Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) is a video codec developed by Apple Inc. primarily used for HD workflows. It is an 8-bit 4:2:0 video codec, ideal for working with long-GOP MPEG-2 material such as HDV, as it is less processor-intensive. It is recommended for use with all HD workflows in Final Cut Express, iMovie, and up to Final Cut Pro version 5.
AIC provides high performance and quality, and its decoding process is faster than other editing formats. The codec does not use temporal compression, so each frame can be decoded immediately without needing to decode other frames. However, as a result, AIC requires three to four times more storage space than HDV.
The codec is only available on the Mac OS X platform and is not currently readable on other platforms such as Windows or Linux. However, all Mac OS X software that uses the QuickTime codec libraries can use AIC. This includes Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, iMovie, and freeware like MPEG Streamclip.
Although AIC was commonly used in the iLife package, especially in iMovie, it is now rarely used in Final Cut Pro version 6. The ProRes codecs are now preferred over the Apple Intermediate codec. However, some versions of Final Cut Pro (HD 4.5 to 5) and Final Cut Express still make use of AIC regularly.
FAQs
What is Apple Intermediate Codec used for?
Apple Intermediate Codec is primarily used for HD workflows and is an 8-bit 4:2:0 video codec ideal for working with long-GOP MPEG-2 material such as HDV.
What are the advantages of using Apple Intermediate Codec?
Apple Intermediate Codec provides high performance and quality. Its decoding process is faster than other editing formats as it does not use temporal compression. However, it requires three to four times more storage space than HDV.
Is Apple Intermediate Codec available on all platforms?
No, Apple Intermediate Codec is only available on the Mac OS X platform and cannot be read on other platforms such as Windows or Linux.
Final Thoughts
Apple Intermediate Codec is a high-quality video codec recommended for use in HD workflows on the Mac OS X platform. Although it is not widely used in Final Cut Pro anymore, it is still compatible with several other video editing software like iMovie and Final Cut Express. If you are working with long-GOP MPEG-2 material such as HDV, consider using Apple Intermediate Codec as a less processor-intensive option.
