HDTV Forum

I think what Richard is referring to is accuracy - does it display the source accurately or does it add or remove things (artifacts)? Not how well the source was produced. I think this is best measured with test patterns and equipment where you have a known input.

And remember - accuracy and personal preference may be different. Some people may prefer an enhanced (not accurate) picture. True videophiles generally prefer accuracy with as few artifacts as possible.

If the reds are off a bit, I'll never know the difference. OTOH, if reds are blown out or out of gamut, then that's a problem. Otherwise, it's television, and all I care about is getting emotionally involved in whatever I'm watching.

Robert,

My first reference is film. Certainly it is not perfect but in the right theater it can certainly be reference. For that I visit my IMAX theater.

As for film being soft that is a function of the camera work, directing and producing; what kind of art or look are they shooting for? Film can be very sharp or soft and so many other things which is why many have been sticking with film or trying to manipulate HD video into what film can do.

For me color reference comes from DVE and the superbit 5th Element as they are natural presentations, not artsy. There was a recent DVD review where I mentioned natural color and try to state that when I do find it as most movies do the art thing. WSR is a great resource for that kind of info. Comedies tend to do the natural look.

I try to rent 2 D-Theater movies a month to remind myself just how good it can be visually and sonically! Until HD-DVD or Bluray becomes a reality this is THE reference for HDTV capability! As for color and video accuracy it is art... The key as always is that you are watching the same presentation as the guy/gal that mastered it which is supposed to be signed off by one of the production team inferring the DVD is delivering the intended results of the artist(s). Mastering is another art form. WSR had a great column about that recently as well. So much dwells on perception but bear in mind it is the use of well established imaging science standards for the equipment that keeps all this in check for a consistent response.

Like all standards there are pitfalls. Contrast ratio being one of the big ones. Like audio there is not a reference point for many of these specs making their results dubious. For imaging science we are concerned with two numbers only. The contrast ratio of 100IRE compared to 0IRE when the display has been calibrated for the most accurate D65 response. Most of the numbers provided do not represent this definition using highly corrupted grayscale responses with improper black level or even going as far as calibrating for the brightest response without regard to color temperature and covering the lens or turning the display off. I smell an article here...

As an A/V reproduction engineer it all starts with meeting standards first and then viewing second as I already know if it does not meet the standards I won

You're correct. I shouldn't be here to debate, but just to learn how to make the right purchasing decisions. I'm going to track down a Panasonic commercial dealer and see that display you referenced above. My old Proton 27" is dying and I need something new, fast.