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Ambi / Combi

The industry acclaimed test standard

 


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Ambi Illuminators
Combi Targets

 


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 robot cameras
at Global Television Network.

 

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

We believed that Combis could also be a useful production tool.  In consultation with producers and engineers, 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 production and engineering environments.

 

You'll find Ambi/Combi at TV networks and stations, film studios, camera manufacturers, service shops, government agencies - anywhere excellent picture quality is a must.

 

 

Why is Ambi/Combi so Highly Rated?

 

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Because Ambi/Combi reduces flare problems.

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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.

 
 

2010 DSC Labs