Portrait Displays’ David Abrams Breaks Down Color Calibration Techniques for Film Professionals at SMPTE

On Tuesday, October 15, the Hollywood chapter of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) hosted an illuminating event at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Linwood Dunn Theater in Los Angeles. Titled “Mastering Color-Critical Calibration – Technology and Best Practices,” the evening brought together over 100 professionals in film, broadcast, and digital imaging to explore cutting-edge tools and methodologies for achieving precise color-critical calibration.

The event began with a reception at 6:00 PM, allowing attendees to connect with industry peers over refreshments. Shortly after, the program commenced at 7:00 PM, with notable presentations from experts David Abrams of Portrait Displays and Guillermo Keller of Colorimetry Research, both seasoned authorities in the field of color science and calibration.

Presentation Highlights

1. Instrumentation and Measurement Techniques Guillermo Keller opened the evening with a comprehensive overview of color measurement instruments, including colorimeters, spectroradiometers, and other specialized devices. His presentation guided attendees through the distinctions between each type of instrument, addressing critical factors in selecting the appropriate tool for different display technologies, such as LCD, OLED, and laser-based systems. Keller’s insights provided invaluable context for those seeking to optimize their equipment choices and ensure the highest levels of color accuracy in various production environments.
2. Practical Application of Calibration Software David Abrams, Senior Product Manager at Portrait Displays, followed with a hands-on demonstration of the calibration workflow. Abrams showcased the capabilities of Calman® calibration software, the industry-standard tool for accurate color management across a spectrum of displays. He walked the audience through practical applications of the software, demonstrating how to quantify, calibrate, and validate displays using various measurement devices and pattern sources. A standout moment was the live walkthrough of a Sony A95L QD OLED calibration process which allowed attendees to witness the process of optimizing a high-performance display for industry-standard color fidelity.

Interactive Demonstrations and Raffle

Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to participate in interactive demonstrations that showcased different display technologies and calibration approaches. This hands-on aspect of the event provided an opportunity for attendees to see calibration processes in action and better understand the nuances of each step.

To conclude the event, SMPTE Hollywood held a raffle, courtesy of Portrait Displays. Three coveted prizes were awarded: Calman Ultimate, Calman Studio, and Virtual Forge.