Lighting, set design, and countless other factors have an impact on the video attributes our cameras see.

As a first step, cameras need to be properly calibrated. Ideally, this is done right at the camera. Corrective measures taken downstream never fully compensate for problems at the first link in the chain. Most cameras, even inexpensive consumer models, provide adequate controls for this purpose. Some other video sources do not offer much if anything in the way of adjustment, however. You may need to adjust the Proc Amp settings to improve previously recorded video played from a DVD player, or a networked ‘video chat’ system.

In both cases above, the Waveform and Vectorscope monitors help. We also need to give consideration to downstream devices, though.

Computer displays are inherently different than television sets. Therefore, the video you see on your computer interface can vary quite a bit from what your viewers see on their televisions. Too, you want to be able to correctly judge colors when preparing titles and graphics. It helps you a great deal if your downstream video monitors are properly set up to allow you to make these judgments.