Datacolor ColorFacts Professional Technical Articles - Datacolor - Global Leader in Color Management Solutions

Since version 1.0, ColorFacts has always had the ability to generate its own test signals using the video card of the host computer running the ColorFacts system. ColorFacts creates the test images as they are needed, measures the test images using the color measuring equipment, and then presents detailed information about the ability of the display to properly produce the expected image.

One of the limitations of generating test images from a video card is that video cards themselves can vary in their output quality, which introduces an unwanted variable into display device calibration. In addition, not all display devices can accept the VGA or DVI outputs from a PC based video card.

One solution to these issues is to use an external source of test images. Although this solves the issues inherent to the video card, unfortunately it eliminates the power and flexibility of allowing ColorFacts to request test images as they are needed. Common sources of external test images are:

The ColorFacts team has worked with the engineers of the AccuPel to incorporate discrete RS-232 commands into the HDG-3000 model in order to allow any of the test images available on that device to be called up at will. Not only does this solve the issues that are present with some video cards, but it also brings back the power and flexibility of having automated test images available to the ColorFacts system.

ColorFacts communicates with the AccuPel HDG-3000 through the RS-232 connector on the back of the unit. The AccuPel accepts a standard telephone cable into this port.

The simple visual is that ColorFacts drives the AccuPel HDG-3000, and the AccuPel drives the display device.

The ColorFacts team was so pleased with the results of the AccuPel HDG-3000 / ColorFacts integration that the technology was immediately adapted to support several signal generator models. ColorFacts can now directly integrate with the following signal generators:

Other signal generators like the Sencore VP-301 (pictured) integrate with ColorFacts through their RS-232 port on the back.

Video calibrations and display device analysis can be performed more accurately and more quickly when the equipment is tightly integrated together. Not only is there less opportunity for human error in displaying the correct test image, but significant amounts of time can be saved over displaying each test image manually.

ColorFacts can connect to any supported signal generator, and any supported color measuring equipment simultaneously and can synchronize the presentation and measurement of test patterns, and automatically characterize the performance of the display device.

Being able to present, and simultaneously measure, any test pattern that it may need means that ColorFacts is easier to use and more powerful than ever. Whether you simply need to jump back-and-forth between just a High and Low gray scale field, or measure an entire series of dozens of test patterns, ColorFacts with its signal generator integration saves time and reduces errors over performing these tasks manually.