| Issue CDXXV: The 'Fake HDR' Edition |
| The Tao of Color Grading Newsletter |
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Curated links of news, reviews, thoughts, career advice, and humor
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As usual, I take a holiday break and items pile up for inclusion in this Newsletter. I've put in the timely stuff for this edition and will catch up on other items next week.
A new Game of Thrones-style kerfuffle has broken out.
This time, the popular-science website Ars Technica is accusing Disney+ of streaming 'fake HDR' to its subscribers. They're basing this off the HDTVTest YouTube channel that's measuring luminance on their test display and converting those numbers into a false-color representation of nit values. Because light sabers top out at 200 nits Disney is being accused of cheating their subscribers.
In this edition, I'm sharing with you the source material so you can see this criticism for yourself. You've got a week to ingest this material before I share my thoughts. But this discussion goes to show - even the 'pros' who should know better, don't.
I'll see you next Sunday.
Happy Grading!
(and remember - if you have a story that's a fit for this Newsletter, hit reply or email it to 'newsletter@taoofcolor.com'! Include a quick reason for the suggested link.)
- Patrick Inhofer
Colorist | Publisher | Coach
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Featuring the work of creative craftsmen, the theory of color, and industry news. Learn practical workflows, useful theories, and actionable insights from existing (and emerging) leaders and teachers in our industry.
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Based on a series of videos from HDTVtest.com, Ars accuses Disney of offering 'fake HDR'. I'll be talking more about this in next week's Newsletter. This is the conversation starter.
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(video) Learn HDTVTest's definition of 'Fake HDR' and how they test for it. They apply their methodology to Disney+ which is streaming almost the entirety of their content in Dolby Vision, including the first seven of the Star Wars films.
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Friend of the Tao, Alexis Van Hurkman, offers a sober look at the purpose and point of HDR and why the critique of Mandalorian as 'Fake HDR' represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the technology (and craft).
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This looks interesting: "More than 230 film color processes have been devised in the course of film history, often in connection with photography." This book explores that history. Currently in pre-order. (via Lift Gamma Gain)
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The US 'Paramount Consent Decree' is being sunset. Designed to prevent movie studios from owning entire verticals and end their monopolistic practices, what does this move mean for the industry and its consumers?
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Our craft keeps changing. And growing. Learn about updates to your favorite software. Discover new tools to help you work faster or more creatively. Build your toolchest with new techniques and approaches.
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(video) Just posted from an IBC 2019 presentation on the latest toolset in Baselight v5.
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(forum) Click through for the details.
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If your team handles editing, VFX, and grading then this may be the bundle you're looking for.
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Of particular interest to this Newsletter's readers, updates to FilmConvert Nitrate OFX and Boris Sillhouette.
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It starts and ends on the same day: December 10. A good time to pick up one of their plug-in suites, if you've been waiting for a deal.
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Technically, it's more like 10-15 tools - since many sub-palettes are individually listed. But explanations on using them are solid. (via Rich Roddman)
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Learn, "how to optimize your editing workflow — and which settings to check if Premiere Pro is running slow."
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"This process uses DaVinci Resolve to create master clips that you can ingest in AVID, without consolidating or transcoding your media. This is because the proxies you’ll create . . . are in the MXF OP-Atom codec, which allows you to drop them into your Avid MediaFiles folder and begin editing immediately."
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(podcast) The Team is once again joined by Mixing Light contributor Joey D'Anna who gives us the skinny on supplemental IMF packages for delivery to broadcasters and OTT providers.
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(video) What is an IMF package? How do you use DaVinci Resolve to create (and verify) supplemental IMFs for delivering fixes and alternate versions?
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Stay updated on the latest hardware that's shipping - because the craft of color grading isn't just about software. Plus, keep an eye on future equipment trends and hardware odds-and-ends.
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The lock-in is, um, in. Scott Simmons (and many other pro users) is not happy.
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While Puget has much deeper dives in hardware choices for specific apps (like DaVinci Resolve), this is more an overview on the state of hardware as we exit 2019. If you're not into the nuances of building your own rig but want to stay current on what's happening, this is a good read.
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If you want to dig deep in the differences between these CPUs and how they impact DaVinci Resolve performance then this comparison is for you.
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A look at the flagship of Intel's latest CPU refresh.
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When are you not wondering if there's a better mouse out there to power your color grading sessions? This article offers a roundup based upon your usage.
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For my non-DaVinci Resolve using friends, "Sonnet claims it’s the smallest multislot Thunderbolt to PCIe expansion system on the market, and the only compact system with auxiliary power to support the Kona 5."
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Does adding an eGPU help? What differences do different GPUs make?
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From an editor who's never used a dedicated keyboard and shares his opinion if it's sufficiently productive to justify the expense?
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'Tis the season to field calls from friends and family about streaming boxes and services. This article updates us on the status of Hulu with 4K, surround, ATMOS, and HDR (or the lack thereof).
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Random thoughts, tidbits, and fun stuff that caught my attention this week. Maybe it's color grading related. Maybe not. Ya got'ta read to the end of the Newsletter to find out.
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Are you waiting to buy a partial share in a fully autonomous vehicle (which another share-owner can summon when you're not using it)? It turns out predictions for self-driving cars are way off the mark. Like flying cars, the joke is on us. Not funny.
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(video) This music video is simple, elegant, and I enjoyed the use of mixed color temps throughout.
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| Th- th- th- that's all folks! See you next Sunday. |
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