EN 61966-2-1:2000

Overview

EN 61966-2-1:2000 (CLC adoption of IEC 61966-2-1) specifies the default RGB colour space - sRGB for multimedia systems and equipment. The standard applies to the encoding and communication of RGB colours used in computer systems and similar applications, by defining encoding transformations for use in defined reference conditions. It is intended to provide a common, reproducible RGB encoding to improve colour interoperability across devices and software.

Key topics

• Default RGB colour space (sRGB): Establishes a single, widely adopted RGB encoding for general-purpose multimedia and computing.
• Encoding transformations: Defines how device-independent colour values are encoded and decoded to ensure consistent interpretation.
• Reference conditions: Describes the reference viewing and reproduction conditions under which the encoding is defined.
• Colour management compatibility: Supports consistent workflows by enabling predictable conversions between sRGB and other colour spaces or device profiles.
• Interoperability focus: Aims to reduce colour shifts when images and graphics move between displays, printers, cameras, and web applications.

Practical applications

• Web and multimedia content: Use sRGB as the default colour space for online images and graphics to ensure consistent appearance across browsers and consumer displays.
• Software development: Implement sRGB encoding/decoding in image editors, browsers, media players, and graphics libraries to maintain predictable colour rendering.
• Display and device manufacturing: Calibrate and profile devices to map native device colour to the sRGB reference for out-of-box consistency.
• Digital imaging workflows: Use sRGB as a safe interchange space for distribution and previewing of images when broader gamut or colour-managed workflows are unnecessary.
• Teleconferencing and consumer electronics: Adopt sRGB to standardize colour appearance across cameras, displays, and multimedia endpoints.

Who should use this standard

• Software engineers building image and multimedia applications
• Display and camera manufacturers implementing colour pipelines
• Web designers and content creators publishing for general audiences
• System integrators and AV professionals ensuring consistent reproduction
• Colour management specialists creating device profiles and testing workflows

Related standards

• IEC 61966-2-1:1999 (the original international document equivalent to EN 61966-2-1)
• ICC profile specifications and general colour management standards (for device profiling and conversions)

By adopting EN 61966-2-1 sRGB, organizations and developers gain a practical, standardized basis for consistent RGB encoding, improving colour interoperability and predictability across multimedia systems and computer applications.