Color Temperature
Color temperature measures the hue of white light, expressed in Kelvin (K). Lower values (3000K) appear warm/yellow-orange, while higher values (6500K+) appear cool/blue. LED walls are typically calibrated to 6500K (D65) for video standards, or 5600K for matching daylight in film production.
Understanding Color Temperature
Color temperature quantifies the apparent warmth or coolness of white light, providing a standardized way to communicate and match white point settings across different devices and lighting conditions.
Color Temperature Scale
**Warm (Lower K):**
- 2700K: Incandescent bulb
- 3200K: Tungsten film lighting
- 4000K: Cool white fluorescent
**Neutral:**
- 5000K (D50): Graphics/print standard
- 5600K: Daylight/film standard
**Cool (Higher K):**
- 6500K (D65): Video broadcast standard
- 7500K: Overcast sky
- 10000K+: Blue sky
Industry Standards
**Video Production:** 6500K (D65) is the reference for:
- Broadcast television
- Web video
- Computer monitors
- General video content
**Film/Virtual Production:** 5600K matches:
- HMI lighting
- Daylight conditions
- Film color science
**Print/Graphics:** 5000K (D50) for:
- Color-accurate viewing
- Print production
- Photography editing
Color Temperature in LED Walls
**Native vs. Calibrated:** LED panels have a native color temperature that may vary from target. Calibration adjusts RGB ratios to achieve the specified temperature.
**Processor Controls:** Color temperature can be adjusted via:
- Direct Kelvin value input
- RGB gain controls
- Preset selections
Practical Application
**Matching Environment:** Consider the viewing environment:
- Dark room: Standard 6500K
- Bright room: May need adjustment
- Mixed lighting: Compromise based on priority
**Event Considerations:**
- IMAG: Match camera white balance
- Presentations: Match room lighting if possible
- Concerts: Creative choice, not matching
Verification
**Measurement:** Use a colorimeter to verify:
- Actual Kelvin value
- CIE x,y coordinates
- Deviation from target
**Visual Check:** Display neutral gray scale and check for:
- Warm (yellow/orange) tint
- Cool (blue) tint
- Neutral appearance throughout
Common Issues
**Mismatch Between Panels:** Different panels may have different effective color temperatures if not properly matched.
**Drift Over Time:** LED aging can shift color temperature; recalibrate periodically.
**Inconsistent Control:** Not all processor controls calibrate accurately; verify with measurement.
Documentation
Record:
- Target color temperature
- Measured actual value
- Date of calibration
- Environmental conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What color temperature should I set my LED wall to?
Standard broadcast/video content: 6500K (D65). Virtual production/film: 5600K (daylight). Match venue lighting: adjust as needed. Corporate events typically use 6500K unless matching specific room conditions. Always verify with a colorimeter.
Why does my LED wall look different than my monitor?
Likely different color temperature settings. Monitors are often calibrated to 6500K, but LED walls may be set differently or may have drifted from calibration. Also check that both devices are using the same color space (typically Rec. 709).
How do I match LED wall color temperature to stage lighting?
Measure your key lighting color temperature using a color meter. Set the LED wall to match or complement. Note that gel colors and LED stage lighting complicate this—focus on matching key/fill lighting on talent areas.
Related Terms
White Balance
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LED Calibration
CalibrationLED calibration is the process of measuring and adjusting individual LEDs within a display to achiev...
Color Matching
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