Pro Display XDR as grading monitor

The new ASUS monitor (unreleased) has double the number of zones which may make that an attractive alternative.

I’m not sure what it is I’m seeing, but if someone explains how the test is done, maybe I can try to reproduce the results on my PA32UCX. Disclaimer: I’m not very tech savvy. hehe

The new ASUS monitor (unreleased) has double the number of zones which may make that an attractive alternative.

I’m not sure what it is I’m seeing, but if someone explains how the test is done, maybe I can try to reproduce the results on my PA32UCX. Disclaimer: I’m not very tech savvy. hehe

Jon, it’s the unreleased PA32UCG (with unknown cost) that has double the number of zones if I remember correctly.

The new ASUS monitor (unreleased) has double the number of zones which may make that an attractive alternative.

I’m not sure what it is I’m seeing, but if someone explains how the test is done, maybe I can try to reproduce the results on my PA32UCX. Disclaimer: I’m not very tech savvy. hehe

Jon, it’s the unreleased PA32UCG (with unknown cost) that has double the number of zones if I remember correctly.

Both the UCX and UCG have 1,152 zones.

Thanks for the correction, Jon.

I’ve got the Asus PA32UCX hooked up to a 16” MBP via Ultrastudio 4K Mini and HLG is the only HDR option - HDR PQ modes are all greyed out. I wrote Asus support (some of the worst on the planet in my experience) and am definitely not expecting a helpful response. BTW, does your display black out every time you try to switch reference modes in the OSD? It's so annoying!

Guys, is there a way to force the PA32UCX to go into HDR-mode?
When feeding the display via Displayport or HDMI from the MacPro i can‘t get it into HDR (
all HDR-modes are greyed out in the settings).
tried it from the mac-desktop as well as via DR16.1.2 video-clean-feed and HDR-Meta-Data over HDMI on and off.
Did a factory-reset, re-installed firmware on the display etc. but no luck.

When connecting an AppleTV 4K via HDMI it automaticly switches into HDR (same cables).so
at least this works...

I‘m going to get an Ultrastudio 4K Mini soon...but would like to test around with HDR in the meantime.

Any thougts?

Daniel Boist has confirmed that Asus PA32UCX does have HDR PQ modes when connected to UltraStudio 4K Mini with Resolve. I have also confirmed that HDR PQ modes work with Final Cut Pro. whew!

Excellent news, Jon. ASUS is looking like a decent option.

Excellent news, Jon. ASUS is looking like a decent option.

It is also great at last to have a (somewhat) affordable I/O box that’s compatible with both Resolve and Final Cut Pro. And even though they’re already off for the holidays, Blackmagic product managers and engineers were kind enough to respond to my email this afternoon. Don’t count on any after sales support from Asus. And even with Apple, you can arrange a call back any time of day and they’re willing to spend hours walking you through fixing a problem if necessary. On the bright side, the Asus PA32UCX-K runs $3,300.00 here in Vietnam and comes with stand, non glare glass, iDisplay Pro and three-year warranty - half the cost of the XDR, excluding peripherals. It will also play nice with both PC and Mac, whereas the XDR doesn’t according to Linus.

how do you guys currently connect Pro Display XDR to SDI?

did BM's "Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR" ever come out? looks like BM shelved it? is there an alternative?

or when will DaVinci support output to 2nd display as a grading monitor direct from graphic card?

how do you guys currently connect Pro Display XDR to SDI?

did BM's "Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR" ever come out? looks like BM shelved it? is there an alternative?

or when will DaVinci support output to 2nd display as a grading monitor direct from graphic card?

Nobody’s shelved anything. Sometimes products take longer than expected.

I just finished my follow up interview with Apple and have gleaned A LOT more information about how this all works and is going to work. It warrants another call with BMD to clarify a few points, editing, vetting, fact checking, etc. but I should be able to clear a few things up in the next couple of weeks.

Vincent Teoh has posted his review on his YouTube channel, where he compares it with the Sony BVM-HX310

This sort of review I was waiting for.
Apple made big mistake comparing monitor against top reference screens (well even Apple is far from being unmistakable).
Regardless- it's still not bad monitor and there is actually nothing at this price level which is better (is best ASUS model out?). For a prosumer usage it's not bad at all and accuracy out of the box looks very decent. Uniformity is quite bad though, but probably not worse than with LG OLEDs.
It's quite refreshing to see an IPS panel black level agains proper one. It reminded me my first look at old Dolby next to Sony OLED X300. Dolby looked so washed out- the same as here

it's still not bad monitor and there is actually nothing at this price level which is better ... Uniformity is quite bad though, but probably not worse than with LG OLEDs.

Really? Didn't know the LG OLEDs had uniformity issues. What about using a Panasonic GZ2000 as a grading monitor, and at half the price of the XDR?

As far as I know all big consumer screens have uniformity issues (this is quite often weak point). Maybe I'm wrong and still thinking about LCD screens
Sonny for example during production of their reference monitors at some points create special internal LUT which compensate for any uniformity issues. I assume not a single panel is perfectly uniform.

This shows LG OLEDs are quite uniform as for consumer TVs:
https://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/picture ... effect-dse

but these real life pictures are not so good:
https://www.avsforum.com/forum/40-oled- ... g-206.html

I would say (also after watching a lot of Vincent reviews) that Panasonic GZ2000 is probably your best choice if you have money for it. LG is not far away though.

No uniformity issues here on the LG OLED's and why would it, it's oled.

What about uniformity near black which Vincent is always talking about?

Hello Blackmagic / Everyone,

Has anyone used the new Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR to grade 4k 2096 on the XDR? Looks like an interesting setup!!

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/teranexmini8k

If so, any info or insight would be appreciated.

Kindly advise.

Thank you...

Rob

humm... that mon is not suited to gradeing SDR, and really not suited to gradeing HDR

makes a nice by pricey ui mon,

but not near being a ref mon by any means

so who would bother to hook one up?

advice is to buy a monitor that functions outside the Apple reality distortion field, as that's where you have to deliver masters to

Thank you Dermont,

Anyone else able to comment on this topic?

Kindly advise. The more the merrier.

Thank you.

Is there really an 18% grey paint or did I miss seeing a smiley? I just turn out all my lights when assessing colour.

Yes, 18% gray paint is available from these sources:

https://www.rpimaging.com/munsell-neutr ... aAQAvD_BwE

flandersscientific.com/tech-resources/

We literally used the Munsell N7 gray paint on the walls in our color rooms, with 65D LED lighting from FSI. I've worked in many rooms in LA where the company managers were kind of sloppy and indifferent for the need for neutral lighting and neutral furniture and walls, but my partner and I were determined not to duplicate that mistake here. (If I had my way, the hallway lighting would have 65D fluorescents, too.)

The SMPTE papers RP166-1995 "Critical Viewing Conditions" and ST2080-3-2017 "HD Viewing Environment" go into great detail on neutral colors and lighting used in rooms for judging color and picture quality.

Great post Marc Wielage,

I too believe in proper calibration of the workspace.

We used this paint - http://www.ecinemasystems.com/products/ ... -paint.php

These lights - http://www.ecinemasystems.com/products/ ... system.php

And these behind monitor lights - https://www.cinemaquestinc.com/ideal_lumesb.htm#Pro

Can’t stress how much better things become!

Great post. Thank you.

Now I’m wondering if I can purposely cut a few corners (financially speaking) and actually use the Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR to properly grade 4k(2096) on the XDR.

I’d like to add that I already have a properly calibrated Sony 2541A HD grading monitor that I know and trust - and a few pretty awesome 4K TVs on hand that I can use for pedestrian reference.

Bottom line - I’m hoping to grade 4k on the cheap - or rather, modestly, shall we say.

I know the XDR isn’t be THE BEST 4K grading monitor available. I’m just wondering if, in conjunction with other tools, like a calibrated workspace, HD monitor and TVs, if it’s good enough to “get the job done”.

Can I “pull it off”?

If so, it’d be a beautiful thing!

Anymore thoughts?

I started an actual thread on the topic.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=112068

I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INTEREST AND INSIGHT.

Best!

i dont think DisplayPort teranex is out and available for purchase yet?
i've been looking to get one since BM announced it last summer.
but there's been no updates on it since

Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR: $1,295 Buy Now.

Connects with DisplayPort 1.4 to a compatible monitor or with Thunderbolt 3 if you’re using the new new Pro Display XDR 34” monitor.

Thanks again,

I just got this from B&H...

"The DisplayPort converter is at least a few weeks out."

Unless Blackmagic can chime in here - or perhaps a beta user out there somewhere - I think this conversation is on hold until people get a chance to put it to work.

Staying tuned!

Thanks again...

Okay, true I haven’t looked at any dealers who are selling now. Thanks for checking that out.

Hi Rick,

I'll be placing an order for one later today. I'll be sure to keep you abreast of what's happening.

Until then, all best!

Cheers,

go the teranex mini SDI to DisplayPort 8k
trying to get an image out to apple pro display xdr with no luck.
i'm using original thunderbolt3 cable that came with the display (from USB-C type port out on the teranex into the apple display).

driving a 1080p 23.98 image out of Resolve to Ultrastudio 4k mini then sdi out to the teranex mini SDI to DisplayPort 8k
getting the image on the small monitor displays on the teranex and ultrastudio but nothing on the apple pro xdr display.
tried all kinds of settings with no luck

anyone else has that issue? maybe a different cable?

This cable won't work. There is another post about it, so use search (don't remember name of the thread). You need different cable, which you will find in the other post.

The thread was mine Friends...

Here’s the cable info. Start reading after the XDR photo.

All best!

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=112068

Good show, Rob! Sadly the Search function is often lacking if you don’t know the right keywords. Maybe that thread should be a sticky?

A sticky? I’m not familiar (in this context). Do tell. Explain if you will. It’d be appreciated.

At the top of each forum are a series of threads that are always present, they don’t scroll down as new threads are added. So people who are new see the Stickies and should browse through them for gems of wisdom before entering into the chaotic battleground of these ephemeral threads. I think a BMD moderator can convert a regular thread to a sticky thread if they feel it is worthy.

Right on Rick!

All answers should be made readily available to all.

Much appreciated.

Best!

Saw that the Apple Pro Display XDR won an award for Best Display of the Year in part due to its accurate factory calibration although this isn’t a reference monitor for colour grading award. Still nice it didn’t get a stinker of the year award. Write up is in MacRumors.


https://www.macrumors.com/2020/05/26/ap ... a-10-15-5/

So I'm in the same boat - having an XDR display here as a middleground between high end grading display and amateur colors

For my field the blooming is pretty much irrelevant, as I'm not that high end. Color accuracy is super important though of course, and the ability to switch the XDR between Rec709 and P3 mode in the blink of an eye is a super handy feature in my opinion because so many clients look at the work I'm delivering on some kind of Apple Display.

I still am very curious about the Teranex 8k solution and wondering if by now anyone has it setup and working and can report about the benefits. Is there any perceivable difference in the color accuracy vs the native Rec709 mode?

What decklink solution are you using to power the teranex?

I’m not a colorist by trade, just by necessity. If I had my druthers, I’d own the best monitors and scopes available on the market today.

But for now... I think this “middle-tier setup is quite nice!

Can’t give you specs beyond what you’ve read, but I can tell you it works like a charm.

I’m using a new Mac Pro rack-mount version > Blackmagic Ultrastudio 4K Mini > Blackmagic Teranex Mini SDI to DisplyPort 8K (not to be mistaken for the Blackmagic Teranex Mini SDI to HDMI 8K Version) > XDR Monitor.

NOT BAD!

Try it. You might like it.

If coming from the greatest reference monitors in the world, maybe not.

Otherwise, it’s a hell of a lot better than guessing in HD!

For what it is, I recommend it hands down!

The best budget-based, high pixel count, color monitoring solution for a Mac using an XDR Monitor, available today.

I don't question the purchase at all.

I see it for what it's worth. I’m realistic about it. I adapt accordingly.

Nothing is perfect my Friends.

But hey...

Some things are close enough while they last!

All the best to all who dive in and give the workflow a go!

Just be sure to get the proper cable to connect to the monitor itself! Very important!

There aren’t many options out there - or lengths.

Blackmagic recommenced two cables:

1. USB-IF Certified Cable Matters 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black 3.3 Feet

https://www.cablematters.com/pc-858-124 ... -100w.aspx

2. Qualtek’s USB 3.1 & Type-C Cable http://www.qualtekusa.com/press_releases_usb31.php

Unfortunately, to date, I believe both these cable lengths are limited to 3’, so so much for rack mounting my SDI to DisplayPort device!

I hope this helps!

Happy Monitoring!

Cheers!

Take heed.

I’m not a colorist by trade, just by necessity. If I had my druthers, I’d own the best monitors and scopes available on the market today.

But for now... I think this “middle-tier setup is quite nice!

Can’t give you specs beyond what you’ve read, but I can tell you it works like a charm.

I’m using a new Mac Pro rack-mount version > Blackmagic Ultrastudio 4K Mini > Blackmagic Teranex Mini SDI to DisplyPort 8K (not to be mistaken for the Blackmagic Teranex Mini SDI to HDMI 8K Version) > XDR Monitor.

NOT BAD!

Try it. You might like it.

If coming from the greatest reference monitors in the world, maybe not.

Otherwise, it’s a hell of a lot better than guessing in HD!

For what it is, I recommend it hands down!

The best budget-based, high pixel count, color monitoring solution for a Mac using an XDR Monitor, available today.

I don't question the purchase at all.

I see it for what it's worth. I’m realistic about it. I adapt accordingly.

Nothing is perfect my Friends.

But hey...

Some things are close enough while they last!

All the best to all who dive in and give the workflow a go!

Just be sure to get the proper cable to connect to the monitor itself! Very important!

There aren’t many options out there - or lengths.

Blackmagic recommenced two cables:

1. USB-IF Certified Cable Matters 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black 3.3 Feet

https://www.cablematters.com/pc-858-124 ... -100w.aspx

2. Qualtek’s USB 3.1 & Type-C Cable http://www.qualtekusa.com/press_releases_usb31.php

Unfortunately, to date, I believe both these cable lengths are limited to 3’, so so much for rack mounting my SDI to DisplayPort device!

I hope this helps!

Happy Monitoring!

Cheers!

Take heed.

Thanks a lot, that's good to know. The only thing that makes no sense for me is the Ultra Studio Mini 4k - If I wanted to use a decklink card to monitor up to 4k footage, which one would you recommend? DeckLink Studio 4K or DeckLink 8K Pro I guess or?

Do you feel the Teranex solution really offers an improved image accuracy over the straight via TB3 connection?

Not a professional colourist and have only great respect and admiration for those who are but your post neatly summarized why the Apple Pro Display XDR can be a good choice for the rest of us who are editing and colouring video for clients that don’t have the same high standard as the clients that are going to professional colourists.

This monitor has changed how I approach grading in that I can use DaVinci Resolve for both Edit and colour purposes on the same monitor and do that work with HDR waveforms and control my grades for 4000 nits for example and then deliver at 1000 nits or 100 nits as appropriate in P3 or Rec.709 with some level of confidence.

Life is too short to play games anymore; Resolve on dual screen monitors with edits in 6K, is just nice. Blooming? You can ‘see’ beyond that well-documented limitation to your finished deliverable with several standard colour spaces and gammas available. Calibration is planned to further enhance your confidence in its capabilities. We worry too much. Just do it.

WELL SAID RICK!

WELL SAID!

I’ve got the Asus PA32UCX hooked up to a 16” MBP via Ultrastudio 4K Mini and HLG is the only HDR option - HDR PQ modes are all greyed out. I wrote Asus support (some of the worst on the planet in my experience) and am definitely not expecting a helpful response. BTW, does your display black out every time you try to switch reference modes in the OSD? It's so annoying!

Guys, is there a way to force the PA32UCX to go into HDR-mode?
When feeding the display via Displayport or HDMI from the MacPro i can‘t get it into HDR (
all HDR-modes are greyed out in the settings).
tried it from the mac-desktop as well as via DR16.1.2 video-clean-feed and HDR-Meta-Data over HDMI on and off.
Did a factory-reset, re-installed firmware on the display etc. but no luck.

When connecting an AppleTV 4K via HDMI it automaticly switches into HDR (same cables).so
at least this works...

I‘m going to get an Ultrastudio 4K Mini soon...but would like to test around with HDR in the meantime.

Any thougts?

You can force HLG mode in monitor settings which is somehow useful.

I’ve got the Asus PA32UCX hooked up to a 16” MBP via Ultrastudio 4K Mini and HLG is the only HDR option - HDR PQ modes are all greyed out. I wrote Asus support (some of the worst on the planet in my experience) and am definitely not expecting a helpful response. BTW, does your display black out every time you try to switch reference modes in the OSD? It's so annoying!

Guys, is there a way to force the PA32UCX to go into HDR-mode?
When feeding the display via Displayport or HDMI from the MacPro i can‘t get it into HDR (
all HDR-modes are greyed out in the settings).
tried it from the mac-desktop as well as via DR16.1.2 video-clean-feed and HDR-Meta-Data over HDMI on and off.
Did a factory-reset, re-installed firmware on the display etc. but no luck.

When connecting an AppleTV 4K via HDMI it automaticly switches into HDR (same cables).so
at least this works...

I‘m going to get an Ultrastudio 4K Mini soon...but would like to test around with HDR in the meantime.

Any thougts?

You can force HLG mode in monitor settings which is somehow useful.

Yeah, thanks for that, I got everything to work fine, then promptly sold it! haha

Jon, does this mean you might look at the Apple Pro Display XDR? Now that I understand the monitor supports both HLG and PQ, I’m enjoying using it as long as the image isn’t full of very bring things against very black things. Then again it’s just the screen that can’t handle that situation as the deliverables May be fine. Still you know what I mean, it’s a shortcoming Apple admits to having and would have been reduced if they had many more than 512 MiniLEDs on a 32” screen. For most scenes I like it fine.

Jon, does this mean you might look at the Apple Pro Display XDR? Now that I understand the monitor supports both HLG and PQ, I’m enjoying using it as long as the image isn’t full of very bring things against very black things. Then again it’s just the screen that can’t handle that situation as the deliverables May be fine. Still you know what I mean, it’s a shortcoming Apple admits to having and would have been reduced if they had many more than 512 MiniLEDs on a 32” screen. For most scenes I like it fine.

Good to hear it’s working out for you. The XDR is a little rich for my blood. hehe