Adjusting Contrast on NTSC monitor

[Walter Biscardi]

[Peter Vandall] ” I have heard that adjusting contrast is subjective. I have heard to adjust it to what you think looks best.

Is this true? “

Completely and utterly false. When you have a properly calibrated monitor, it is what it is. Broadcast settings on a monitor are NOT subjective.

[Peter Vandall] ” If it is not, what is the best way of knowing what contrast setting is correct?
I have heard that if you look at the lower left hand white box, if it blooms too much, then you have too much contrast? But how much is too much? “

You switch to Blue Only if you don’t have a probe and adjust the colors and contrast accordingly. There are many tutorials on the web and even in the Apple Color manual on how to properly set your monitor using Blue Only. mode.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
Credits include multiple Emmy, Telly, Aurora and Peabody Awards.
Biscardi Creative Media

Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital.

Read my Blog!

Twitter!

[Michael Sacci]

[Peter Vandall] “But how much is too much?”
You answered it, but instead of “when it blooms it is too much,” make that “when it blooms” then back it off until stops blooming, at that point I consider it set correctly.

[Alan Okey]

“Brightness” and “Contrast” are inaccurate labels for the controls on video monitors. It would be much more accurate to think of them as black level and peak white level, respectively.

It’s common knowledge how to calibrate a monitor using SMPTE color bars and the blue only switch, but you’re correct in that commonly found instructions on how to set the peak luminance (white) level are more subjective in their description.

The more scientific and accurate way to set peak white level (‘contrast”) is to use a probe/sensor to determine the monitor’s peak output level. The actual value required will vary according to the display technology and room lighting conditions.

Post your question in the Color forum for expert advice.

[Peter Vandall]

Thank you sir! Very informative.