Setting Up OmniScope for Gamut Error Checking

In the world of digital video production, maintaining the integrity of color and luminance is paramount. Gamut errors, where colors fall outside the acceptable range for broadcast or digital standards, can lead to significant issues in post-production and distribution. This is where quality control (QC) becomes crucial, and tools like OmniScope play a vital role. Here's a detailed guide on setting up OmniScope for effective gamut error checking, ensuring your video content adheres to the highest standards of color accuracy and consistency.

Detecting out of gamut signal

Connecting with DeckLink / UltraStudio

First, to accurately detect out-of-gamut signals when monitoring with OmniScope through DeckLink or UltraStudio devices, it's essential to set your signal to Video range. Also, ensure the Retain sub-black and super-white data option in the Video Monitoring settings is enabled.

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_bmd_levels.png

In OmniScope, verify that the video range settings for your I/O card are correctly configured:

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_video_io.png

For monitoring in RGB format, it’s crucial to enable the Expect video range checkbox in the settings. This ensures you capture all out-of-gamut values.

Using OpenFX Plugin in Resolve

If you're connecting to OmniScope via the OpenFX plugin in DaVinci Resolve, confirm that you're using Video range signal in the Timeline settings of the OFX:

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_video_ofx.png

The OpenFX plugin is designed to transmit sub-black and super-white signals to OmniScope, allowing comprehensive gamut checking.

Configuring OmniScope

With the signal sources set up, it’s time to configure OmniScope for maximum visibility of out-of-gamut signals. Disable automatic signal scaling to the full range to utilize the adjustments made in Resolve:

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_os_scaling.png

Once disabled, out-of-range signals will be directly visible in the waveforms:

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_os_waveform_gamut.png

Simultaneously, enable the Gamut Check in the QC menu and start the Error Logger. This feature creates a comprehensive list of all gamut error events, which can be exported to a CSV file for reference:

https://timeinpixels.com/blog/2023-12-29_os_logger.png

Conclusion

Setting up OmniScope for gamut error checking is a crucial step in ensuring your video content meets broadcast and digital distribution standards. By carefully configuring your monitoring equipment and software, you can effectively identify and correct color issues, safeguarding the quality and integrity of your work. As the video industry continues to evolve, tools like OmniScope remain essential in the quest for perfection in digital video production.