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View Full Version : Linear Workflow...still confused...

knight0013
10-29-2008, 09:46 PM
Hello,

I posted a similar question in the 3dsmax forum, but I also use After Effects 7 Pro, so you may be able to answer a few of my questions here.

I'm trying to get a better understanding of Gamma and Linear Workflow.

I'm about to purchase a color calibration device (such as the Eye-One, Pantone Huey, or Spyder2) to calibrate my monitor using a 2.2 gamma and 6500K. Any recomendations on these?

Questions:
#1) Once my monitor is calibrated using one of the above mentioned hardware devices and I setup a custom ICC profile within the NVIDIA control panel for my system, do I have to then choose that profile within After Effects, or do I leave the After Effects color management set to "none"?

#2) I saw that there is a download that enables you to choose "Linear" under color management in AE. What's the difference between using Linear, none, and sRGB?

Everything I do in AE will end up in Premiere, and from there out to DVD (soon Blu-Ray). Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jason
Mylenium
10-30-2008, 07:35 AM
#1) do I have to then choose that profile within After Effects, or do I leave the After Effects color management set to "none"?

The latter - since the monitor already has the correct calibration, assigning the profile twice would have no effect, anyways.


#2) I saw that there is a download that enables you to choose "Linear" under color management in AE. What's the difference between using Linear, none, and sRGB?

sRGB/ none is Gamma corrected (1.4- 1.6), linear isn't (Gamma 1.0). Therefore linear footage will look darker and washed out on computer monitors, hence you will have to use a LUT, e.g. by ways of an adjustment layer with a color profile. In any case - these things only have relevance for 32bpc mode and respective footage. If you are not linearizing your stuff in MAX, nothing is gained by bending the Gamma profile in AE. likewise, if you only work in 8bpc or 16bpc, the blending and effects calculations will not be much different...

Mylenium
jipe
10-30-2008, 05:01 PM
Hello,
I'm about to purchase a color calibration device (such as the Eye-One, Pantone Huey, or Spyder2) to calibrate my monitor using a 2.2 gamma and 6500K. Any recomendations on these?

I did a lot of research on hardware calibration devices a few months ago and ended up picking the x-rite Eye-One Display 2. I heard some scary things about quality control with the Huey; at one point their support was letting customers return the device and replacing it with the x-rite model! It could have been a manufacturing problem that may be fixed by now, but it was enough to convince me to avoid the Pantone at the time.

I leaned initially toward the Spyder 3 Pro, as it was more in my price range than the x-rite model, but I was a bit put off by some of the reviews I found -- enough to look at the x-rite, which had solid reviews (and should have, for the price). I found it new on eBay for a great price and was really happy with the calibration process (painless) and the results.

I wish I could offer side-by-side comparisons of the Spyder and the x-rite devices, but I only have my limited experience to offer. Best of luck finding a calibration device and getting your workflow going...
Mylenium
10-31-2008, 11:10 AM
The flaw with the Spyder is in the sensor design and software. It does not allow to measure small areas, so if you e.g. want to calibrate printers, the precision is bad. It is more than sufficient for screen-only calibrations, though, such as discussed here. Anyway, if one can afford it, one should indeed go the full distance and purchase a color munkey or x-rite. They are simply more flexible.

Mylenium
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10-31-2008, 11:10 AM
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