h.264 color problems (?) at DVinfo.net

Hans Damkoehler · March 30th, 2009, 01:05 PM

Hi folks,

I am exporting my FCP timeline using h.264 and the resulting image looks blown out, much brighter than what I see in the canvas. Why is this?

I compare the two images side-by-side on my display and the results are dramatic. My monitor is calibrated and there are no filters on export. Does h.264 do something funky to it?

I was wondering if FCP is doing any calibration to the image that is displayed in the canvas. I have Gamma Correction set to accurate in FCP. I'm working with normal DV/NTSC footage.

Frustrated! Any thoughts?

Thanks!

- H

Michael Frkovich · March 31st, 2009, 03:25 PM

Hans,
I think you will find that any time you add some compression to video files it tends
to wash out some. Whenever I compress for Mpeg 2 or H 264, I always bump the gamma
a bit. Don't do it with the compression software. Add the gamma with a filter in your
time line. Sometimes when compressing to Mpeg2 , you have to add about a 2% to 4%
sharpening also. With the H264 compression, even after you bump the gamma, the color
will be a little bit different but it wont be as washed out. Your final movie in your
time line will look a bit too dark and vibrant but it will compress very well.

March 30th, 2009, 01:05 PM	#1
Hans Damkoehler Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO Posts: 115	h.264 color problems (?) Hi folks, I am exporting my FCP timeline using h.264 and the resulting image looks blown out, much brighter than what I see in the canvas. Why is this? I compare the two images side-by-side on my display and the results are dramatic. My monitor is calibrated and there are no filters on export. Does h.264 do something funky to it? I was wondering if FCP is doing any calibration to the image that is displayed in the canvas. I have Gamma Correction set to accurate in FCP. I'm working with normal DV/NTSC footage. Frustrated! Any thoughts? Thanks! - H __________________ Hans Damkoehler fcp.video.editor@me.com

March 31st, 2009, 03:25 PM	#2
Michael Frkovich New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin USA Posts: 23	H264 washed out Hans, I think you will find that any time you add some compression to video files it tends to wash out some. Whenever I compress for Mpeg 2 or H 264, I always bump the gamma a bit. Don't do it with the compression software. Add the gamma with a filter in your time line. Sometimes when compressing to Mpeg2 , you have to add about a 2% to 4% sharpening also. With the H264 compression, even after you bump the gamma, the color will be a little bit different but it wont be as washed out. Your final movie in your time line will look a bit too dark and vibrant but it will compress very well. __________________ Mike http://www.tbcstudios.com