Improved Telecine Image Quality: The Influence of Black Level

Henry A. Barrett, Richard E. Bartow, Robert C. Lovick, John C. Norris

The use of automatic black-level control circuitry on the telecine cameras examined is often detrimental to the reproduction of color motion-picture films by television. The result of this procedure is that the darkest area of every scene is forced to become black. This effect has been noted to varying degrees in all scenes and is relatively independent of film contrast of the photographic system. Present automatic black-level control on these telecine cameras makes difficult the design of an optimum film for television. Telecine operation using a preadjusted unattended manual black control on these cameras provides improved reproduction of the average color film.

Print ISSN
Published
1973-10
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J08140