Case Study – The HDR Frontier and the Need for Precision

Revolutionizing HDR Display Metrology with InnoPQ® by FF Pictures

High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology is transforming the visual experience, offering unprecedented depth, contrast, and color richness. However, the complexity of HDR displays presents unique challenges in quality control and calibration. This case study delves into how Admesy's Prometheus Colorimeter has been seamlessly integrated into FF Pictures' InnoPQ® HDR measurement system, revolutionizing the fields of quality control, research, and development.

HDR TV in living room

The Challenge: Navigating the Complexities of HDR

Florian Friedrich, chair of the ICDM HDR Subcommittee and CEO of FF Pictures GmbH, has been at the forefront of HDR technology. His award-winning paper on advanced HDR measurements underscores the intricate interdependencies involved in HDR display metrology.

Any modern HDR consumer-display utilizes a complex set of rules to adjust the visual result according to the differences between its own capabilities and the input signal. Static and dynamic HDR metadata are influencing the tone-mapping of the HDR display in addition to existing tone-mapping or color-mapping. Some of this is happening multiple times per second or even frame-accurate, following the framerate of the source, some of it are long-term adjustments related to energy consumption and heat distribution.

To truly grasp the intricacies of modern HDR technology, rapid and accurate measurement of the display's response to input signals is absolutely crucial. To achieve this the InnoPQ ® HDR measurement system combines varying patch signal values and patch sizes with dynamic motion picture backgrounds, all while masterfully synchronizing the timing of each measurement to capture even the most fleeting temporal effects.

Prometheus spatio temporal noise HDR FF Pictures

“There are only few colorimeters on the market that meet our demands, but looking at the Admesy Prometheus, I became very interested in implementing it into our measurement tools.”

The system required a fast and accurate colorimeter that could keep up with its rigorous demands. Florian Friedrich said “we needed a solution that can measure important parameters of HDR signal reproduction with exact timing, down to the individual frame as well as being able to measure colors accurately even in shadow areas lower than 0.1 cd/m². There are only few colorimeters on the market that meet our demands, but looking at the Admesy Prometheus, I became very interested in implementing it into our measurement tools.”.

The Solution: Admesy's Prometheus Colorimeter—A Technological Marvel

Speed and Accuracy: A Harmonious Blend

The Prometheus Colorimeter is a marvel of engineering. Especially the high measurement speed for ultra-low luminance values down to 0.0002 cd/m² makes it the undisputed fastest colorimeter on the market. Its integration into the InnoPQ® system has been transformative. Florian Friedrich states, "The combination of speed and accuracy in the Admesy Prometheus is outstanding. It's a state-of-the-art colorimeter that has significantly enhanced our measurement capabilities."

Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife of Colorimeters

The Prometheus is not just fast; it's incredibly versatile. It can perform up to 3125 samples per second and supports multiple software platforms, including Visual Studio, Labview, Matlab, and Python. This adaptability makes it an ideal fit for the InnoPQ® system, which requires a high degree of customization to handle its complex measurement sequences.

Prometheus CMF filter curves

Spectral Sensitivity: Setting a New Standard

The Prometheus is designed with a spectral sensitivity that closely aligns with the CIE 1931 2° Standard Observer, making it ideal for measuring a wide range of displays, including Wide Color Gamut (WCG) displays. This feature has been invaluable for the InnoPQ® system, which demands high accuracy across various display types such as conventional LCD with phosphor backlight or more advanced LCD-Displays with LED Backlight and Quantum-Dot Filters as well as OLED, QD-OLED.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm in HDR Display Metrology

The collaboration between Admesy's Prometheus Colorimeter and FF Pictures' InnoPQ® HDR measurement system sets new standards in HDR display metrology. To overcome the challenges of measuring HDR TVs and HDR Post Production Displays or Monitors, FF Pictures has developed the InnoPQ® HDR measurement system, which automates intricate measurement tasks where conventional systems face their limits.

In this scenario, the Prometheus Colorimeter's unmatched speed, accuracy, and versatility have proved to be invaluable in addressing the intricate challenges presented by modern HDR technology, which encompasses various complex interdependencies. As the industry continues to progress, tools like the Prometheus will play a crucial role in ensuring that the visual experience keeps pace with technological advancements.

ADMESY TABLETOPS 0154 Prometheus DEF

Prometheus Colorimeter: Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts that underline why the Prometheus Colorimeter is a game-changer in HDR display metrology:

  • Fastest color measurement speed: As low as 22 ms
  • High sampling rate: Up to 3125 samples per second
  • Versatile software support: Visual Studio, Labview, Matlab, Python
  • Spectral sensitivity: Matches CIE 1932 2° Standard Observer
  • Additional features: Improved filters, flicker and waveform measurements, collimated or focused lens, fiber connection capabilities, mechanical shutter