What is Display Calibration?
What exactly is “display calibration?” Display calibration is the process of using a display’s controls to calibrate the on screen image so that it matches the original source content, as its creator designed it. This allows the calibrated display to accurately reproduce the video signals from any source device, be it a computer, digital signage player, cable/satellite box, or Blu-Ray player.
Why do we need to optimize our displays? Aren’t they already calibrated to look their best? In reality, they most definitely are not. Manufacturers do not ship displays calibrated from the factory. The display’s viewing environment has an impact on what is seen on screen that cannot be accounted for before the display is installed. Also, not all displays are the same; one size does not fit all! We need to calibrate for screen optimization to address a number of concerns.
CalMAN Calibrated vs. Factory Settings
A major reason that a display cannot be calibrated before it is installed is the effect of the environment on the image. Every different location where a display is to be installed has its own unique environment, consisting of the following elements:
- Wall, ceiling, and floor color
- Amount of ambient light
- Color temperature of ambient light
Since the display relies on getting light to our eyes to be seen, and each of these elements changes what, and how, we see that light, the display cannot be truly optimized until it is calibrated in the location where it will be viewed. A fully calibrated display provides several benefits compared to an uncalibrated display, straight from the box:
- Improved Experience
- Color Accuracy
- Display Matching
Calibration improves the ability to have a more enjoyable experience. Displays that provide a proper amount of brightness to deal with ambient light and glare are easy to read, and proper, “natural” colors make the displays more pleasant to watch. Displays also change color as they age, but proper periodic calibration keeps them looking as good as the day they came out of the box. Calibration will offer a clear set of benefits to the customer. Calibration should be performed periodically for best image quality to ensure the best experience, that same experience the director had when shooting the film or TV show.
Reprinted with permission: SpectraCal, Inc.
