AVS Forum banner

HCFR - Open source projector and display calibration software

2M views 16K replies 1K participants last post by  nathan_h 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi and welcome to the open source HCFR software thread.
Updated Jan. 27th - 2018

I love working and tinkering on the program but given the amount of time I've invested over the past year on improvements I'm going to start accepting donations. If you feel the program has been of value to you since I started working on it about 3 years ago please consider a contribution via the link below. Thanks!

https://www.paypal.me/zoyd
(or via direct paypal to vze262tr@verizon.net if paypal.me is not supported in your country)

Thanks to the following for recent donations! [LarryInRI, Barsk, 22point, LastButNotLeast, Dominic Chen, Brian M., Wayne L., Andrej S., Arturs J., Douglas P., John G., mo949, Eric V., David S., BlueChris, EXT64, Nihat S., Luis E., J. F., Miiku Joao F., Luis M., Nate W., Don H., Stahinja M., Jeff H., Pedro C., Howell A., Myat M., Carlos F., Webster D., SiegeX, Jörg O., Enrico B., Gert M., Marlon K., Jacob R., John G., Kari T., Ryan T., Franck P. ]

HCFR uses ArgyllCMS for the operation of the probes, so please help ensure that ArgyllCMS remains available in the future, by making a financial contribution to the argyllcms project:

www.argyllcms.com

---

This thread was originally started by JohnAd who had the nice idea of creating an open source fork of the original HCFR Colormeter software to integrate the existing GUI and all of it's calibration features, with the meter handling code of ArgyllCMS. Since ArgyllCMS is continually adding and improving meter support, HCFR benefits by staying current with these developments. The software is frequently referred to as HCFR or colorHCFR where HCFR is short for "Home Cinema-FR", a French forum where some of it's members originally developed the code to support their home-brew colorimeter in 2005. Along with the meter handling improvements introduced by ArgyllCMS, I have been working on improving and adding features to the color engine and internal pattern generator. Please use this thread for bug reports, usage questions and suggestions for improvement. Anyone wishing to help with code development should join the developers mailing list.

The latest version of HCFR (3.5.1.4) can be found here. Changelog

Help Wanted (pm zoyd)
  • Language translation
  • Update French and German with recent changes
  • Full Spanish, Italian, others? needed
  • Help file updates
  • PDF Quick Guide

User wl1 has provided some useful links for beginners to display calibration as well as links to helpful posts within the thread. Please take a look before posting to see if your question has already been answered. There is also a FAQ section below that may be helpful.

Useful Links
Display Calibration - Part I
Curtpalme - Calibration Guide for Dummies
Basic Guide to Color Calibration using a CMS (updated and enhanced)
ArgyllCMS Probe installation notes
Spears and Munsil
Choosing a Color Space | Spears & Munsil
The Secrets Blu-ray Player HDMI Benchmark Part 1 and Part 2
Original version 2 avsforum discussion thread
Another version 2 discussion thread
How-to: Use HCFR to profile your colorimeter

Links to Tools & Utilities
AVSHD709 Test Disk
GCD Disk
Mascior's Calbration Disc
dispcalGUI (front-end to ArgyllCMS)
Ted's LightSpace CMS Calibration disk (now with pointers for use with HCFR) [Set-up Instructions]

Thread Summary (from Post 792, New Scientist)
Post No. Comment
#151 to #155 - installing i1Display Pro

#159 - use of i1Display 3 3/1/2012 (march 1st)

#161 - removal of non-free code (for accessing meter)

#162 - x-rite driver (.dll) use

#165 - spotread

#167 - spotread

#174 - problems with i3D3

#180 - observations re use of i1D3

#183 - reply to #180

#189,#196 - x-rite drivers

#198 - x-rite drivers

#202 - installation i3D3

#226 - a first attempt at calibration

#227,#236 - i1D3 not requiring calibration

#231 - ccss

#248,#253 - i1D3 not requring drivers from x-rite to work with HCFR

#257,#258 - i3D3 with HCFR

#263 to #270 - analysis of #258

#275 - spreadsheet for setting gamma

#277 - spreadsheet uses

#325 - HCFR v3.0.1.0

#397 - using i1D3

#416 - graphs from testing i1D3

#425 - EDR and i1D3ccss too
l
#426 - v3.0.2.0 issues re i1D3

#428 - generate .ccss files from i3D3 disk

#442 - v3.0.3.0

#487 - v3.0.4.0

#507 - what is .ccss

#509 - refresh and i1D3ccss.exe

#514 - what is .ccss and .EDR

#519 - i1D3ccss usage

#528 - where should the .ccss files go?
#534 - ARGYLL_COLMTER_CAL_SPEC_SET environment variable
#540 - some addtional ccss file info (plasma displays)

#552 - ccmx file

#600 - i1D3 not showing in Sensor list

#610 - "Use measured colors", in Preferences -> General, option

#678 - i1D3 and i1 Display Pro differences

#682 - comment re issue with v3.0.4.0 and i1D3

#688 - which driver to use

#717 - i1D3ccss tool

#732 - do I need drivers or not?

#786 - spectral sample files

#824 – Steps to load Driver

#841 – i1D3 reds on Plasma - matrix

#876 – ColorMunki Display guide

#898 - 904 – Pana Window sizes

#1008 – Comparison of HCFR 2.1 and 3.0.4.0

#1083 – HTPC Cal. Suggestion

#1105 – Updating and removing Argyll Drivers

#1114 – Plasma Essential Reading

#1122 –i1D3Pro - initial accuracy study/background to meter matrices

#1146 – Matric Correction file info

#1150 – Import Matrix file into HCFR

#1205 – 2 point V 10 point Calibration

#1215 – Warming up meter

#1241 – profiling Meters

#1250 – Matrix file for Display LT2

#1258 – errors in HCFR ? Red push?

#1260 – GT30/VT30 Experiences

#1270 – WARNING – HCFR Matrix different than CP or CM

#1280 – Zoyd Steps in - Installation package and baseline Integration value

#1285 and 1299 – The fixes explained – instability @30%IRE

#1303 – Argyll Driver suggestions

#1336 –build from Zoyd – USB fixes

#1337 – Plasma/LCD – definitive Refresh settings and Calibration of meter (>50%)

#1344 – Lots of changes to HCFR

#1352 – List of more changes – BT1886 gamma target

#1354 – More info link on BT1886

#1357 & 1360 & 1370 – Answers about changes – and gamma recommendations

#1380, 1390 – another build

#1398 – Fork of a Fork

#1411 – Luminance and Delta E – Yes or No? Colour or Grey?

#1420 & 1426 – 3.0.4.1 Changes

#1424 – Use of GCD Disk Colour Checker Pattern

#1512 & 1515 & 1558– Version 3.0.4.2 Changes

#1521 – Run HCFR with Admin Privileges

#1523 – Projector questions and suggestions
#1537 – Explanation of Change to HCFR calculation of gamma
#1647 – LCD and LD ON/OFF? Plasma and ABL – guidleines
#1648 – Preferences -> General -> gray levels rounding assumption to unchecked? AVCHD,DVD=checked, GCD,internal patterns=unchecked
#1650 – Can I use matrix from D3 for LT2? No – see 1651

#1663 – BT.1886 or not? Depends on if you have 10 point control

#1702 – BT1888 is not meant to be flat

#1722 – Samsung D & E -75%A and 75%S recommended

#1774 – Explanation of affect of Patterns to gamma and light output results


FAQ:
Do I need to install a driver for the i1Display Pro (i1D3)?
No. This meter as well as the Huey, ColorMunki Display, and ColorHug use the system HID driver.

Which probes are supported?
Any probe that ArgyllCMS supports.

How do I install the right driver for my probe?
Assuming your device is not one of those above, the driver .inf file is located in the drivers sub-directory of the main HCFR folder (by default this is c:\Program Files (x86)\HCFR Calibration\Drivers). You do not need to install the full ArgyllCMS program but useful driver installation hints can be found here. After plugging in your meter go to the system devices in your control panel, find the meter and right click to update the driver. Point the update dialog to the HCFR drivers folder.

Which deltaE formula is the most accurate?
All the deltaE formulas represent a measure of the distance between your measured color and the reference color. So they are just rulers with different scales, use the one recommended if you aren't sure. For gray scale measurements the recommended formula provides more sensitivity to chromaticity (x,y) errors so it's easier to use for "tuning" your controls. The dE94 or dE2000 formulas are generally the most acceptable for "proofing" as they are the most uniform in perceptual space and a unit of error in one part of the gamut has the same visual impact as the rest of the gamut.

How can I import Chromapure probe profile data in HCFR?
Calculate the matrix correction using the spreadsheet from this post where z=1-x-y and then enter it in the sensor matrix tab.


How do I use the Casino Royale images to check my calibration?
There is a nice guide here on what to look for at those particular timecodes.


What do the different parameters for the BT.1886 gamma formula do?
The recommended value (default) for the exponent in the formula is 2.4. This value will be used when you enter 0 for absolute in the BT.1886 box. If you want to tailor the function to make the picture have a little more or less contrast then enter a different number here. If you enter 2.4 for example the actual exponent used will be adjusted so that the target gamma has a value of 2.4 at 50% stimulus. You might use that for a dark environment and 2.2 for a brighter environment.

The other parameter (% Input Offset) will change the shape of the curve near black up through about 20% stimulus. The default value will target a gamma that should provide plenty of detail in the shadows. If you find the shadow detail is being lifted too much when you calibrate to this curve, adjust this value lower (try 50%) and this will raise the target gamma near black and darken the shadows. Note that in most cases you must have multipoint gamma adjustment ability to get a good match to a BT.1886 curve. Also note that if you have a zero black level (e.g. OLED) the target point gamma curve will be flat.


What should I use to generate test patterns?
Most people start out using DVD/Blu-ray test disks to generate their test patterns and run HCFR in manual mode. The assumption being that the BD player is somehow altering the test pattern and not following industry standards for the rendering and transmission of video and that these errors must be "calibrated out". However, this assumption is usually overblown and most often you'll find that while there may be some single bit rounding errors being generated they are not large enough to have any perceptual effect on the signal. I recommend that once you get a good feel for the calibration process using a DVD/BD that you move on to automatic pattern generation (see next question) and then cross-check against your BD player results for sanity.


How do I set-up automatic test patterns?
HCFR has three options for automatic test pattern generation, it's own generator, madTPG, and the Chromecast device. The first two require some set-up of the video card to ensure accuracy while the third requires no set-up. All three options are very accurate test pattern generators with the following characteristics:

HCFR generates all of it's triplet targets in 8-bit video levels (16-235) so when used in a video level path both the internal generator and madTPG will provide technically reference triplets. When used in a PC level (0-255) path the internal generator will expand the video levels to PC level and this will produce rounding errors. While small it is recommended that you use madTPG if you want to calibrate in PC levels because it will dither the output levels and reduce or eliminate any rounding errors. A good summary of the various levels combinations can be found here(h/t @SiegeX).

The Chromecast device produces Y'C'C' output and while not technically a reference device because the levels it produces have rounding errors, it is also dithered to reduce these errors below perceptual limits. The advantage to this device is cost ($30) and ease of set-up (it really is "plug-and-play")

To set-up your laptop/PC for pattern generation (either internal or madTPG) you will need to ensure your video card has linear gain tables loaded (i.e. no profile installed). madTPG does this for you automatically, otherwise you'll need to research your card settings to determine how to do this. It is also easiest to get the correct levels set-up if you force the card to output it's normal 0-255 range when connected to your display over HDMI as some cards will default to 16-235 levels, which in some cases is undesirable. The madVR package has a utility for doing this (madLevelsTweaker) or your card may have this option in it's control panel.

Once you have the card set-up select 16-235 in the HCFR view images settings (or 16-235 in the madVR settings) for a display set to video levels. If the display is set to expect PC levels choose 0-255 in HCFR or the same in madVR. There are no level settings required when using the Chromecast as your pattern generator.

All three pattern generators have settings for window size as percent of screen area and background level as percent average picture level. Which settings you use depends on your particular display so it's best to consult an owners thread for specific recommendations.
 
See less See more
#4,461 ·
Zoyd-

I came across an issue while testing the DVDO TPG against the Madvr and the internal patterns within ColorHCFR. If you look at the pic attached, Magenta has the wrong triplet values. Of course they should be 235,16,235. It seems like ColorHCFR is queuing up 235,30,235. I have tested this with both Madvr and the internal patterns and the result is the same.

I am not sure why avs rotated the pic....
 

Attachments

#4,462 ·
Hi,

I've used HCFR for many years though only occasionally.

Today I experimented with the "view images" feature that lets you use internal test patterns... I love it... I love this feature.

Is there a simple way to verify my laptop has an accurate HDMI output?..... It's an intel graphics and if I dig there are adjustments I can make to it....

Would the best way to proceed be to just make measurements and compare them to measurements using test disc?... That's the only way I can think of to see if the HDMI output is correct.

-Brian
 
#4,463 ·
Zoyd-

I came across an issue while testing the DVDO TPG against the Madvr and the internal patterns within ColorHCFR. If you look at the pic attached, Magenta has the wrong triplet values. Of course they should be 235,16,235. It seems like ColorHCFR is queuing up 235,30,235. I have tested this with both Madvr and the internal patterns and the result is the same.

I am not sure why avs rotated the pic....
Thanks for the report, this is a bug in target mode so if you run a regular prim/secondaries sweep you should see the correct value requested. I'll post a fix shortly.
 
#4,464 ·
Hi,

I've used HCFR for many years though only occasionally.

Today I experimented with the "view images" feature that lets you use internal test patterns... I love it... I love this feature.

Is there a simple way to verify my laptop has an accurate HDMI output?..... It's an intel graphics and if I dig there are adjustments I can make to it....

Would the best way to proceed be to just make measurements and compare them to measurements using test disc?... That's the only way I can think of to see if the HDMI output is correct.

-Brian
It seems the intel HD3000/4000 series is quite accurate if you have linear calibration tables loaded to it and default settings for brightness, contrast, color, tint, etc. or any other control panel adjustment. You can compare to DVD playback but that assumes the DVD/BD player is accurate which may or may not be the case.

I don't know if there is a way via the display control panel to ensure linear calibration tables are loaded but I do this using the ArgyllCMS command line utility dispwin -d2 -c (-d2 means the extended display)
 
#4,467 ·
It seems the intel HD3000/4000 series is quite accurate if you have linear calibration tables loaded to it and default settings for brightness, contrast, color, tint, etc. or any other control panel adjustment. You can compare to DVD playback but that assumes the DVD/BD player is accurate which may or may not be the case.

I don't know if there is a way via the display control panel to ensure linear calibration tables are loaded but I do this using the ArgyllCMS command line utility dispwin -d2 -c (-d2 means the extended display)
In windows 8 do you know the directory path of where the calibration tables are located.
 
#4,468 ·
A new build of 3.1.6 has been uploaded with a fixed magenta internal/madVR pattern when using target mode.


In windows 8 do you know the directory path of where the calibration tables are located.
They are only stored on board the card as far as I know.
 
#4,470 ·
for what it's worth. I'm not seeing significantly different results using the ps3 to play the files than I did with my HTPC. the only change really is brightness and contrast settings.


but I'm ok with it. the results are good, whatever the reason may be(could be my avr affecting color for all I know), I am getting good images on both the f8500 and x35 with all my sources. even if my settings are a little different
 
#4,472 ·
fierce, does the PS3 cut off the steps above 235 with the mp4 files?
on the ps3, I was unable to get any of the flashing bars to even make it that high actually. seemed to cut off around 232-233.


it did this when I had RGB set to limited and full. but I wasn't too concerned about that particular pattern, since my contrast is determined more by the peak output than by any clipping. I don't often watch stuff off the ps3, it was more of a reference to make sure my HTPC settings weren't way off.
 
#4,476 ·
tweaking gamma?

Am I missing something obvious or is there really no way to adjust gamma besides a set's built-in gamma settings (i.e., is there any adjustment that can be made using the 10 point white balance or other setting that will affect the curve)?
Michael
 
#4,477 ·
hi I have version 3.1.6 in preferences color space standard option hdtv-rec 709 (75%/75%) It means patterns 75 % saturation with 75 % luminance for primaries and secondary colors with white 75 % luminance
Or 75 % saturation with 100 % luminance for primaries and secondary colors with white 75 % luminance ?
In Gamma calculation for Sony sxrd projector vpl-hw 55es what is the best option for bt.1886 gamma curve for effective and % input offset options ?

A request to supplement the help of the program with new features in menu preferences
 
#4,478 ·
Am I missing something obvious or is there really no way to adjust gamma besides a set's built-in gamma settings (i.e., is there any adjustment that can be made using the 10 point white balance or other setting that will affect the curve)?
Michael
Michael, you can use a 10pt white balance tweak to get a custom gamma curve. Keep in mind that your target Gamma curve is determined by your peak 100% white measurement and in most cases your 0% (Black) measurement if the Gamma curve is black level compensated (BT.1886 is black level compensated, as are the power law curves if you have black offset checked in advanced settings).

So first you tweak your Contrast and 100% White balance point to achieve your maximum luminance (~30-35 ftL for dark room viewing) while also ensuring that the 100% pattern is a neutral white.

In HCFR, you can then do a 10% Grayscale sweep. After the sweep, the table view will tell you what the measured luminance for each step was and should also list the target luminance based on your chosen Gamma curve.

What I then do is use Spot measures for each 10% IRE step and adjust the 10pt controls to keep that step neutral while getting as close to the target luminance value for that step. Work your way down from 90% to 10%.

Then repeat the Grayscale sweep. Now you should be very close to your target gamma curve and may only need a few minor tweaks.

In reality, the best way to do this is to first use your 2 pt white balance controls to get your 80% luminance value neutral and close to target luminance, as well as the 20-30% pattern (RGB Gain for higher end, RGB Offset for lower end). Then you do the more fine tuned tweaks in the 10pt white balance mode. This way you will have to do less editing on the 10pt white balance to get to your target curve.

This is the only way you can achieve BT.1886 gamma curves (as I've posted previously) as the set natively tends to have a fairly flat Gamma.
 
#4,479 ·
In HCFR, you can then do a 10% Grayscale sweep. After the sweep, the table view will tell you what the measured luminance for each step was and should also list the target luminance based on your chosen Gamma curve.
This is where you lose me: what am I looking for to find these luminances?

I have a nice curve, it's just too high or low, depending on the set's gamma setting.

Many thanks (again!) for your help.

Michael
 
#4,480 · (Edited)
there did not appear to be an option to play the files on the usb this way. it was RGB, either limited or full.
Y'CC out is only an option for disk playback.

hi I have version 3.1.6 in preferences color space standard option hdtv-rec 709 (75%/75%) It means patterns 75 % saturation with 75 % luminance for primaries and secondary colors with white 75 % luminance
yes

This is where you lose me: what am I looking for to find these luminances?
The bottom line in the grayscale measurement grid.
 
Top