Color Balance of the XL1S

Jeff Donald · June 1st, 2004, 06:17 AM

Dennis, I calibrate color monitors (CRT, LCD) for color all the time. The calibration I do are for print, but the practice and theory are the same. I use a ColorVision (division of Pantone) Spyder and their OptiCal and PreCal software. My first question would be, how old is your CRT? Is it a computer monitor or NTSC monitor?

A. J. deLange · June 23rd, 2004, 01:48 PM

To measure color balance you must have video of a truely neutral object such as a gray card or frames shot through an Expodisc. Correct balance is indicated by all the pixels (complete neutral frame) being at the center of the vectorscope display.

To judge neutrality visually the monitor must be calibrated (with a photometer) and set to use the NTSC (or PAL) profile depending on where you are working. There are various hardware/software packages which allow this to be done on computer monitors. Don't know about broadcast monitors. This latter approach doesn't work for me because I'm color blind but even for persons with "normal" color vision there are other things to consider like the fact that there is variation in color perception between individuals and that external factors like ambient light and accomodation can change what you see. Finally, these are subjective perceptions. Given that the post software packages provide the vector scopes I'd go with what they tell you and then procede to apply what your taste dictates from that point on.

A.J.

June 1st, 2004, 06:17 AM	#16
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Dennis, I calibrate color monitors (CRT, LCD) for color all the time. The calibration I do are for print, but the practice and theory are the same. I use a ColorVision (division of Pantone) Spyder and their OptiCal and PreCal software. My first question would be, how old is your CRT? Is it a computer monitor or NTSC monitor? __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

June 23rd, 2004, 01:48 PM	#17
A. J. deLange Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: McLean, VA United States Posts: 749	To measure color balance you must have video of a truely neutral object such as a gray card or frames shot through an Expodisc. Correct balance is indicated by all the pixels (complete neutral frame) being at the center of the vectorscope display. To judge neutrality visually the monitor must be calibrated (with a photometer) and set to use the NTSC (or PAL) profile depending on where you are working. There are various hardware/software packages which allow this to be done on computer monitors. Don't know about broadcast monitors. This latter approach doesn't work for me because I'm color blind but even for persons with "normal" color vision there are other things to consider like the fact that there is variation in color perception between individuals and that external factors like ambient light and accomodation can change what you see. Finally, these are subjective perceptions. Given that the post software packages provide the vector scopes I'd go with what they tell you and then procede to apply what your taste dictates from that point on. A.J.