Need Help: Dark Video after output from FCPX

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Level 1

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Need Help: Dark Video after output from FCPX

I've been using FCPX for a few years. I've never been happy with the look of the video after it's output from the system. The video always seems to look dark, flat, just lifeless is the best way to describe it. But yet while editing inside FCPX the video looks great no matter what format. I will typically do color correction and work with luts, but everything looks good, until I see the project on another system monitor after it's been outputted.

I can't figure out what could cause this. Any thoughts? I'm certain there is something I am missing in the settings.

Time Capsule Hard Drive-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Apr 17, 2018 8:44 AM

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Answer 1

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Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Apr 17, 2018 11:56 AM in response to D.A.C.

FCP uses ColorSync to maintain color consistency through post. For that to work you have to have the color setting using the default for your computer. You cannot use a calibration setting or setting for external monitors; it has to be the system default setting. Try that and see if you get a more consistent output through the production chain.

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Answer 2

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Apr 17, 2018 1:31 PM in response to D.A.C.

If the color doesn’t stay consistent through the process, original media in playback, in the FCP viewer, and in the export file you might try using the ColorSync Utility and verify the profiles you’re using. The problem may also be in the iMac if it’s not set to use the default color.

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Apr 17, 2018 9:53 AM in response to D.A.C.

What color setting are you using in Display system preferences?

What kind of other system is being used to display the output file and how is the monitor set? What's the playback application?

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Answer 4

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Apr 17, 2018 12:41 PM in response to D.A.C.

No. Default in the Color tab. The ones you showed earlier are set for the external monitor. You should see the system default at the top of the Color tab. That’s weird. It’s showing the HP monitors at the top. What computer is this?

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Answer 5

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Apr 17, 2018 12:24 PM in response to D.A.C.

That’s the normal behavior but for FCP you need to use the system default in System Prefs.

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Answer 6

D.A.C. Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 17, 2018 11:44 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom,

I'm not sure my answer is what you are looking for however in the system I am using for FCPX i am using 2 HP LP2464 monitors on the "default" settings. They have a refresh rate of 60hrz.

After I have output from FCPX I usually screen them on an iMac with a built in retina display, set to the default settings. The color temperature is set mid way.

Dan

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Answer 7

D.A.C. Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 17, 2018 12:21 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

OK, sorry if this is a dumb question, only because I'm not a technical person. The settings you are talking about are in the system preferences for each monitor? Not inside FCPX? On the image I attached, the Apple OS found the monitors and set it automatically.

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