Runco Video Xtreme VX-40d Owner's Operating Manual page 49

Section 3: Operation
Contrast
"Contrast" increases or decreases the perceived difference between light and dark areas
of your image (0-100). For best results, keep it under 50. If contrast is set too high, the
light parts of the image lose detail and clarity. If set too low, the light areas will not be as
bright as they could be and the overall image will be dim. For best results, start with a low
value and increase so that whites remain bright but are not distorted or tinted and that
light areas do not become white (i.e., are "crushed").
NOTE: If the environment lighting changes, an adjustment of Gamma is recommended
(see below).
Brightness
"Brightness" increases or decreases the amount of black in the image (0-100). For best
results, keep close to 50. Start with a high value and decrease so that dark areas do not
become black (i.e., are "crushed"). Conversely, high brightness changes black to dark
gray, causing washed-out images.
Gamma
"Gamma" is a global setting that determines how gray shades are displayed between
minimum input (black) and maximum input (white) for all signals. A good gamma setting
helps to optimize blacks and whites while ensuring smooth transitions for the "in-
between" values utilized in other grays. Unlike "Brightness" and "Contrast" controls, the
overall tone of your images can be lightened or darkened without changing the extremes
and all images will be more vibrant while still showing good detail in dark areas when
using the "Gamma" control.
The normal gamma setting of 2.2 is correct for virtually all signals and conditions. If
excess ambient light washes out the image and it becomes difficult or impossible to see
details in dark areas, lower the gamma setting to compensate. This will improve contrast
while maintaining good details for blacks. Conversely, if the image is washed out and
unnatural, with excessive detail in black areas, increase the setting. Again, good gamma
improves contrast while maintaining good details for blacks and whites.
Filter
The proper filter setting is automatically set for virtually all signals,
and rarely needs to be changed. It applies a low pass filter for noise
reduction in the incoming input signal, particularly for HDTV or
SDTV. Applied in the analog domain before sampling, this filtering
removes high frequencies and thus reduces pixel phase noise (note this also reduces
signal bandwidth). Override only if standard pixel tracking and phase adjustments do not
adequately clear up a "noisy" video signal, or if a graphics signal appears overly "soft".
Both instances indicate that "Filter" may be set to the wrong option.
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