WFM – A 4K-HD-SD Signal Measurement Tool for ClearView Systems
The Video Clarity WFM is a software option for ClearView Analyzer and Player systems providing a real time professional quality signal analysis tool for input recording and playback functions. WFM is designed to monitor signal input and output from NTSC/PAL up to 3840X2160 and everything in between.
View your color bars, test patterns, live camera or telecine signal for device or facility installation, setup, commissioning, certification and other operational reference. Confirm that the color gamut and analog transmission limits are not violated and that the color phase is accurate. Multiple inputs may be compared when viewing the output of a switcher, to coordinate a multiple device setup.
Introduced with the release of ClearView version 8.4, WFM is now included in new fully licensed ClearView Analyzer models and optionally available for pre-April 2016 shipments, and as an option to the ClearView QA or ClearView Player products.
Vectorscope
The Vectorscope displays a traditional Cb by Cr X-Y display with overlaid reference graticule. Color accurate graticules automatically switch between SD and HD color spaces. The markers include color points (for standard bar checks) at 75% and 100% saturation. All the standard points are boxed; red, magenta, blue, cyan, green and yellow. A skin tone/flesh line is provided to allow for easy hue adjustment as well as standard diagonals.The exclusive Drastic Luma Stick (patent pending) displays luminance distribution and strength in a space saving and intuitive graphic format.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (Y, Cr and Cb) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023). The color of the text for each channel indicates the following: in range (green), out of range but legal (yellow) and illegal/sync values (red).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For single link 8 and 10 bit YCbCr signals, there is no color processing involved. For dual link 4:4:4 RGB signals, the equivalent Cb and Cr are calculated to create the display.
Waveform YCbCr
The YCbCr Waveform Monitor displays the levels of the Y, Cb and Cr from the left of the picture to the right of the picture with all the lines summed into one graph. The Y, or luma/luminance, graph provides accurate white and black level information, as well as the range in between. The Cb and Cr display the +/- 512 levels of chroma of both types. This provides a visual representation of the chroma range of the signal.
Critical for downstream color correction is the need to ensure proper luminance levels at the stage of initial capture, so any corrections will not muddy or wash out the signal information.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (Y, Cr and Cb) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023). The color of the text for each channel indicates the following: in range (green), out of range but legal (yellow) and illegal/sync values (red).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For single link 8 and 10 bit YCbCr signals, there is no color processing involved. For dual link 4:4:4 RGB signals, the equivalent Cb and Cr are calculated to create the display.
Waveform RGB
The RGB Waveform Monitor shows each of the red, green and blue signals as independent graphs, displaying the RGB, or chrominance/color values associated with the signal.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (R, G and B) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For dual link RGB signals, the original RGB 10 bit values are used unprocessed. For single link YCbCr signals, they are first converted to RGB before being analyzed and displayed.
Chromaticity
The chomaticity scope provides a visual representation of the colour in a video across all the colours of visible light. For a particular YCbCr range (BT.2020, Rec.709,CCIR-601) a triangle can be super imposed. This will delinate the colors that fall within the acceptable range and those that are outside it. The colour of the video within the CIE 1931 color display can be white over black, or black over white. The amount of a colour will cause that dot to be scaled from the second colour to the first.
Histogram
The Histogram view shows the distribution of red, green and blue within the signal as a series of discrete bars that make a continuous graph for each color. This display provides an overview of the tonal range of each color in the picture. Each bar is the count of the number of pixels for one of the 1024 possible colors. These totals are then auto ranged to fit within the graticule and represent the relationship between the shades of each color and between each other.
Each color has its own graph. The color’s levels are represented from left to right, with the absolute left being 0 and the absolute right being 1024. The scale is presented as a percentage to allow for extremely bright or dark pictures to be analyzed without truncating.
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
Picture
The Picture view shows the video signal, to confirm the source is correct and to display time code location. Both picture safe and title safe graticules are optionally available.
There is a scaled down version of the signal input on the right of each of the Vectorscope, Waveform Monitors, Histogram and Data views. They are a useful reference but smaller than the Picture view. This view exists to provide the fullest display of the signal for optimum quality viewing.
Data
The Data view allows access to the raw pixel values being monitored on the HDMI or SDI input. Values are captured and displayed in their raw values, with no manipulation by the software. Capture ranging is maintained, supporting both 0..255 and 0..1023 (inclusive). For YCbCr signals, the Y/Cb and Y/Cr pairs are displayed next to each other with no interpolation. For dual link RGB, the 0..1023 components are also displayed directly. This mode is perfect for checking vertical blank signaling and metadata, as well as picture issues like inner line sync markers or out of range colors. Pixel starts can be selected, along with lines, in the edit boxes above the data area. Pixels can also be ‘picked’ by clicking on the video image to set both pixel and line start. Hanging the mouse over the picture, will pop up a tool tip with the R, G and B percentage as well as the pixel X and Y position.
Zoom and Zoom Pan
WFM supports zooming the waveform monitors and vectorscope for a closer look at low saturation signals, or the luma elements of the waveform. The live picture can also be zoomed in or out, and panned with the mouse. To zoom, place the mouse over the picture or scope, and roll the mouse wheel. To pan the picture, click on it and drag it until the area of interest is visible. To reset to normal zoom, right click the mouse.
Signal Compare
Signal Compare is a feature that can be used to freeze a complete frame of video (two fields in interlaced), every second line (field) or at a 50/50 dissolve to compare two signals or cameras. Once frozen, all the standard scopes are still available for setup and comparison. While a frame is frozen, the comparison mode and kind of scope can be changed.
Closed Captions
WFM supports decoding of closed captions from line 21 encoding (SD) and line 9 KLV encoding (HD). The SD 608, HD 708 and OP-47 can all be decoded in real time from the incoming signal. The actual data can also be viewed on line 9 in data mode. The captions can be selected for displayed over the video in 8, 10 or RGB 10 bit. Closed caption types that are detected are all displayed in the data area.
Timecode
WFM reads multiple timecode types simultaneously and displays them in the lower third data area. RP-188 VITC and LTC, SMPTE LTC (analogue), vertical blank encoded VITC and RP-215 film KLV timecode are all supported.
Audio
Up to 16 channels of audio are supported for metering. Embedded, AES/EBU and analogue inputs are supported (depending on hardware), each with independent ppm/rms or loudness metering. R.128 EBU 9 and EBU 18 scales are available in addition to the RMS meters.
Full Screen Mode
Double clicking on the WFM interface will put it into full screen mode. This maximizes the space for the scopes and the picture, but maintains a timecode info line at the bottom of the monitor.
Raw and JPG Image Capture
The incoming image can be captured as a raw (YUV, V210, RGB10) image in full, bit perfect images using your ClearView File Importer. These can be read or converted with DrasticPreview or MediaReactor. Using <CTRL>-1, a JPG image can be captured in 8 bit YCbCr mode for easy reading and documentation. 10% and 50% JPG scaled versions can also be captured with <CTR>-5 and <CTRL>-9.
Setup
Setup controls the overall configuration of the scopes and associated hardware.
Video Input selects the HD-SDI, HDMI or analog inputs. In the case of dual link, 2 inputs are used. In the case of Quad HD (3840 x 2160) all four I/O ports are in use, so the downconvert is HDMI and analog only.
Audio Input selects either the embedded audio tracks (HD-SDI or HDMI depending on input present and selected), or the AES/EBU audio inputs. On some hardware, analog audio inputs are also available.
Signal Format lists all the formats supported by the I/O hardware.
Color Format determines the processing mode. In the case of single link, this can be 8 or 10 bit YCbCr or RGBA 8. For dual link it is normally YCbCr 10 or RGB 10.
Quad HD Color, for SD and HD the color space is 601 and 709 respectively. For Quad HD, the color mode can be Rec.709 or BT.2020.
Picture Mode determines how the conversion is done. All standard modes for up and down conversion are supported.
Down Convert determines the output signal type. The output can match the input or be converted to another up or down signal format.
Output determines the analog output formats. In SD this can be Composite, S-video or Component. For HD only component is supported.
The Closed Caption source may be selected for display on output.
The Auto Follow Input checkbox when selected sets the system to change its file format parameters when the input changes.
The number of Audio Channels displayed in the meters may be set.
Audio Pairs lets the user choose which audio pair is used for stereo output monitoring.
Specifications
Video/Audio Inputs
(hardware dependent)
- Single Link SDI/HD-SDI
- Dual Link HD-SDI
- Quad Link HD-SDI (Quad HD and 4K)
- 3G Dual Link
- 3G Dual Rate
- QHD/4K Quad Link and 2 sample interleave
- HDMI (system I/O dependent)
- CCIR-601 (SD), Rec.709 (HD), BT.2020 (WCG) or Rec.709 (QHD/4K)
- Analog inputs (system I/O dependent)
- Embedded audio, up to 16 channels
- AES/EBU audio, up to 16 channels (system I/O dependent)
- Analog audio (system I/O dependent)
Metadata
- LTC/SMPTE analog time code and user bits
- VITC/D-VITC vertical blank time code and user bits
- RP-188 HANC time code and user bits
- RP-215 VANC time code, user bits, key code and ink code
- Active Format Description detection
- SD 608, HD 708 and OP-47 decoding, overlay
Output
- Main output designed for a standard DVI 1920×1080
- Secondary down converted output available
- SD/HD/2K down conversion to HDMI and analog
- HDMI 4K quadrant output
Multiple Format Support
(hardware dependent)
- SD – PAL/NTSC
- 720p – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 1080i – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30
- 1080psf – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30
- 1080p – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 2K Digital Cinema (2048 x 1080) – 23 / 24 / 25
- 2K Film (2048 x 1556) – 14 / 15 / 23 / 24
- Quad HD/QHD (3840 x 2160) – 23 / 24 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 4K (4096 x 2160) – 23 / 24 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
Processing Modes
- YCbCr 8 bit 4:2:2
- YCbCr 10 bit 4:2:2 (standard single link)
- RGB 8 bit 4:4:4:4
- RGB 10 bit 4:4:4 (standard dual link)
- Full active picture
- Up to 32 lines of vertical blank
- HANC processing for audio and time code
- Vectorscope
Vectorscope
The Vectorscope displays a traditional Cb by Cr X-Y display with overlaid reference graticule. Color accurate graticules automatically switch between SD and HD color spaces. The markers include color points (for standard bar checks) at 75% and 100% saturation. All the standard points are boxed; red, magenta, blue, cyan, green and yellow. A skin tone/flesh line is provided to allow for easy hue adjustment as well as standard diagonals.The exclusive Drastic Luma Stick (patent pending) displays luminance distribution and strength in a space saving and intuitive graphic format.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (Y, Cr and Cb) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023). The color of the text for each channel indicates the following: in range (green), out of range but legal (yellow) and illegal/sync values (red).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For single link 8 and 10 bit YCbCr signals, there is no color processing involved. For dual link 4:4:4 RGB signals, the equivalent Cb and Cr are calculated to create the display.
- Waveform
Waveform YCbCr
The YCbCr Waveform Monitor displays the levels of the Y, Cb and Cr from the left of the picture to the right of the picture with all the lines summed into one graph. The Y, or luma/luminance, graph provides accurate white and black level information, as well as the range in between. The Cb and Cr display the +/- 512 levels of chroma of both types. This provides a visual representation of the chroma range of the signal.
Critical for downstream color correction is the need to ensure proper luminance levels at the stage of initial capture, so any corrections will not muddy or wash out the signal information.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (Y, Cr and Cb) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023). The color of the text for each channel indicates the following: in range (green), out of range but legal (yellow) and illegal/sync values (red).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For single link 8 and 10 bit YCbCr signals, there is no color processing involved. For dual link 4:4:4 RGB signals, the equivalent Cb and Cr are calculated to create the display.
Waveform RGB
The RGB Waveform Monitor shows each of the red, green and blue signals as independent graphs, displaying the RGB, or chrominance/color values associated with the signal.
At all times a minimum and maximum value for each of the channels (R, G and B) is displayed in 10 bit mode (0-1023).
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
For dual link RGB signals, the original RGB 10 bit values are used unprocessed. For single link YCbCr signals, they are first converted to RGB before being analyzed and displayed.
- Chromaticity
Chromaticity
The chomaticity scope provides a visual representation of the colour in a video across all the colours of visible light. For a particular YCbCr range (BT.2020, Rec.709,CCIR-601) a triangle can be super imposed. This will delinate the colors that fall within the acceptable range and those that are outside it. The colour of the video within the CIE 1931 color display can be white over black, or black over white. The amount of a colour will cause that dot to be scaled from the second colour to the first.
- Histogram
Histogram
The Histogram view shows the distribution of red, green and blue within the signal as a series of discrete bars that make a continuous graph for each color. This display provides an overview of the tonal range of each color in the picture. Each bar is the count of the number of pixels for one of the 1024 possible colors. These totals are then auto ranged to fit within the graticule and represent the relationship between the shades of each color and between each other.
Each color has its own graph. The color’s levels are represented from left to right, with the absolute left being 0 and the absolute right being 1024. The scale is presented as a percentage to allow for extremely bright or dark pictures to be analyzed without truncating.
Finally, a mini pic is always available as a confidence monitor.
- Picture
Picture
The Picture view shows the video signal, to confirm the source is correct and to display time code location. Both picture safe and title safe graticules are optionally available.
There is a scaled down version of the signal input on the right of each of the Vectorscope, Waveform Monitors, Histogram and Data views. They are a useful reference but smaller than the Picture view. This view exists to provide the fullest display of the signal for optimum quality viewing.
- Data
Data
The Data view allows access to the raw pixel values being monitored on the HDMI or SDI input. Values are captured and displayed in their raw values, with no manipulation by the software. Capture ranging is maintained, supporting both 0..255 and 0..1023 (inclusive). For YCbCr signals, the Y/Cb and Y/Cr pairs are displayed next to each other with no interpolation. For dual link RGB, the 0..1023 components are also displayed directly. This mode is perfect for checking vertical blank signaling and metadata, as well as picture issues like inner line sync markers or out of range colors. Pixel starts can be selected, along with lines, in the edit boxes above the data area. Pixels can also be ‘picked’ by clicking on the video image to set both pixel and line start. Hanging the mouse over the picture, will pop up a tool tip with the R, G and B percentage as well as the pixel X and Y position.
- Advanced
Zoom and Zoom Pan
WFM supports zooming the waveform monitors and vectorscope for a closer look at low saturation signals, or the luma elements of the waveform. The live picture can also be zoomed in or out, and panned with the mouse. To zoom, place the mouse over the picture or scope, and roll the mouse wheel. To pan the picture, click on it and drag it until the area of interest is visible. To reset to normal zoom, right click the mouse.
Signal Compare
Signal Compare is a feature that can be used to freeze a complete frame of video (two fields in interlaced), every second line (field) or at a 50/50 dissolve to compare two signals or cameras. Once frozen, all the standard scopes are still available for setup and comparison. While a frame is frozen, the comparison mode and kind of scope can be changed.
Closed Captions
WFM supports decoding of closed captions from line 21 encoding (SD) and line 9 KLV encoding (HD). The SD 608, HD 708 and OP-47 can all be decoded in real time from the incoming signal. The actual data can also be viewed on line 9 in data mode. The captions can be selected for displayed over the video in 8, 10 or RGB 10 bit. Closed caption types that are detected are all displayed in the data area.
Timecode
WFM reads multiple timecode types simultaneously and displays them in the lower third data area. RP-188 VITC and LTC, SMPTE LTC (analogue), vertical blank encoded VITC and RP-215 film KLV timecode are all supported.
Audio
Up to 16 channels of audio are supported for metering. Embedded, AES/EBU and analogue inputs are supported (depending on hardware), each with independent ppm/rms or loudness metering. R.128 EBU 9 and EBU 18 scales are available in addition to the RMS meters.
Full Screen Mode
Double clicking on the WFM interface will put it into full screen mode. This maximizes the space for the scopes and the picture, but maintains a timecode info line at the bottom of the monitor.
Raw and JPG Image Capture
The incoming image can be captured as a raw (YUV, V210, RGB10) image in full, bit perfect images using your ClearView File Importer. These can be read or converted with DrasticPreview or MediaReactor. Using <CTRL>-1, a JPG image can be captured in 8 bit YCbCr mode for easy reading and documentation. 10% and 50% JPG scaled versions can also be captured with <CTR>-5 and <CTRL>-9.
- Setup
Setup
Setup controls the overall configuration of the scopes and associated hardware.
Video Input selects the HD-SDI, HDMI or analog inputs. In the case of dual link, 2 inputs are used. In the case of Quad HD (3840 x 2160) all four I/O ports are in use, so the downconvert is HDMI and analog only.
Audio Input selects either the embedded audio tracks (HD-SDI or HDMI depending on input present and selected), or the AES/EBU audio inputs. On some hardware, analog audio inputs are also available.
Signal Format lists all the formats supported by the I/O hardware.
Color Format determines the processing mode. In the case of single link, this can be 8 or 10 bit YCbCr or RGBA 8. For dual link it is normally YCbCr 10 or RGB 10.
Quad HD Color, for SD and HD the color space is 601 and 709 respectively. For Quad HD, the color mode can be Rec.709 or BT.2020.
Picture Mode determines how the conversion is done. All standard modes for up and down conversion are supported.
Down Convert determines the output signal type. The output can match the input or be converted to another up or down signal format.
Output determines the analog output formats. In SD this can be Composite, S-video or Component. For HD only component is supported.
The Closed Caption source may be selected for display on output.
The Auto Follow Input checkbox when selected sets the system to change its file format parameters when the input changes.
The number of Audio Channels displayed in the meters may be set.
Audio Pairs lets the user choose which audio pair is used for stereo output monitoring.
- Specs
Specifications
Video/Audio Inputs
(hardware dependent)
- Single Link SDI/HD-SDI
- Dual Link HD-SDI
- Quad Link HD-SDI (Quad HD and 4K)
- 3G Dual Link
- 3G Dual Rate
- QHD/4K Quad Link and 2 sample interleave
- HDMI (system I/O dependent)
- CCIR-601 (SD), Rec.709 (HD), BT.2020 (WCG) or Rec.709 (QHD/4K)
- Analog inputs (system I/O dependent)
- Embedded audio, up to 16 channels
- AES/EBU audio, up to 16 channels (system I/O dependent)
- Analog audio (system I/O dependent)
Metadata
- LTC/SMPTE analog time code and user bits
- VITC/D-VITC vertical blank time code and user bits
- RP-188 HANC time code and user bits
- RP-215 VANC time code, user bits, key code and ink code
- Active Format Description detection
- SD 608, HD 708 and OP-47 decoding, overlay
Output
- Main output designed for a standard DVI 1920×1080
- Secondary down converted output available
- SD/HD/2K down conversion to HDMI and analog
- HDMI 4K quadrant output
Multiple Format Support
(hardware dependent)
- SD – PAL/NTSC
- 720p – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 1080i – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30
- 1080psf – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30
- 1080p – 23 / 24 / 25 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 2K Digital Cinema (2048 x 1080) – 23 / 24 / 25
- 2K Film (2048 x 1556) – 14 / 15 / 23 / 24
- Quad HD/QHD (3840 x 2160) – 23 / 24 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
- 4K (4096 x 2160) – 23 / 24 / 29 / 30 / 50 / 59 / 60
Processing Modes
- YCbCr 8 bit 4:2:2
- YCbCr 10 bit 4:2:2 (standard single link)
- RGB 8 bit 4:4:4:4
- RGB 10 bit 4:4:4 (standard dual link)
- Full active picture
- Up to 32 lines of vertical blank
- HANC processing for audio and time code
The Interface
There are seven main views: the main picture view, the vectorscope, waveform (YCbCr), waveform (RGB), histogram, chromaticity and the data view.
To the right of each of these views either 8 or 16 audio meters are displayed.
Below each view the real time metadata is displayed. Metadata fields include: LTC (longitudinal time code) from the SMPTE/LTC input, VITC (vertical interval time code) as encoded in the vertical blank, RP-188L (LTC marked HANC time code), RP-188V (VITC marked HANC time code), RP-215L (audio time code from KLV vertical blank), RP-215V (video time code from KLV vertical blank), also RP-215 keycode, R-215 Ink code, AFD (active format description), and BCF (broadcast flag). All closed captioning is decoded from SD 608 and HD 708 signals, and will soon be optionally displayed over the picture.