PARIS & LONDON – OCTOBER 24th, 2024
Technicolor Group, a world leader in visual experiences, is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with the Colour and Vision Research Laboratory (CVRL) at the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL). This partnership aims to investigate disagreements between observers about the colours they perceive when looking at content on the latest wide gamut display devices, which could have significant implications for the film, television, and broader display technology industries including home viewing and cinema. The push to wide gamut displays allows the presentation of more colours for most people, but unfortunately can result in striking colour mismatches for some.
This groundbreaking partnership is spearheaded by Professor Andrew Stockman and Doctor Andy Rider, both renowned experts in the fields of colour vision science, working in collaboration with Technicolor, who provide a wealth of knowledge and experience on providing accurate colour reproduction using professional display technologies. Their combined expertise promises to deliver a deeper understanding of the relationship between human colour vision and the emerging display technologies that are reshaping visual media.
A New Challenge in Colour Perception
The collaboration was prompted by a desire to investigate a known issue in the post-production industry related to RGB-laser projectors, and more recently this issue has also been observed in some new TV and monitor displays. These technologies can cause certain individuals to perceive colours very differently, leading to significant colour mismatches that detract from their visual experience.
This issue is more than just a subtle shift in hue; in some cases, it can result in substantial changes in perceived colours, potentially compromising their visual experience. The implications of this phenomenon extend beyond the entertainment industry and may impact any industry in which colour accuracy is paramount, including design, healthcare, and consumer electronics.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
CVRL have identified the underlying causes of this problem. These findings will help pinpoint which display technologies are most affected and will provide answers to important questions about the number of people affected and to what degree it impacts their viewing experience. While adjustments can be made to the display to improve the colour experience for an individual with unusual colour vision, it cannot be done in a multi-viewer environment such as cinema theatres.
Next Steps: A Rigorous Investigation
In response to this discovery, CVRL and Technicolor will conduct a comprehensive study to thoroughly understand the extent of the issue and its potential impact on various industries.
The objective is to provide clear guidelines on mitigating these effects and, ultimately, improving the viewing experience for all audiences. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be published, serving as a crucial resource for manufacturers, content creators, and industry professionals.
This collaboration represents a step forward in addressing a critical challenge at the intersection of human vision and modern display technology. We invite industry stakeholders and the public to stay tuned for further updates on this exciting research initiative.
For more information and to follow our progress, please visit www.cvrl.org and stay connected on www.technicolor.com
About the Technicolor Group
Technicolor Group is a creative technology company providing world-class production expertise driven by one purpose: The realization of ambitious and extraordinary ideas. Home to a network of award-winning studios, MPC, The Mill, Mikros Animation and Technicolor Games, we inspire creative companies across the world to produce their most iconic work. Our global teams of artists and technologists partner with the creative community across film, television, animation, gaming, brand experience and advertising to bring the universal art of storytelling to audiences everywhere.
About the Colour and Vision Research Laboratory at UCL
The Colour and Vision Research Laboratory, part of the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London, is a leading research laboratory focused on understanding the mechanisms of human vision, in general, and colour vision in particular. The lab conducts pioneering research in visual science that contributes to advancements in both academic and applied fields.
For further information, please contact:
Sara Davies
Snr. Director, Global Marketing & Communications
Email: sara.davies@technicolor.com
Professor Andrew Stockman
UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Email: a.stockman@ucl.ac.uk
