Lossless Codecs

Want to speed up your render times? Try pre-rendering backgrounds and other elements in a complex composition? You can of course turn to the Lossless Animation codec, but better options exist.

Theory, LLC offers two products that do the trick well.

• QuickTime NONE16 codec is freeware. The obvious benefit is cost, but you do not get the benefits of support. The file produces excellent quality when rendering out 16 bit files.

• If you want to move up a level, check out the affordable Microcosm codec. Microcosm is the world's first lossless 64bit QuickTime codec for creating 64-bit or 32-bit files at a fraction of their original size .

For more information on both Microcosm and NONE16, check out http://www.digitalanarchy.com.