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DSC Rear Lit Products

The industry acclaimed test standard

 


 


As with any technology, front lit test systems have limitations. While ideal for setup under diverse lighting conditions and to check consistency between cameras, front lit technology is limited in its ability to reach the extreme levels of saturation and dynamic range demanded by many modern cameras. For these reasons respectively, DSC has developed the Northern Lights (front-rear lit) extended color gamut test system and the Xyla super high dynamic range test system. Providing the same level of accuracy as DSCs' front lit products, these charts provide invaluable information regarding your cameras true level of performance when pushed to the most extreme limits.

See how your camera stacks up against the rest! With the Northern Lights and Xyla test systems.

For those looking for consistency, portability and exceptionally even lighting in any conditions, DSC Labs has developed the Ambi / Combi test system.

Ambi/Combi consists of an Ambi illuminator and Combi (combined) test targets.  Ambi/Combi enables you to run conventional test signals through the entire camera path - from optics to output amplifier - and to use these signals to precisely assess and align your cameras.  This system provides an objective and repeatable approach for measuring and enhancing video camera performance. 
 

Ambi/Combi at Work

Illuminated from overhead, Ambi/Combi
is used to align three robotic cameras
at Global Television Network.

 

For over 20 years, network television engineers and other critical users have relied on DSC Combi test transparencies to setup, align and test cameras.  However, because typical rear-lit systems required cumbersome spheres and light boxes, Combis were seldom used in production. 

In consultation with producers and engineers to address this issue, we developed Ambi™, a unique and robust illuminator that lights Combi test transparencies with the user's choice of illuminant.  Thus, the Ambi/Combi System was born - and is now equally at home in both production and engineering environments.

 

You'll find Ambi/Combi in almost all major networks and stations, film studios, camera manufacturers, service shops, government agencies and anywhere else consistent and excellent picture quality is a must.

 

 

Why is Ambi/Combi so Highly Rated?

 

Because it's an integrated system, engineered for HDTV and digital cinematography.

Because Ambi/Combi can use scene illumination; it is the only rear-lit system to match the spectral characteristics of camera set up to the real scene.

Because when a Combi colorbar (held by Ambi) is recorded, the data is truly meaningful, incorporating the scene, lens and camera front-end characteristics - not just the camera electronics.

Because Combi patterns produce meaningful electronic signals - meaningful both to engineers and colorists in post.

Because Ambi/Combi is incredibly fast and easy to set up.

Because Ambi/Combi reduces flare problems.

Because Ambi/Combi blacks are true black, representing real life black tones.

 

You can use Ambi/Combi's in production, too!

 

Shooting a few seconds of a Combi colorbar/grayscale at the beginning of a scene provides an objective reference for use later in post.  Post production personnel can precisely set luminance and chrominance values before editing - and match differently lit scenes with precision and ease.  Find out more about Ambi/Combi in video and film production, in the following papers.

 

"Using Reference Test Objects: From Camera Setup Through Post-Production" (Reprinted from SMPTE Journal, Feb '01 issue)

"An Engineering Approach to Consistent Images" (Reprinted from the SMPTE Journal, Nov '98 issue)

 

 For more information on using a Ambi/Combi for camera testing, evaluation, setup, and matching see the articles below:

New Test System Brings Out Best in SD and HD" (Reprinted from TV Technology)
"DSC Laboratories Ambi/Combi System - Product Review" (Reprinted from Pro Video Review)

"DSC Charts - The Ultimate Camera Matchmaker" (Reprinted from Television Broadcast
"

 

DSC test products are covered by one or more patents: US4779136 and 5850256 - other patents pending.

 
 

*Free shipping on all items excluding Ambi Illuminators, Stands, Maxi Charts, Maxi Cases and Super Maxi Charts

- 2011 DSC Labs -