Gamut considerations for accurate colour reproduction on a computer display

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of the gamut of cathode-ray tube (CRT) display devices on the reproduction of real surface colours. The commonly shown two-dimensional colour gamuts of additive devices are extended to a consideration of the relative luminance (and lightness) required of an image and its effects on the gamuts available in reproductions of commonly used test colours. The effect of flare on the available gamut is also explored at different levels of ambient illumination and screen reflectance. A surprisingly large number of, for instance, Macbeth ColorChecker Chart colours are shown to be outside the colour gamut of typical display devices, at the luminance needed for accurate colour reproduction. The number of colours considered is broadened to include a very extensive range of real surface colours which are compared with the display gamuts over the full range of luminance found in practice. Conclusions are drawn as to the best uses of colour spaces to describe colour gamuts and practical issues concerning gamut limitations in the accurate reproduction of surface colours.

Keywords:

• gamut
• CRT display
• colour reproduction
• computer display