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Proxy Media vs. Optimized Media
On the surface, Proxy Media and Optimized Media appear similar in function. Both options are designed to create lower bandwidth, easier to edit versions of source media. However, Optimized Media is managed internally by DaVinci Resolve, cannot be exported, and is not user accessible. In contrast, Proxy Media creates fully portable and independent media that can be easily managed by the user.
Using Optimized Media,
Proxy Media, and Caching Together
How you use DaVinci Resolve’s various performance-enhancing features together is entirely up to you, but you should know that they’re not an either/or proposition. For example, you can create optimized media from the camera raw original clips in your project, then enable Timeline Proxy Mode playback to enhance the performance of your 4K timeline, and turn on Smart Cache to speed up your work in the Color page as you add Fusion effects, noise reduction, and Resolve FX or OFX to every clip. All of these optimization methods work happily and seamlessly together to improve your performance while keeping the image quality of your project as high as the Optimized, Proxy, and Cache formats you’ve selected in the Master Settings panel of the Project Settings.
Which Playback Optimization Method Should I Use?
DaVinci Resolve’s various playback optimization features are designed to specifically increase performance to make up for hardware, storage, and bandwidth deficiencies, but knowing when to use each method is essential to proper functionality. Included below is a quick reference.
— Timeline Proxy Mode: My timeline is playing back, just a little bit too slowly.
— Cache Clip: I need help playing back a few clips in real time that have heavy effects applied.
— Optimized Media: I need help playing back all my source media in real time, and I will only be editing on this computer.
— Proxy Media: I need help playing back all my source media in real time, and I need to collaborate and share this media with other users, programs, or outside storage locations.