For 20 years, network television engineers and other critical users 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.

What is Ambi/Combi?

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. 

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 fast and easy to set up.
	Because Ambi/Combi reduces flare problems.
	Because Ambi/Combi blacks are true black, representing real life black tones.

Optimizing the performance of every camera has never been this easy!

 See these articles to find out more about using Ambi/Combi for
camera testing, evaluation, setup, and matching.
 

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
"

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)

AmbiStand
Custom AmbiStand includes adjustable lamp bracket with spigot for light fixture also locking wheels. 

CombiMatte
Black mattes in 4:3 and 16:9 formats enable you to use Combi OSGs or other transparencies with other light boxes.  Outside measurement is 14 1/4x11" (36x28cm).

Iadi Lamp Fixture
Iadi 500w lamp with barn doors provides excellent even illumination for Ambi. 

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