream because you’ll endure a potentially significant loss of quality without the intermediary. When you render to print to tape, if you wish to print to your HDV camera, the intermediary will re-convert the intermediate stream to the MPEG format once again, providing you with a great image.
