Challenges to the Development of a Standardized Professional Studio Color-Picture Monitor

Abstract

The NTSC/FCC color specifications for the U.S. (North American) television system are display-dependent with a defined color gamut. Within a decade after the introduction of color, the industry found phosphor sets approximating the NTSC primaries inadequate for brightness and lag. The EBU proposed basing colorimetry on an average of modern phosphors as an international standard. It became necessary for the U.S. to develop corrective matrices to shift the modern phosphors used in studio color-picture monitors to approximate those of NTSC or to change the colorimetry of the system. This article documents the background leading to the choice of a standard set of non-NTSC chromaticities referred to as the SMPTE C set. It also introduces pending supporting documentation designed to improve color consistency and to develop methods for the critical review of program material.