How to Read an HD Waveform Monitor

High-definition (HD) waveform monitors are a type of oscilloscope used to measure and calibrate video signals. Waveform monitors display the black, gray and white levels in a picture, which roughly correspond to the brightness of pixels in the video signal. Waveform monitors can be used in a number of ways, including calibrating different video cameras so they produce images with the same characteristics, along with assisting in post-production effects. Reading an HD waveform monitor can be accomplished with a bit of background in electronics.

Things You'll Need

• Knowledge of electronics and oscilloscopes
• HD waveform monitor

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the waveform monitor equipment. The display consists of two axes: the horizontal axis is the time axis, and one width of the monitor is one scan line across the video display. The vertical axis represents the voltage of the signal and is correlated with the brightness of the video signal.

2. Note the position of the signal on the waveform monitor. A line across the 0-volt indicator on the monitor indicates a black video signal, while a line across the top of the monitor indicates a white video signal.

3. Note the positions of the signals on the waveform monitor. Signals that are clumped together indicate a poorly exposed picture, while signals that are spread across the monitor indicate a well-exposed picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure the waveform monitor is properly calibrated before you use it.

References

• Recipe 4 DVD: How to Read a Waveform Monitor
• Larry Jordan: How to Read Scopes
• Anton Video Productions: Reading Waveform Monitor (Pal) While Adjusting (Y) Levels

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish