How to reduce white levels on output...just a bit?

GoRovers wrote on 6/9/2014, 12:30 AM

My iTunes aggregator did a spot check on the Avid DNxHD/.mov rendering (thank you Forum experts!) of my 74-minute documentary, before they submit it for official Apple QC. (I run Sony Vegas Pro 12 on a high-memory PC.)

The only problem was noted in their comment: "...white levels are a little high...consider adding a broadcast filter upon rendering." What is the best way to do that? She said the white levels *may* pass Apple QC as they are, but, "...see what you can do."

(I was actually worried about something totally different: I always thought iTunes HD docs *had" to be 8 channel (stereo + 5.1) audio, but she told me my stereo mix was acceptable.)

Comments

Marc S wrote on 6/9/2014, 12:59 AM

You can do this two ways. Either use the "Broadcast Colors" effect on the output and choose something like "lenient" for preset. This way will clamp everything above 100IRE. It's somewhat brutal but effective.

Another way would be to add the "levels effect" to any offending clips and manipulate the "output end" slider while looking at your waveform monitor to make sure the clips white levels are not higher than 100IRE. Note: Your waveform settings should have 7.5 unchecked and studio RGB checked. Also when rendering to Avid make sure your color levels are set to 709.

Grazie wrote on 6/9/2014, 1:05 AM

I find the response ambiguous: "...white levels are a little high..."

Surely it would have been better if you were told "A" and so get it down to "B"? Also, I'd be asking just on what THEY were monitoring your output too. But, it's up to you, and give it a go with variations from "here" to "there" . . . .

Grazie

GoRovers wrote on 6/9/2014, 1:55 AM

Ambiguous indeed, Grazie.

Thank you, Marc. I'm doing an overnight render with your recommended settings (option 1, apply lenient broadcast color effect on output). Fingers crossed...