ISO 6036:1996

Overview

ISO 6036:1996 is an international standard titled "Cinematography - Colour motion-picture prints and slides for television - Density specifications" published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard specifies the principal density values for colour motion-picture prints and slides in 16 mm and 35 mm formats intended specifically for television transmission. It defines essential density measurement methods and outlines the optimal density ranges to ensure high-quality colour reproduction in televised cinematography.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  ISO 6036:1996 focuses on defining density values for colour 16 mm and 35 mm motion-picture prints and slides used in television broadcasting. It ensures that images maintain appropriate contrast and colour fidelity when transmitted via television.

• Density Measurement Methods
  The standard establishes that density measurements must conform to the spectral and geometric conditions specified in ISO 5-2 and ISO 5-3 for diffuse visual density. This ensures consistency and accuracy in film density assessments.

• Density Levels for Television

  • The television white level corresponds to a neutral density range of 0.25 to 0.4, which includes the base density of the film. This level reflects typical luminance values for television white, ensuring adequately lit images.
  • The maximum density of a print is influenced by scene contrast and film transfer characteristics. Shadow areas with no essential pictorial detail can reach densities of 2.0 to 2.75 but may exhibit some gradation or colour distortion.
  • The optimal colour reproduction density range is generally between 0.4 and 2.0, balancing image detail and colour fidelity for broadcast.

• Informative Annexes
  Annex A provides additional data on typical reflectance values for television white level and how these relate to human face reflectance in the image. Annex B includes a bibliography referencing related cinematographic standards on viewing and luminance conditions.

Applications

ISO 6036:1996 is vital for professionals involved in:

• Cinematography and Film Production – Ensuring that colour films formatted for 16 mm and 35 mm prints meet density requirements for television transmission.
• Television Broadcasting – Maintaining consistent image quality and color fidelity across broadcasted motion picture content.
• Film Processing Laboratories – Measuring and controlling film densities during print and slide production to meet predefined quality and transmission standards.
• Quality Assurance in Post-Production – Verifying that film outputs comply with international density specifications to guarantee optimal viewing experiences on television screens.

This standard helps producers, broadcasters, and labs maintain high-quality, colour-accurate motion-picture content adapted to TV technology, reducing issues like loss of detail or inaccurate colour reproduction due to improper film density values.

Related Standards

ISO 6036 references several internationally recognized standards to complement its specifications:

• ISO 5-2:1991 - Photography: Density measurements, part 2, covering geometric conditions for transmission density.
• ISO 5-3:1995 - Photography: Density measurements, part 3, covering spectral conditions for measurement.
• ISO 2910:1990 - Cinematography: Screen luminance for indoor theatre projections.
• ISO 6035:1983 - Cinematography: Colours, luminances, and dimensions, for evaluating film and slide colours in television use.

Adhering to these standards together ensures comprehensive and consistent measurement practices for film density and colour quality, optimizing cinematic content for television broadcasting environments.

Keywords: ISO 6036, cinematography standards, colour motion-picture prints, 16 mm film, 35 mm film, television transmission, density specifications, film density measurement, colour reproduction, cinematography quality control, television broadcast standards.