Update 6 Jul ’22: Here is an overview article on how to calibrate the Epson for HDR yourself if you want to have go.
After having seen that HDR was very much watchable in low lamp on the NP5, I was inspired to do a brighter HDR curve for the Epson.
I will give two gamma settings below that will work with any HDR mode you have calibrated on your Epson, as long as the gamma is a flat 2.2 when that picture mode is used in SDR mode. There two two curves:
- Max brightness: this is the brighter of the two and will likely make even Digital Cinema mode usable.
- Mid Brightness: this is a less bright curve that will likely make more of the slider range usable (and allows you to back off the HDR slider a bit.
I will also provide a Dynamic calibration in medium lamp. This mode allows for better contrast and brightness and tames the iris and lamp dimming in dynamic mode because the unit needs to do less manipulation.
HDR EOTF – Max Brightness
You will need to enter the following values in the custom gamma slot. The list lists the Tone Level first then the value. (Tone Level : Value)
- 9: 30
- 8: 29
- 7: 27
- 6:26
- 5: 23
- 4: 15
- 3: 10
- 2: 2 (or 1 for darker blacks)
- 1: 0
Save the picture mode into a memory slot.
HDR EOTF – Medium Brightness
- 9: 15
- 8: 14
- 7: 13
- 6:12
- 5: 10
- 4: 8
- 3: 5
- 2: 1 (or 0 for darker blacks)
- 1: 0
Save the picture mode into a memory slot to compare with the above.
Dynamic Medium Lamp Calibration
- Picture Mode: Dynamic
- Lamp: Medium Lamp
- Gamma: Custom with either of the options from above
- Auto-iris: High Speed
I’ve attached the pictures for the values you will need to enter into the two-point white balance and 8-point white balance areas.
CMS (RGBCMY)
- R: 55,66,20
- G: 45,60,36
- B:45,40,43
- C:2,65,30
- M: 50,50,25
- Y: 60,60,35
Digital Cinema Calibration
With the above gamma curves, I think a Digital Cinema calibration with the filter in place becomes possible. If you would like to do this yourself, would I would very much encourage you to do, you can find some resources here.
If you need a cheap colorimeter that is high quality, you can start with a Colormunki Display and HCFR. Some regions are selling the Colormunki Display for cheap to sell out old remaining stock.
The issue for me with Digital Cinema so far has been that I find the filter creates strange-looking colours even after calibration. I will actually develop a CCSS for this mode to see if that fixes it.
Hi Roland, what else is needed, besides the laptop and the colorimeter to calibrate the epson 6050 in HDR with HCFR? Do I need external patterns or is that enough?
Hi John,
You can run the patterns off a laptop as long as you have a digital output like HDMI or DisplayPort (to HDMI cable).
You can use external patterns but it isn’t really necessary.
It’s explained step by step in the Display Cal Volume 2 Guide. And while it’s in beta, I can help over email if something isn’t fully clear or working!
But I recommend people start with SDR calibration with Volume 1 and then attempt an HDR calibration. It’s just easier to pick up the skills that way.
But I’m here to help out if the guide isn’t doing it. I just want people to get started and not be so afraid of it!
Cheers!
Happy new year!🥳
So, do you have recommendations for setting up the ‘natural’ mode or do you say that’s perfect out of the box?
The way I see it, it looks a bit “dull/pale”compared to digital cinema and dynamic?!
Thanks again in advance.🙂
Happy New Year to you as well. It’s very good out of the box but the guys on both AVS and AV Forums posted settings for Natural that may work better for you.
The issue with any mode is that it does drift over time so to get the best, most accurate colour, you need the right instruments to touch it up every 300hrs or so. :/