gamma settings for monitors
by Anthony Willis
on
Jan 28, 2009 at 11:08:13 am
Does anyone know if there is any way to grade without an external video monitor, using only the computer monitor?
I have done several freelance grades in 'proper' calibrated suites with a broadcast video monitor, so naturally I know that the conventional thinking is that this is the only way. I would most likely end up checking my grades on a hired suite, but ideally I would like to perform a great deal of my Color work from my home suite.
From my experience so far, everything looks very different on a broadcast CRT or LCD, especially the gamma and the shadows; is there a way to calibrate a computer VDU to get a close approximation?
Do I just have to give in and buy a $2000 - $3000 grade 1 monitor?
Re: gamma settings for monitors by Guillem Ventura on Jan 28, 2009 at 1:22:51 pm
This is not just a matter of calibration (already tricky enough even on high-end products) but what your home monitor is capable to display. And that's what you realize when you have a Video professional monitor next to a computer one: There are things you won't be able to have, when you push blacks you loose detail, when you correct a color cast another turns up...
I've worked a bit two years ago with a Cinema Display and it was acceptable but you need to work with a YUV signal in order to really see what you'll output to tape, then you need an HDLink Pro... Monitor + HDLink would be ard. 1500€, still not the cheapest option but already a decent one I guess.
Re: gamma settings for monitors by Anthony Willis on Jan 28, 2009 at 1:47:03 pm
Thanks Guillem,
I had considered this option, but I didn't know about the variables involved in a YUV converter. One of my aims was to try and save space, as I have a fairly small home suite.
Since a SDI or YUV to DVI converter is so expensive when purchased alongside a good computer VDU, you have spent nearly as much as if you had bought a reasonable broadcast monitor!
I was hoping I could find an affordable and compact solution, but it is looking like there is no substitute for a proper monitor.
Re: gamma settings for monitors by Greg Hamlin on Jan 29, 2009 at 9:26:22 pm
I have been researching this monitoring issue. I've been a colorist at post houses in Hollywood and London for years using top of the line crt monitors. These are no longer being manufactured and everyone is trying to figure out what to use. The solution is being made more ambiguous as the consumer buys LCDs and Plasmas and watches TV on their computer, iPod, or phone.
So far I have held off on buying an expensive crt to use in my Final Cut Suite 2 bay at home. I have been using the Spyder3 Elite to tweak my Apple Cinema Display to approximate Rec709 for HD broadcast jobs. It sets the brightness to 30-32 footlamberts and gamma to 2.2, etc. When I look at the final result on a CRT or Plasma, I am quite happy with it.
An even better solution may be the Matrox MXO box. It allows you to adjust hue using a blue screen mode on color bars. Reports I've read online from some users who compared it side by side with a crt are assuring.
I'm still checking out these options. Of course there is also the choice of renting a monitor, but it is hard to get a client to put that in the budget.
Greg Hamlin
Final Cut Color Solutions, LLC
626 254-8522
MacPro 3GHz Dual Quad Core 8 GB Ram NVIDIA Quadro FX5600 Mac OS X Ver 10.55
Re: gamma settings for monitors by Anthony Willis on Jan 30, 2009 at 10:03:55 am
Thanks very much Greg, this was just the sort of advice I was hoping for. I think I will acquire a calibration tool like your Spyder3 Elite for the time being. I find it reassuring you have found parity in the video levels this way.
One wonders whether the days of separate calibrated broadcast monitors, being an essential part of all edit, compositing and grading systems are ending. As you say, the delivery is not so neatly defined as it once was. However, clearly calibrating our desktop computer displays is more crucial than ever.
Re: gamma settings for monitors by Jay Lee on Feb 1, 2009 at 12:01:01 am
I tried the Matrox MXO guys and it was incredibly buggy & temperamental. Good concept but truly floored execution. Returned it the same day it arrived. Also don't underestimate the fact that it hi-jacks one of your Apple LCD's. Apple color on a single monitor not fun.
Quite content now with a BM card and JVC broadcast LCD. Not exactly a critical viewing million dollar set up but more than adequate.
