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Jack Hogan

Hello Art, interesting article with lots of good information explained in an easy to follow way, thanks!

One small correction. The rationale for log-gamma encoding is to save space/bandwidth/power, not because linear data looks inherently ‘too dark’.

Linear data is just right because that’s what the Human Visual System expects to see. Think of watching the scene through a window, then cover the window with a monitor showing a capture of the same scene: ideally they should produce the same natural signal to the eye, i.e. linear. The HVS then responds to the linear signal as it always does, non-linearly. Which is why log-gamma compression is possibly perceptually transparent, if properly done (by the encoder) and undone (by the monitor). With benefits in space/bandwidth/power in between (e.g. file size or HDMI cable max bit rate).

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