[Training] 2024 Guangzhou ICA International Colorist PVA Certification Level 1 and Level 2 Video Calibration Training

From November 12 to 15, "Home Theater Technology" magazine and Audiovisual China jointly organized the ICA International Colorist PVA Certification Level 1 and Level 2 Video Calibration Training in collaboration with the American Professional Video Alliance (PVA) and the International Colorist Academy (ICA).

The instructor for this training course is Gregg Loewen, a certified instructor at the ICA International Colorist Academy and the founder of PVA. Gregg Loewen has previously served as an instructor for THX video training in the United States, a technical advisor in the video field for the CEDIA association, and a video technology consultant for numerous well-known audiovisual brands globally, including Epson, JVC, Optoma, Runco, Pioneer, Samsung, Panasonic, ChromaPure, CalMan, and Quantum Data, among others. With extensive experience in the field of visual electronics, Gregg Loewen has been involved in the design and calibration of over 4000 large-screen video systems for home theaters and commercial cinemas.

ICA International Colorist Level 1 Training (PVA Certification) Training Dates: November 12-13

The ICA International Colorist Level 1 Training (PVA Certification) covered fundamental content in electronic imaging and key elements of video calibration. This included basics of color science, standards for good image quality, adjustments to dynamic range, optimization strategies for signal paths and screen contrast uniformity, and a step-by-step explanation of calibration methods for brightness, contrast, grayscale, gamma curves, and color management. During practical exercises, participants conducted grayscale calibration and explored color management systems (CMS) and their role in color decoding and gamut management.

The main contents include:
●History of Television (brief) and Why We Calibrate
●Calibration Basics: Color Science
●What Makes a "Good" Image, Just Noticeable Differences (JND), and Video Performance
●Introduction to the Calibration Process
●Brightness and Contrast – Dynamic Range (Lab #1)
●Signal Path and Optimization Strategies
●Contrast Ratios and Screen Uniformity (Lab #2 optional)
●Color, Tint and Color Decoding (Lab #3)
●Sharpness, One to One Pixel Mode, and Enhancement Controls, Geometry and Convergence (Lab #4)
●Introduction to the Calibration Process and Integration of Signal Generators
●Grayscale, Gamma, and measurement of Color Error
●Hands-On Grayscale Calibration with discussion of Different Technologies (Lab #5, Calibration Check List)
●Software and Hardware Choices
●Overview of Front Projector Setup & Screen Technologies
●Anamorphic technologies, Scaling Technologies
●Resolution Overview
●Color Science and Color Standards Including Color Gamut (CCA and CMS) Management
●Overview of color management systems (CMS)
●Approach to Calibrating CCA and CMS, Examples of Different Systems (Labs #6, #7)

ICA International Colorist Level 2 Training (PVA Certification) Training Dates: November 14-15

The ICA International Colorist Level 2 Training (PVA Certification) is an advanced video calibration course that detailed the current best practices and the importance of 2D and 3D lookup tables (LUTs) in image optimization, especially in applications for high-performance home theaters and post-production. Participants engaged in calibration experiments, focusing on applying 3D LUTs to projectors. The training also discussed environmental factors and the necessity of auxiliary lighting in calibration. For 4K and HDR, the course delved into their impact on color spaces (such as UHD, DCI, and Rec.2020), emphasizing the application of EOTF gamma calibration in HDR projection.

The main contents include:
●Overview of Calibration and current best practice
●Hands on calibration lab
●Overview of 2D and 3D LUTs (Look Up Tables)
●Application of 3D Look Up Tables (LUT) and how they apply to performance home theater and post production
●Hands on calibration lab, special consideration to projectors and 3D LUTs
●Essentials of bias lighting
●4K (UHD) implications
●HDR implications
●Hands on training on the latest flat panels and projectors focusing on UHD, DCI and Rec 2020 Color Spaces, EOTF gamma manipulation, application of HDR best practice to projector technologies
●New technology and future challenges
●The Future of display technology including discussion of Ultra HD (UHD / 4K), OLED, etc

This training course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, allowing participants to perform targeted image calibrations on various home display devices, including flat-screen TVs, home theater projectors, and laser TVs, using professional optical measurement instruments, video measurement and calibration software, and video signal generators. After each day's session, participants can continue practicing video calibration in the classroom until 10 p.m. to further solidify their classroom knowledge.