AVIXA releases new standard for image contrast ratios

AVIXA has published am Image System Contrast Ratio standard, defining minimum acceptable contrast ratios for particular applications.

The new ISCR standard replaces the PISCR standard, published in 2011, which applied to projection only.

As direct-view displays have become more prevalent, AVIXA assembled a task group to assess their characteristics. The aim was to determine whether differences in technologies would affect how image system contrast was assessed.

The task group concluded that the measurement used in the original PISCR standard was equally appropriate for direct view displays. However, the addition of sequential (also called full on/off or inter-frame) testing was necessary for accuracy in characterising image system contrast for any technology. This is because sequential testing enables effective measurement of high-performance display technologies that can create high contrast ratios in a wider range of environments.

“Presentation technology has fundamentally changed since the original PISCR (Projected Image System Contrast Ratio) standard was released,” said Jonathan Brawn, CTS, principal at Brawn Consulting, and co-chair of this standard’s task group.

“Previously, while direct-view displays were a strong part of the industry, projection-based display technology still influenced the majority of large format installations at that time.

“Today direct-view technologies, like very large format LCD, LCD video walls and increasingly dvLED, have not only maintained being mainstream but are now the dominant technology in most instances. This drove a true need to update the original PISCR standard to reflect current technology.”

The new ISCR standard applies to:

• Planning and designing image system installations
• Setting minimum and optimum contrast ratios relative to stated purposes
• Testing and signing off on completed image system installations
• Determining remedial solutions for a system not conforming with this standard or inadequate for the stated purpose.

The standard’s four contrast ratios are based on the following content viewing requirements:

• Passive Viewing
• Basic Decision Making
• Analytical Decision Making
• Full Motion Video

“This standard helps our industry to address our customers’ needs,” said Justin Watts, CTS, senior AV design engineer, and co-chair of this standard’s task group.

“In new systems, we can deliver a superior experience by providing display solutions that meet or exceed the performance requirements for the core applications we represent. It’s also a powerful tool for existing systems, where we can evaluate their performance and provide sometimes needed justification for updates, upgrades, or changes to environment to maximise investments.”

To learn more, register for the webinar Leveraging the AVIXA Image System Contrast Ratio (ISCR) Standard led by Jonathan Brawn and Justin Watts, taking place on 12 October at 1pm EDT.

To download the ICSR standard, visit: www.avixa.org/standards/image-system-contrast-ratio

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