Broadcast Colors Pro-Con

PhilinCT wrote on 1/22/2003, 8:17 PM

Just finished a few local commercials. Not sure if I should run the "Broadcast Colors" plug-in filter on the project. Don't really see much difference.

What is the feeling of VV3 users on this topic?

What about for DVD delivery? Broadcast Colors or not too Broadcast Colors?

Phil

Comments

riredale wrote on 1/22/2003, 9:30 PM

As I understand it, Broadcast Colors just narrows the range of pixel values from the DV range of 0-255 down to 16-235, which is supposedly what NTSC expects. I assume it just clamps the values of pixels outside this range to either 16 or 235, rather than adjust the entire span to fit.

When I encode to MPEG2, the codec I use (CinemaCraft) sets the default range to 16-235, so frankly I have never given it much thought. Actually, with the new scopes on VV4 one should be able to see illegal values easily. On second thought, maybe the scopes won't show any difference. Hmmm...

One thing for sure: if you ask one of the guys in the studio to inspect your commercial on their scope, they will know in an instant whether the signal is legal.

Tyler.Durden wrote on 1/22/2003, 10:15 PM

>>>"I assume it just clamps the values of pixels outside this range to either 16 or 235, rather than adjust the entire span to fit."<<<

That is correct. You can confirm this by observing the clamp effect in the histogram in V3, and the scopes in V4.

I recommend using the clamp or adjusting the levels with brightness/contrast (adjusts the entire span). Restricting the range within spec can help assure optimal playback on various systems and especially transmission.

HTH, MPH

SonyDennis wrote on 1/22/2003, 10:30 PM

"Broadcast Colors" has been updated for Vegas 4 and does more than it did in VV3. For example, it is able to clamp values that would exceed 100 IRE in composite space (not just 16-235 clamping).
///d@

PhilinCT wrote on 1/24/2003, 6:45 PM

Thanks for your help, No complaints from the broadcasters so far, but I always hate when the TV buzzes from too hot a signal. Will take a look at the histograms
Phil

Trichome wrote on 1/24/2003, 8:34 PM

I too edit commercials. I finalize them all with the NTSC clamp. We send our spots out to several cable broadcasters and I have never had any color range complaints from any of them.

Vegas is awsome! I have convinced the company that its time to dump the old Premiere / Matrox setup that they have and get V4 when released.

I absolutely love my job now that Vegas has proven itself to the boss. I can't wait for V4 final release.

Gary