DSC Laboratories - Calibrated HD Simulation

ITU-R BT.709 (SMPTE 274M) Colors at 0.45 Gamma

For CamAlign Pattern - SRW - CDM28R #SRW0632310
Recommended upgrade date, April 2008

Light Caucasian, Medium Caucasian, Medium Black, Medium Asian

RGB signal levels of DSC Primary CamAlign Colors to 709 colorimetry

Camera Setup, Alignment and

Data Yellow Cyan Green Magenta Red Blue
Red(mv) 557.16 275.41 278.81 562.85 562.98 280.16
Green(mv) 558.48 553.98 557.20 281.98 281.87 277.05
Blue(mv) 279.40 552.35 277.18 553.91 279.45 565.14
Luma(mv) 538.05 494.64 477.80 361.32 341.46 298.51

Matching Measurements
Chrm(mv) 279.83 285.28 332.59 329.53 289.16 288.32
Vector Angle 175.02 282.59 229.45 50.96 103..36 355.36

*For a calibrated simulation of this pattern for use on HD or SD vectorscopes, please contact:
Tel (905) 673-3211; www.dsclabs.com; e-mail [email protected]

Application Note
Application Note

Introduction controlled environment where a qualified operator can ensure

each channel is properly calibrated. The resulting adjustments
Image quality all starts with the correct alignment of the can then be saved as scene files so that they can be quickly
camera which is used to capture the scene either on location recalled on location when changing lenses or filters.
or in the studio. The conversion of light into electrical signals
involves many processes which can affect the quality of the White shading is the process of electronically compensating
image. Understanding these various adjustments that are for errors in brightness or color, primarily generated by
necessary, using a suitable camera chart and waveform the optical system of the camera. A frequent problem that
monitor, are critical to ensure a high quality image and prevent is encountered is that the center of the image appears
mistakes from occurring – mistakes that are costly to fix in the brighter than the edges. This type of aberration is caused by
post production process. differences within the camera’s optical system components
such as the prism or optical block and is most commonly
White shading found within older lenses. Differences may also occur
when changing from one filter to another. Note that there
In setting up a camera, white shading is an important is a difference between shifts in color and neutral shifts in
function that is often overlooked or even worse, performed evenness of the image. For instance, adding a Wratten
by an unqualified person using inadequate equipment. The neutral density filter will invariably lower the brightness and
basic tools required are a high quality High Definition (HD) give the image a warmer look. Changing lenses can also
waveform monitor such as the Tektronix WFM8300/8200, change coloration, but this effect is typically minimal. Larger
WFM7120/7020 or the portable WFM5200/5000 and a very differences in edge to edge brightness are often more
even light source such as the diffuser panel of the DSC Ambi common, with a hot spot in the center of the image.
Illuminator. In this application note, we will primarily use the
To make white shading adjustments of the camera, a very
Tektronix WFM5200 Waveform Monitor to illustrate the various
even light source (such as the Ambi Illuminator from DSC
measurements required. For optimum signal accuracy it is
Labs) will provide a precise illuminated field with evenness
preferred to use an HD-SDI output from the camera, but the
that can be controlled to close tolerances. Although a number
process can be similarly performed in standard definition (SD).
of light sources could be used on the Ambi Illuminator, it is
Every camera operator should be familiar with white shading purposely illuminated by the industry standard 3200K tungsten
techniques. Overall brightness must be even across the source. Tungsten illumination has a spectral curvature that
whole image. In the case of studio cameras with fixed lenses is flatter than an HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide) or
and shooting in the same controlled environment, white fluorescent. Gas discharge light sources may not evenly
shading will invariably need to be checked less frequently light the Ambi Diffuser and are not recommended for white
than a digital filmmaker on location who is changing lenses shading.
frequently. These measurements should be done in a

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 1a. Ambi Illuminator with no pattern. Figure 1b. Ambi Illuminator with grid over transparency.

White shading measurement and zoom in to overshoot a bit in order to use the center of
the panel. Ensure the camera lens is set to Manual Iris mode
Power up the camera, waveform monitor and DSC Ambi and the Zebra setting is adjusted to 95% so that the zebras
Illuminator and then connect the HD-SDI output of the camera cover the entire image. Note that if a spot meter has not been
to the WFM5200 Waveform Monitor. Allow a few minutes used to ensure evenness and the zebras do not cover the
for the light source and the system to stabilize to normal entire image, then the light may not be even and the above
operating temperature before starting your measurements. steps should be repeated until the zebras cover the entire
The Ambi Diffuser has a vertically adjustable light source, image. The lens aperture of the camera should be adjusted to
Figure 1a. However, to achieve greater precision, measure the between f4 and f5.6. To do this, adjust the physical distance
light output from the device with a luminance spot meter and of the camera to/from the AmbiLight to achieve the f-stop
adjust the AmbiMirror and light source. The optional AmbiGrid range. In doing this process it may be necessary to adjust the
(Figure 1b shows equal rectangles on a transparency, sitting AmbiLight source to produce an evenness of the light and the
in front of the diffuser) facilitates separation of the diffuser above steps may need to be repeated.
area into equal quadrants. Aim the luminance spot meter at Once the set-up is complete, perform a White Balance of
the center of each rectangle and record the luminance and the camera and use the light meter and waveform monitor to
color temperature values in each quadrant. Adjust the barn check that the white balance has been properly performed.
doors and vertical distance from the DSC AmbiLight to the The color temperature readout after white balancing should
AmbiMirror as required until the light output in each quadrant read 3200K and it maybe necessary to adjust the camera’s
is as even as possible. Measurement deviations of +/- 0.5% Red and Blue gain settings to achieve this.
are typical; however deviations of 1% or more are not
uncommon. Slightly defocus the lens to further soften any diffusion error.
In the shading menu of the camera, adjust the vertical and
The gain on the camera should be set to 0 dB. Also, ensure horizontal saw to 50. The vertical and horizontal pars should
that the knee and other camera gamma controls are set to be set to a 0 as a baseline. If these numbers are off, the
off. Position the camera in front of the Ambi Diffuser panel gamma controls may be on and must be disabled.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 3
Application Note

Figure 2. RGB Parade on WFM5200 before white shading adjustment. Figure 3. Vector 20X Gain of correctly adjusted white shaded camera.

Select the WFM waveform monitor mode on the WFM8300, with the waveform monitor viewing just the Red channel
WFM7120, WFM5200 or WFM5000. Push and hold the on the display while the other two channels are turned off.
WFM button to display the menu and configure the display Then turn on only the Blue channel on the waveform display
for RGB parade mode, ensure that all channels are selected and turn off the Green and Red channels. The Saw and Par
on as shown in Figure 2. Please see Appendix: Interpreting adjustment should then be made on the Blue channel, so
a waveform monitor display for more information on how to that the waveform trace is as flat as possible. Once these
understand this display. adjustments are complete select the Vector display on the
waveform monitor and adjust the gain of the display to
On the camera, adjust the white shading settings in the
maximum. Push and hold the Gain button on the waveform
following order; Green, Red and Blue. Depending upon the
monitor to access the menu. Select the 5X gain setting and
controls of the camera, you may be able to make individual
enable variable gain. Then rotate the general knob in the
adjustments on the Green, Red and Blue channels. Initially,
vectorscope display until the lower left of the display indicates
view just the Green channel on the waveform monitor by
a maximum gain of 20X. The small circular trace should be
turning off the other two channels and adjust the H and V Saw
observed directly in the center of the display as shown in
so that the trace is a flat as possible. Then make adjustments
Figure 3. Please see Appendix: Understanding the vector
of the H and V Par so that the Green trace is as flat as
display that discusses how the vector display is formed.
possible. Repeat the adjustment process for the Red channel

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 4. Vector display with incorrectly adjusted output from the camera. Figure 5. Completed white balance adjustment of camera shown on WFM5000.

On some cameras, it is not possible to adjust the RGB have a tint of a color; the type of hue would depend on the
shading parameters individually, and an absolute master angle of the deviation. By adjusting the camera controls this
control is used instead. In this case use just the vectorscope error should be corrected. Once these adjustments have been
display in maximum gains and make adjustment of the master completed, store this setup as a new lens file preset. Now the
control so that a circular trace is displayed. An ovular shape as camera should be properly white shaded using this specific
shown in Figure 4, would suggest that the shading is incorrect lens. The above procedure can be repeated with different
and adjustment of the master control should be made to lenses and filter configurations and these configurations
make it as circular as possible, as shown in Figure 3. Note can be saved for later use. Figure 5 shows the final paraded
that a deviation from the center of the vector display indicates waveform display of the RGB signals after camera shading
a color cast to the image. In this case the white image would has been completed.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 5
Application Note

Figure 6. Diamond display with correctly white balanced camera. Figure 7. Diamond display with Red gain in balance.

The Diamond display can be used to aid in the adjustment Red channels. The camera should be adjusted such that
of white balance and camera shading. The Diamond display the levels on Red, Green and Blue are equal and produce a
processes the signal in the RGB color space just like the input more vertical trace as in Figure 6. Once the camera operator
processing of the camera. When the value of R’, G’ and B’ becomes familiar with this display, they will find it easier to see
(R’=B’=G’) are equal, a gray value for the signal is produced. the interaction of all the channels within the one display.
A resulting gray scale camera chart or evenly illuminated
There are many ways in which a camera can be erroneously
white field will therefore produce a vertical line in both the
white shaded, just as there are as many ways to incorrectly
upper and lower diamonds if the camera is correctly aligned
white balance a camera. White balancing to a piece of paper
as shown in Figure 6. Please see Appendix: Understanding
that has Blue spectral tones or uneven lighting is a problem
the Tektronix diamond display for more information on the
often overlooked by operators. The same can be said for white
display. Any deviation can easily be seen with the Diamond
shading. The characteristics of the saws and pars in each
display. In Figure 7 there is a slight deviation in the upper
RGB channel require a perfectly illuminated or lit surface, as
Diamond representing the Green and Blue channels and a
any fluctuations in evenness may cause geometric distortions.
significant deviation in the lower diamond for the Green and

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 8a. CamAlign (Rear-lit). Figure 8b. Combi ChromaDuMonde (Front-lit).

voltage levels. The camera then converts the signal to the

HD-SDI output. This signal can then be measured using the
Tektronix WFM8300, WFM7120, WFM5200/5000 to quantify
the characteristics of the signal.
An accurate test chart does not negate, but complements,
an electronic test pattern generator by including the camera’s
“Taking Characteristics”. “Taking Characteristics” is a term
frequently used to describe the many elements of the
conversion of light by the camera to an electrical signal. These
include the lens and adapters, the prism block, dichroic and
trim filters and the color characteristics of the CCD or other
image device. Taking Characteristics will also be affected by
changes in the color temperature and spectral distribution of
the scene lighting.
Accurate evaluation requires a precision test chart such as
the Combi DX-1 (rear-lit Figure 8a) or (front-lit Figure 8b)
ChromaDuMonde test patterns from DSC Laboratories.
These unique test patterns provide meaningful test signals
that facilitate camera alignment and image control. The
Figure 9. 1931 Chromaticity Diagram. characteristics of grayscale and color steps contained within
the charts can be used to adjust the camera’s set-up controls.
Optimizing the image largely depends on the adjustment
Setting up correct colorimetry capabilities of the individual camera. The DSC color patterns
are designed to the latest (International Telecommunications
and exposure Union) ITU-R BT.709 colorimetry standard used with HD
Shading primarily deals with the luma adjustments of the standards (SMPTE 274M and 296M). Note the excellent wide
signal, but it is also important to ensure the color fidelity of color gamut of the NTSC standard as shown in Figure 9.
the image. Typically the aim is to reproduce the image on a When television sets used this standard they did not sell well
monitor or television set as closely as possible to the original because the picture was too dim and had to be viewed in a
scene. To achieve this, an accurate test chart is required darkened room. For this reason the colorimetry component of
that produces a reference pattern. The camera converts this the NTSC standard was replaced by SMPTE C. This greatly
light image via, the CCD (Charged Coupled Device), to digital reduced color gamut but provided a much brighter image.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 7
Application Note

Figure 10. 100% Color bar signal shown in HD (left) and SD (right).

It is important to understand these differences in colorimetry

between HD and SD when viewing the waveform monitor
display. In Figure 10, a 100% color bar test signal is shown for
both HD and SD formats, in a YPbPr waveform display. Notice
the difference of the Y-channel Green-Magenta transitions
between the HD and SD signals. Users who are familiar with
SD signals may initially consider the HD signal to be incorrectly
adjusted. This is not the case. This difference in levels of each
color component is normal and due to the different colorimetry
equations used between HD and SD formats.

Grayscale adjustments using the

waveform monitor
While it is a relatively simple procedure to set-up correct
exposure levels using a grayscale chart, failure to use a Figure 11. Tektronix Diamond display with Red grayscale error.
truly neutral grayscale can result in serious tracking errors.
Typical grayscale charts are more yellow in the light steps,
reflects 60% of the light falling on it. By comparison, 90% is
approaching neutral towards black. Use of such charts
reflected from the white chip on an 11 step chart. The DSC
produces images that are artificially Blue or cold looking in
chart (Figure 8b) shows an 11 step grayscale. Note the 11
the lighter tones. This is not desired in most images because
step pattern has a greater dynamic range with the white chip
viewers prefer warm looking images. Patented technology
being lighter and the darkest chip being darker than a typical 9
from DSC Labs has eliminated this problem by making every
step pattern. The different densitometric curves between test
step of the grayscale neutral.
patterns result in significantly different image reproduction from
When using a grayscale test pattern, both dynamic range and camera aligned to a 9 or 11 step chart. Aligning to inaccurate
progression between steps become important. In the early grayscales of limited dynamic range can result in poor quality
days of television, the dynamic range of a camera was limited images that are virtually beyond redemption. The Diamond
to about 25:1 and grayscale patterns had a correspondingly display can be used to aid in the alignment of a grayscale
low dynamic range. Today’s modern charts have an 11 step chart. If the signal is aligned correctly the trace will produce a
pattern. The progression rate is different between the 9 step straight vertical line as shown in Figure 6. A deviation from the
and 11 step patterns. The 9 step is logarithmic in terms of straight line will show an error within the RGB components.
reflectivity while the 11 step is designed to produce steps Figure 11 shows the lower trace is bent towards the Red axis
that are linear in voltage. The lightest step on a 9 step chart indicating incorrect adjustment of the Red channel.

8 www.tektronix.com/wfm5200
 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

DSC Laboratories - Calibrated HD Simulation

ITU-R BT.709 (SMPTE 274M) Colors at 0.45 Gamma
For CamAlign Pattern - SRW - CDM28R #SRW0632310
Recommended upgrade date, April 2008

Light Caucasian, Medium Caucasian, Medium Black, Medium Asian

RGB signal levels of DSC Primary CamAlign Colors to 709 colorimetry

Data Yellow Cyan Green Magenta Red Blue

Red(mv) 557.16 275.41 278.81 562.85 562.98 280.16
Green(mv) 558.48 553.98 557.20 281.98 281.87 277.05
Blue(mv) 279.40 552.35 277.18 553.91 279.45 565.14
Luma(mv) 538.05 494.64 477.80 361.32 341.46 298.51
Chrm(mv) 279.83 285.28 332.59 329.53 289.16 288.32
Vector Angle 175.02 282.59 229.45 50.96 103..36 355.36

*For a calibrated simulation of this pattern for use on HD or SD vectorscopes, please contact:
Tel (905) 673-3211; www.dsclabs.com; e-mail [email protected]

Figure 12. DSC CamAlign Color Primaries and vector representation.

While every engineer and DP (Director of Photography) reproduce a grayscale perfectly, its color reproduction can still
has their own special techniques for aligning a camera, the be very poor.
following procedure is quite typical.
With a camera focused and framed on an evenly lit Color adjustment using the WFM5200
ChromaDuMonde or back lit Combi pattern, the iris is set Vectorscope
to mid-scale (typically between f4 to f8) and the exposure/ The DSC color bars are designed to represent saturation
iris is adjusted to set the white chip of the DSC grayscale levels found in real life. Consequently when using a vector-
to 700 mv (100%). Tracking of the RGB channels should be scope with the scale set to 75% the CamAlign and Chroma-
checked to ensure neutral reproduction across the grayscale. DuMonde color signals will fall short of the vector boxes.
White and black balances are then set. (Incidentally, because However by simply increasing the gain of the vectorscope to
all DSC colors combine to produce a neutral color balance, 2.0X this will place all primary colors signals within their boxes
most cameras will white balance on a DSC color chart as when a camera is reproducing color accurately. The Chroma-
accurately as on a true white card). The true black chip on the DuMonde has a total of 28 color patches. The primary colors
CamAlign or ChromaDuMonde Grayscale is normally set close in the four corners and horizontal centers of the upper and
to 0 mv, while a test patterns equipped with a DSC CaviBlack lower rectangle will fall into the respective vectorscope boxes.
will allow the black point to be set more accurately. Note: If The other colors form straight rows between the primaries.
monitoring an NTSC composite output from the camera, this Figure 12 illustrates the color primaries as they are predicted
uses a black level setup of 7.5IRE above true black in North to occur on a vectorscope display.
America. However in Japan NTSC signals have no setup
and therefore black will be referenced to 0 mv. The gamma Today’s modern camera has advanced multi-matrix settings
or crossover step of the 11 step chart is typically adjusted to and it is possible to line-up each primary to be in the
produce a straight line. This results in an accurate grayscale vectorscope boxes, but inadvertently reduce the overall
reproduction. It is important to note that while a camera may color gamut.
www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 9
Application Note

Figure 13. Default camera settings before alignment. Figure 14. Camera output after adjustments.

Figure 13 shows the default setting of a camera output color space. This is exemplified when going into the camera’s
before adjustments were made. The vector display on the matrix settings to adjust color sensitivity. Notice that in many
WFM5200 was setup for 75% color bar graticule and to a instances a particular color cannot be selected on its own.
2X gain setting. Notice that the camera default settings over Instead alterations can be made to the B-Y and R-B, etc.
emphasize the Red component and that the gain of the When these settings are increased or decreased, all of the
Green and cyan component are significantly less than the other colors on the vectorscope will shift. Therefore adjusting
other color components. When aligning a camera’s matrix, one color incorrectly will affect the entire color space and this
increasing the sensitivity of a particular color can affect the should always be taken into consideration. Figure 14 shows
positioning of many other colors. Consequently, the process the vector display of the camera output after adjustments
requires considerable patience and may require multiple were made and alignment was performed. Notice that the
iterations of the camera adjustments to correctly align the color components do not exactly conform to the theoretical
camera. The Combi DX-1 or ChromaDuMonde simplifies calculated values, but this was the best compromise that
the process of alignment because every DSC primary has could be achieved with the settings of this camera after
the same RGB level combination as every primary color. If several iterations of the adjustments. Once all the adjustments
patterns were made with different luminance relationships, have been completed the configuration of the camera can be
color matrix adjustments would displace the gamut showing saved as a preset for later use.
a false primary as a true primary further distorting the working

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 15. Freeze Function of WFM5200 allows comparison of video signals. Figure 16. CaptureVu capabilities of WFM7120 comparing a live camera output (Green
trace) and previously captured correctly aligned signal (Yellow trace).

Camera matching The WFM8300 or WFM7120 Waveform Monitor offers

advanced capture capabilities by using the CaptureVu™
Now that we have aligned this camera, we may need to feature. The CaptureVu feature will save a complete frame
perform the same operation for other cameras in the studio. of video data to a buffer memory. This saved data can be
When using multiple cameras in the studio or location, it is reconstituted into any one of the trace or picture displays.
important that the other cameras are matched to this aligned The CaptureVu stored data is displayed similarly to the
camera. This will ensure that scene to scene and camera freeze function as a yellow captured trace, so that it can be
to camera images look similar. Since no two cameras are easily compared with the live trace. Figure 16 shows how a
identical, it is unreliable to simply upload the settings from one previously aligned camera is compared to another camera
camera to another. The only way to match cameras effectively still to be adjusted. The user can then adjust this next camera
is to adjust the matrix settings of each camera using the so that it closely matches the previously aligned camera. The
same precision test chart under identical lightning conditions. CaptureVu data can also be saved to a USB memory stick on
One method to provide a consistent look is to follow the the front of the WFM8300 or WFM7120 for use at a later date.
above procedure for camera alignment, set the exposure This allows the user to compare camera alignment between
levels, set the white balance and then align the colors on the different cameras and also to see if, over time, the camera
vectorscope. has become misaligned and needs to be realigned. Note that
To aid in camera matching, the freeze function available in the when the captured data is restored back to the WFM8300
WFM5200/5000 can be used to compare signals between or WFM7120, the instrument needs to be in the same video
live and frozen display. This allows for comparison of different format as the current video input. Therefore it is useful to
inputs or camera presets to be viewed. To configure the name the saved file with an indication of the video format.
instrument, apply the reference camera input to the instrument The ability to save a full video frame capture on the WFM8300
and press the freeze button to grab the current screenshot or WFM7120 with CaptureVu can aid the user in matching
of the display. The frozen image is then displayed as a yellow cameras, and provides a data record of the camera’s output
trace and the user can switch between Live, Frozen or Live (saved to a USB stick) for monitoring any degradation that
and Frozen as shown in Figure 15. This mode can then be may happen over time.
used to compare another camera input against the frozen A test signal of the ChromaDuMonde pattern has been
signal to aid in visualizing the matching of the two cameras. created for the TG700 and HD3G7 module. This test pattern
This allows the operator to make quick adjustments of the can be used as a reference for comparison against the output
camera so that they are matched from scene to scene and of the camera and aid in the adjustment of the camera for
ensure a consistent look throughout the production. optimal performance.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 11
Application Note

Figure 17. ChromaDuMonde test pattern from TG700 HD3G7 module.

On location recording of a few seconds of a DSC test pattern,

at the head or tail of a scene, captures virtually everything Figure 18. Camera Balance mode showing luma traces of four camera inputs in parade
a colorist needs to know to color correct or match scenes mode.
during the post-production process. This can help simplify the
post-production process and avoid costly mistakes.
screen mode (option 2SDI is required for the WFM8300 or
WFM8200 to monitor 4 SDI inputs). This allows the operator
Multiple Camera Matching to easily compare the video level of the four camera inputs
During the production of the program, adjustments will be simultaneously to ensure that the white and black balances
needed to be continually made to each camera to maintain a of all the cameras are similar. User labels can be created and
consistent look. In the studio, the cameras will be moved to enabled for each channel to allow for a quick identification of
get the best shot and these changes may affect the overall the camera and to allow the operator to make appropriate
brightness or color fidelity of the images that the camera adjustment to an individual signal easily. Figure 18 shows the
produces. Therefore it may be necessary to make quick camera balance mode on the WFM5200. Here we can quickly
adjustments of each individual camera to maintain the overall see that one of the cameras has a black setup error and is
look of the production. To aid the operator in being able to different than the rest of the camera inputs. The identification
quickly compare the video level output from each camera, label indicates that CAM-1, CAM-2 and CAM-4 need to have
the camera balance mode was developed for the WFM5200 their black levels adjusted to be consistent with the other
with option CAM and is also available on the WFM8300 or camera CAM-3. Alternatively a setup could be added to
WFM8200. The camera balance mode allows the operator CAM-3 such that it matched the response of the other three
to view up to four waveform traces simultaneously in full cameras for a consistent look.

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 19. Diamond display of multiple inputs overlaid. Figure 20. Diamond display live image.

The camera balance mode can be used within other trace Additionally, the diamond display shows how much headroom
displays such as vector, lightning, diamond, split diamond, you have for making your adjustment before it will exceed
spearhead and arrowhead. In these displays, the multiple gamut limits. The horizontal axis of the Diamond display
inputs are overlaid on top of each other to make comparison. indicates the amount of chroma present in the signal and can
Simply selecting the appropriate input button to quickly enable be used for matching between cameras or to maximize the
or disable the input allows the user to select certain inputs to color fidelity of the image. To aid in black level adjustment, the
compare as shown in Figure 19. split diamond display can be used to see parts of the signal
that go below black level. Figure 20 shows the split diamond
In live production, whether in the studio, or on location, the
displays of a live signal. In this image you can quickly see
Diamond and Split-Diamond displays are ideal tools for
that the overall luma trace is vertical from the center to the
performing quick alignment of the cameras and for ensuring
upper and lower apex of the split Diamond display, illustrating
balancing of the image whether in the shadows of a stadium
a well-balanced image. However in the upper Diamond apex
or in the bright sunlight. The vertical axis from the center to the
it appears as if some clipping has been applied to limit the
outer apex is the luma component of the signal. A well balance
gamut range of the signal since the trace is much brighter.
image will have a more vertical luma component. If a deviation
Additionally the similar clipping has been applied to the black
occurs in the upper half of the display, the blue channel
of each channel as indicated by the brighter parts of the trace
should be adjusted, and alternatively if the deviation occurs
at the center black.
in the lower display, then the red channel should be adjusted.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 13
Application Note

Conclusion
By using these techniques to shade and align the camera, and
becoming familiar with the correct use of the DSC Precision
Test Patterns and Ambi Illuminator, the user will ensure that
the image captured by the camera is calibrated and adjusted
correctly. The user can monitor the output of these images
from the camera with Tektronix waveform monitors to ensure
that the camera is producing the correct video levels, is
properly color aligned, and matched to other cameras.
Understanding the various waveform displays (waveform,
vector, diamond and spearhead) can aid the user in making
the correct adjustments, ensuring correct and optimal fidelity
of the video image during the setup of the camera. The
waveform, vector and diamond displays can be used to
Figure 21. TandemVu display showing Luma (Y channel) and chroma signal within the
ensure correct balance of the camera during live production in
vector display. the studio or on location.
Thank you to Michael Kent of DSC Laboratories
TandemVu ™ (www.dsclabs.com) for his assistance and contribution
to this application note.
Operators often like to view the luma (Y) and chroma (C) at
the same time so that they can adjust the camera levels to Images reproduced with kind permission of Greg Foad,
ensure that the flesh tones of the onscreen talent camera Sean Sealey and DSC Laboratories.
are at the appropriate video level and the vectorscope
shows appropriate hue and saturation. Within the Tektronix
WFM5200 and other 5000 series instruments, the TandemVu
display was developed to allow the user to see the maximum
waveform and vector displays simultaneously. The overlay of
waveform and vector displays can be configured in a variety of
ways to suit the user application. For adjustment of a camera,
a useful setup is to show the luma Y channel in a 2 line sweep
display with the waveform trace moved to the far left so that
only one line is displayed. The vector display can then be
moved to the far right of the display as shown in Figure 21. In
this display configuration, the user can easily see adjustments
that need to be made to the camera for both the luma level
and chroma signal within the same display.

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 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Appendix
Interpreting a waveform monitor display
A waveform monitor is a means to visualize the video signal
by displaying the amplitude level in the vertical axis with lower
levels representing the black parts of the image and the upper
axis representing the brighter higher luma levels of the signal.
Black level is shown at the 0% point and white is represented
at the 100% graticule mark (700 mv).
Time is displayed in the horizontal axis increasing from left to
right. There are a variety of methods to display the individual
components of the signal either as a parade with each
component side by side for comparison or as an overlay
where each component is overlaid on top of each other.
The time per division is indicated within the lower part of
Figure 1a. Waveform display. the display.
A video signal is comprised of a number of lines which make
up the complete image; these lines can be displayed in a
number of different ways on a waveform monitor. In Line mode
all the lines of the signal are overlaid on top of each other to
show the overall magnitude of the signal the bright the area of
a region within the display the more often the signal is present
at that level. In Field mode the lines of the signal are displayed
one after the other to show the variation of the signal through
the image.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 15
Application Note

Understanding the vector display

The vector display is an X-Y plot of the color difference
components with Pb (B’-Y’) plotted on the horizontal axis
and Pr (R’-Y’) plotted on the vertical axis (Figure 1b). Within
the instruments vector display the user can select a 75% or
100% graticule. When taking measurements make certain
the source signal amplitude matches the vector graticule.
When the user applies a 100% or 75% color bar signal
and uses the appropriate graticule selection the waveform
monitor trace display should fit within the graticule boxes for
each color component. If either color component has the
wrong amplitude, the dots they produce will not fall in the
graticule boxes. For example, if the P'r gain is too high, the
dots will fall above the boxes in the top half of the screen
and below the boxes in the bottom half. The polar display
permits measurement of hue in terms of the relative phase
of the chroma signal. Amplitude of the chroma signal is
the displacement from center towards the color point. The
transitions from one point to another also provide useful timing Figure 1b. X-Y plot of the component vector display.

information. These timing differences appear as looping or

bowing of the transitions.

16 www.tektronix.com/wfm5200
 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 1c. Shows how a 100% color bar signal is plotted in the upper G’ & B’ Diamond.

Understanding the Tektronix diamond display If the video signal is in another format, such as YPbPr, the
components are first converted into R’, G’ and B’ colorspace.
The Tektronix diamond display was created to help visualize
The upper diamond is formed from the transcoded signal by
the interaction of the Red, Green and Blue components. The
applying B'+G' to the vertical axis and B'-G' to the horizontal
Diamond display is generated by combining the R’, G’ and B’
axis as an X-Y plot. The lower diamond is formed by applying
signals in to a two dimensional display.
–(R'+G') to the vertical axis and R'-G' to the horizontal axis.
When first looking at a 100% color bar signal on the Diamond The two diamonds are displayed alternately to create the
display it may not be immediately obvious how the signals are double Diamond display. Appropriate low pass filters are
combined to produce the display, but understanding how the applied to the signal to eliminate short-term out-of-limits
Diamond display is constructed and how it can be used for signals that are usually the product of combining different
RGB color space can greatly simplify camera adjustments. bandwidth signals between the luma and color difference
components.

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 17
Application Note

Figure 1d. Construction of the Diamond and Split Diamond displays.

By forming these X-Y plots of G’ & B’ in the upper diamond The Diamond display can be an ideal tool for camera
and G’ & R’ in the lower diamond. The display provide an adjustments of the luma signal. If the camera is pointed at a
easily way to visualize components within RGB gamut as the white chart of gray scale chart and is properly balanced the
trace falls within the graticule bounding box. If the trace falls trace will be a straight vertical line from the center (Black)
outside the graticule it is out of gamut. Errors in the Green to the top and bottom (White). Any imbalance in the signals
signal affect both diamonds equally. While Blue errors affect components will cause a bend of the trace.
the upper diamond and Red errors affect the lower diamond.
An enhancement to the Tektronix Diamond display is the Split
Diamond display which allows errors in the black region of the
signal to be more easily observed as shown in Figure 1d.

18 www.tektronix.com/wfm5200
 Camera Setup, Alignment and Matching Measurements

Figure 1e. Spearhead display with graticule lines of constant saturation and value. Figure 1f. Using the Spearhead display for color correction.

Color Correction with the Tektronix spearhead The Spearhead display can be used to quickly make color
display correction adjustments, as shown in Figure 1f. The setup or
black level is easily set by adjusting the image dot locations
The newest gamut display from Tektronix is the spearhead
for alignment to the lower corner of the Spearhead triangle.
display, which shows the artistic metrics of color saturation
The R’G’B’ White or Gain affects the image dot locations near
and color value or lightness combined with RGB gamut limits.
the upper side of the triangle, increasing or decreasing the
This allows a colorist to adjust live video signals in the HSV
color Value or intensity. The R’G’B’ black-level controls affect
(Hue, Saturation, Value) space within the valid signal gamut
the image dot locations near the lower side of the Spearhead
range. The Spearhead display is constructed by plotting the
triangle increasing or decreasing color Saturation. A chroma
maximum of the R’, G’, and B’ color values for each sample
level change stretches or compresses the image dot locations
versus the minimum of the three values. The resulting area, as
along the horizontal axis, changing both Saturation and Value.
shown in Figure 1e, is a triangle that represents the full RGB
Lastly, the gray-scale balance of the R’G’B’ gamma controls
color gamut. This triangle is rotated and scaled such that
affects the alignment of the monochrome components of the
the vertical axis (max(i) + min(i) / 2) represents Lightness and
image to the left side of the Spearhead.
the horizontal axis (max(i) – min(i)) represents non-normalized
Saturation. Note: max(i) = maximum r(i), g(i), b(i) in millivolts
min(i) = minimum r(i), g(i), b(i) in millivolts

www.tektronix.com/wfm5200 19
 Contact Tektronix:
ASEAN / Australasia (65) 6356 3900
Austria* 00800 2255 4835
Balkans, Israel, South Africa and other ISE Countries +41 52 675 3777
Belgium* 00800 2255 4835
Brazil +55 (11) 3759 7627
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Russia & CIS +7 (495) 7484900
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Spain* 00800 2255 4835
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Switzerland* 00800 2255 4835
Taiwan 886 (2) 2722-9622
United Kingdom & Ireland* 00800 2255 4835
USA 1 (800) 833-9200

* If the European phone number above is not accessible,

please call +41 52 675 3777

Contact List Updated 10 February 2011

For Further Information

Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding collection of
application notes, technical briefs and other resources to help engineers
working on the cutting edge of technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com

Copyright © 2011, Tektronix. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are

covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this
publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specification
and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered
trademarks of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service
marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

07/11 EA/FCA-POD 25W-27159-0