Could the PS3 be introducing banding because it outputs PC Levels?



Quote:
Originally Posted by cybersoga /forum/post/0


I've not noticed banding myself, this is just a theory. So your saying it still outputs 1-255 but with no picture information between 1-16 and 235-255? Why would it clip the below black and above white and not remap?.

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The why I can only speculate that it is being utilized as an optical disc playback device for Studio Level codes. Remapping would cause crushing on the average display calibrated for 16 to 235. It was a choice they made. I do not believe it outputs 1-255 in any configuration but I do not play games so I've never had to calibrate for such. I do however have my display calibrated for both PC and Studio vide since I use an HTPC for both DVD and the ocassional surf. The PS3 matches quite well my Studio Video settings without the need to recalibrate - this checked with both DVE and the patterns that come on Sony discs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cybersoga /forum/post/0


I am assuming it's converting to PC levels because it's primary function is to generate computer graphics at 1-255, and it's converting video to match. Ideally it would be nice for the console to switch the hdmi output between pc levels and video levels as needed.

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I've seen some mention the problem with games but since I don't I only gave it a cursory glance, so from that I would have to assume it does not pass PC levels in any setup. I agree that having the choice for both types of calibration would be best but since there is no remapping and I can easily calibrate for Studio levels it has never been an issue for me personally. You might skim the stickied PS3 thread for further clarification.


ted

My display looks the same whether it's being fed pc levels or studio levels, the only difference is one passes below black while the other does not, which I can see only if I turn up the brightness. I assume HDMI tells the TV which is being used and it adjusts itself accordingly. I don't think DVI has this capability, which is why there is a "HDMI Black Level" option on my TV to manually choose (manual says it only affects DVI->HDMI). Low for when the input black level is 0, and Normal for when black is 16.


I think it is the case that it assumes YPbPr over HDMI is always video levels, while RGB DVI->HDMI can be either, but usually PC levels.


There is an option on the PS3 to choose the HDMI output format Automatic, RGB or YPbPr, but it doesn't seem to have any affect on below black clipping.


Interestingly, the HDMI Black Level option on the TV is available when the PS3 is in the main menu, but greyed out when playing a video disc. This would lead me to conclude that it is switching between RGB and YPbPr automatically but still clipping below black.