Re: Optimal black point on a monitor?
Re: Optimal black point on a monitor?
- Subject: Re: Optimal black point on a monitor?
- From: Neil Barstow <email@hidden>
- Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2004 13:02:57 +0100
Dennis
email@hidden (Dennis Dunbar)::15/10/04::7:03 am:: GMT-0700
>A friend asked me this question. I did not have an answer so I thought
>I would pass it on to this list for more info.
>
>> "I am curious, the theory I have always heard, about the amount of
>> black in crt monitor calibrations is that the absolute black of the
>> live image area should match the absolute black of the black "dead"
>> frame surrounding the live image area. Yet calibrators and software
>> invariably do not achieve this, they end up considerably lighter."
It's intentional
>
>What advantage is there for the blacks displayed to be brighter than
>the blackest the display can produce?
I'd say, because if the screen is used in such a way that images are
displayed using max black, shadow detail can be difficult to see,
therefore you can get some nasty surprises on press. Hence the common
recommendation to use CRT screens at a black point of 3.0CdM2.
This then gets a little confusing/conflicting, since most LCD's lack an
adjustable black (the control named brightness on most CRT's) and they
tend to run at about 2.0CdM2.
I always found 3.0 a bit light, so I'm OK with the black on LCD's -
however there was a lot to be said for the visual difference tester in
Colorblind Prove it! (and others) - If the operator can see shadow
detail we're fine!
There is an interesting procedure described in real World Color
Management, where a black Photoshop image fills the screen and, within
that, a selection [marching ants hidden] is adjusted [using curves] to
see where the first step of shadow detail becomes visible. It's good
test and what's really noticeable is that ambient light has an immense
effect.
Working with a verified proof in a print viewing lightbox can really
aid confidence in screen calibration, mind, I said a verified proof.
Any old tear sheet aint gonna do it. Have a look at the Altona test
suite? + There is more on this subject on my site.
http://www.colourmanagement.net/profilgear.html
Best Regards
Neil Barstow
Consulting in Imaging & Colour Management
http://www.colourmanagement.net/
http://www.apple.com/uk/creative/neilbarstow/
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