Cinematographer
ProRes 4444 XQ ist das Beste, was ProRes bietet. Für HDR-Deliverables und wenn jedes Detail zählt, ist dies die Wahl für maximale Qualität in einem editierbaren Format.
Highest quality Apple ProRes variant (4444 XQ) designed for mastering and archival applications – provides up to 500 Mbps at 1080p with 12-bit color depth, 4:4:4 chroma sampling, and support for alpha channels, preserving maximum image data for demanding finishing workflows.
What is ProRes Master?
ProRes Master (ProRes 4444 XQ) is the highest quality level in the Apple ProRes family. With 12-bit color depth, 4:4:4 chroma sampling, and up to 500 Mbps at 1080p, it is designed for professional mastering and archiving.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Designation | ProRes 4444 XQ |
| Purpose | Mastering, Archival |
| Chroma | 4:4:4 |
| Bit Depth | Up to 12-bit |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bitrate 1080p/24 | ~500 Mbps |
| Bitrate 4K/24 | ~2 Gbps |
| Compression | Approx. 2.4:1 |
| Alpha Channel | Supported |
ProRes 4444 vs. 4444 XQ
| Aspect | 4444 | 4444 XQ |
|---|---|---|
| Bitrate 1080p | ~330 Mbps | ~500 Mbps |
| Headroom | 12x | 16x |
| Usage | VFX, Grading | Mastering |
| Alpha | Yes | Yes |
Quality Hierarchy
| Variant | Bitrate (1080p) | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 4444 XQ | ~500 Mbps | Master |
| 4444 | ~330 Mbps | VFX/Grade |
| 422 HQ | ~220 Mbps | Finishing |
| 422 | ~147 Mbps | General |
Mastering Applications
| Application | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Final Master | Highest Quality |
| HDR Master | Wide Color Gamut |
| Archive | Long-term Preservation |
| Remastering Source | Maximum Info |
4:4:4 Chroma Advantage
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Resolution | Full Resolution |
| Keying | Optimal Quality |
| Gradients | No Banding |
| Skin Tones | Precise |
12-bit Advantage
| Aspect | 10-bit | 12-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Gradations | 1024 | 4096 |
| Banding | Possible | Minimal |
| HDR | Standard | Optimal |
| Grading Headroom | Good | Excellent |
Alpha Channel
| Usage | Description |
|---|---|
| VFX Deliverables | Transparency |
| Motion Graphics | Compositing |
| Lower Thirds | Overlay Elements |
| Keyed Footage | Pre-Keyed |
Storage Requirements
| Resolution | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| 1080p/24 | ~225 GB |
| 4K/24 | ~900 GB |
| 1080p/60 | ~560 GB |
| 4K/60 | ~2.25 TB |
Workflow Position
| Phase | ProRes Master |
|---|---|
| Final Grade | Output Format |
| DI Master | Archive |
| VFX Delivery | With Alpha |
| Broadcast Master | When Required |
HDR Mastering
| Aspect | Support |
|---|---|
| Wide Color Gamut | Yes |
| PQ/HLG | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Intermediate |
| HDR10+ | Yes |
Comparison to DPX
| Aspect | ProRes 4444 XQ | DPX |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Light | None |
| File Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Edit-Ready | Very Good | Sequence |
| Quality | Almost Equal | Maximum |
Broadcast Specifications
| Broadcaster/Platform | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Netflix | 4444 for VFX |
| Apple TV+ | 4444 Accepted |
| Broadcast | Varies |
| Theatrical | As Alternative |
Export Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Grade | Finalize |
| Export | ProRes 4444 XQ |
| QC | Quality Control |
| Archive | LTO/Cloud |
Software Support
| Software | ProRes 4444 XQ |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Full |
| Final Cut Pro | Native |
| Premiere Pro | Yes |
| After Effects | Yes (with Alpha) |
Cost Considerations
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage | 5x more than 422 |
| Transfer | Longer |
| Archive | Higher Costs |
| ROI | Long-term Value |
Limitations
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| File Size | Very Large |
| Not for Editing | Overkill |
| Transfer | Time-Consuming |
| Cost | Highest in Family |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| For Master Only | Storage Efficiency |
| With Checksums | Data Integrity |
| Store Redundantly | Archive Security |
| Documentation | Metadata |
Today
ProRes 4444 XQ (ProRes Master) is the highest quality level for editable master files. For HDR mastering, archiving, and deliverables where maximum quality is required, this codec offers the best balance between practical handling and the highest image quality within the ProRes ecosystem.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
ProRes Master-Qualität bedeutet, dass mein Film mit voller Farbpräzision archiviert wird. Für das finale Master und zukünftige Restaurierungen ist diese Qualität essentiell.
Producer
ProRes 4444 XQ für Master-Files ist eine Investition in die Zukunft des Films. Die Kosten für Storage werden durch langfristige Archivierbarkeit und Qualitätserhalt gerechtfertigt.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „ProRes Master / ProRes 4444 XQ / ProRes Mastering-Qualität"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?