DaVinci Resolve 19.1 Update | Performance Gains from Minor Updates

On Tuesday, November 12, Blackmagic Design released an update to DaVinci Resolve with version 19.1, bringing a range of updates designed to enhance performance and usability within DaVinci Resolve. Key improvements include faster rendering speeds, expanded codec support, and enhanced audio integration. The update simplifies media management in the media pool, streamlines general editing tasks, improves playback of Fusion effects, enhances color grading with various optimizations, improves audio mixing with enhanced track management in Fairlight, and improved export processes within the deliver page.

This post highlights certain updates in DaVinci Resolve 19.1 and how these updates affect the functionality of certain tasks in DaVinci Resolve. Please note that some updates in version 19.1 are exclusive to the paid Studio version, while others are available in the standard version. For more details on which updated features are Studio-only, as well as the full list of updates offered in version 19.1, check out the official new features guide for DaVinci Resolve version 19.1.

Cache for Fusion Effects and Object Masking

Caching is the process of pre-rendering clips or sections of a project to enable smooth playback without latency. When applying effects to a clip, as well as any additional subsequent changes to a clip within the timeline, DaVinci Resolve continuously processes and renders those changes for playback. However, clips that are applied with multiple effects or recorded in a codec incapable of hardware-accelerated decoding can cause playback performance issues. To combat this performance issue, users can render the cache of that clip to minimize software decoding and processing. Within version 19.1, DaVinci Resolve provides updates to render cache for Fusion effects and render cache for object masking in color correction.

Fusion effects now benefit from improved render caching capabilities. Previously, Fusion effects and templates applied to clips and adjustment layers required Resolve to process those effects during playback. The new render cache system automatically caches Fusion effects in the background, ensuring smoother and faster playback. By default, the render cache for Fusion effects is set to ‘auto,’ automatically caching any effects applied to clips and templates for optimized playback on the edit timeline. However, users also have the option to turn off the auto-cache feature and manually select which effects they want to cache.

Object mask caching in color correction is another update in DaVinci Resolve 19.1 that enhances performance and efficiency during the color grading process. With this update, the object masks the cache and stores it in the background until the user manually chooses to reset or re-analyze the cache for the mask. Before this update, any adjustments made to a mask would require DaVinci Resolve to recalculate the mask data, which could significantly slow down playback, especially with complex or detailed masks. This recalculation process often disrupted the color grading workflow, requiring users to wait for the mask to regenerate each time they made changes.

Support for USD 24.08 and Improved MaterialX Performance

Universal Scene Description (USD) is an open-source framework that standardizes the representation of 3D assets and VFX workflows across different applications. In DaVinci Resolve version 19.1, with support for USD 24.08, users can now import, edit, and export 3D scenes across other supported USD platforms like Maya, Blender, and Houdini. In addition, the update also introduces the new uExport node, simplifying exporting USD assets directly from Fusion. This feature enables users working with 3D elements in Fusion to export scenes in USD formats (.usd, .usda, .usdc, and .usdz), making it easy to integrate these files seamlessly into other platforms that support USD.

MaterialX, also an open-source standard within the VFX ecosystem, optimizes Fusion’s handling of complex materials, shaders, and textures, resulting in more efficient rendering. With the improved MaterialX performance in version 19.1, the update should reduce the computational load on the GPU and CPU (depending on the user’s hardware and system), allowing for faster, smoother playback of complex scenes in Fusion.

Expanded Codec Options

One of the updates in DaVinci Resolve 19.1’s Deliver page is the addition of expanded codec support, allowing editors to work with a broader range of file types and export formats. These include encoding support for Sony MXF Op1A to XDCAM drives, H.265 Main10 formats on Windows, and AV1 encoding with NVIDIA GPU acceleration. The hardware acceleration of the AV1 codec on NVIDIA GPUs offers an efficient and high-quality alternative for users looking to encode their final exports, particularly for applications that prioritize streaming and bandwidth efficiency. Refer to the official guide for a complete list of supported formats and codecs in DaVinci Resolve.

Another update in DaVinci Resolve 19.1 involves expanded support for Dolby audio formats in Fairlight. The platform now supports Dolby 7.1.2 and 9.1.4, which feature advanced speaker setups suited for high-end audio projects and home theater systems requiring detailed surround sound and height channel mixing. Users can assign audio elements to designated channels within the Dolby layout, allowing for sound mixing that aligns with the specifications of both formats.

Conclusion

DaVinci Resolve version 19.1 introduces several updates that enhance performance and streamline workflows for video editors, colorists, and VFX artists. The overall impact of these changes will depend on individual user needs and how these features are applied within specific workflows. For some users, the benefits may take time to get through, as many of the updates focus on improving background processes. These updates work to reduce processing time and allow for smoother playback, which can help when working with more complex projects. On the other hand, users who work with Fusion may notice more immediate benefits. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the updates in version 19.1 will vary depending on how users choose to incorporate them into their work. While some improvements will be felt right away, others will likely have a more gradual impact.

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