Proc Amp Color Reference

[Cingular]

I am planning to use an Elite Video BVP 4+ or Studio 1 (Sign Video) PA-2 (PA-200) proc amp for color correction on some VHS and Hi-8 movies to convert to digital. The source decks will be either a JVC HR-S9600U, Panasonic AG-1980P or a Sony EV-S7000.

I have not decided on a capture device. Perhaps a Matrox MX02 mini or Blackmagic Intensity Pro along with Adobe Premiere? This is a separate question really, not necessarily to be answered in this post.


When adjusting Proc amp controls what do you use as a color reference? It seems if you used a color bar, that the signal would need to be generated at the source though the VHS or Hi-8 deck. In other words, it sounds like you need a VHS or Hi-8 tape that can generate a color bar reference to adjust the proc amp? Is there some device that will automatically calibrate the proc amp? Is there a better way to reference the color than just a visual estimation?

What does everyone use in for a proc amp color reference when copying VHS & Hi-8 to Digital, DV files or uncompressed 10 bit?

Thanks for your help and time in reading my post.

[edDV]

This is why all broadcast tape has a color bar recorded at the beginning of the tape representing a correct levels and color balance before recording. When the tape is mounted for play, the VCR/VTR tech plays the tape, adjusts the proc amp to the reference color bar and then can be assured the rest of the tape will play at those levels. Idea is you are returning levels to pre-recording status.

Since your tapes probably had no reference color bar, you are left to eyeball it or better adjust it first on a waveform monitor/vectorscope, then eyeball fine color balance.

Some VHS tapes had a color bar. It became more popular with Laserdisc. Some DVD discs have color bars or the THX pattern for levels/color reference.

[lordsmurf]

Just eyeball it. There's no guarantee the reference found on a tape is correct anyway. Levels are all over the place. Just be sure your own setup is calibrated good, and then use your own brain-attached optics to decide the rest.