Bolt 500 DSMC2 Module-Gamma Transform Issue

[Kenny Mosher]

Hey guys
I have had a Bolt 500 DSMC2 module for a little over a year now and I have noticed that the wireless output from DSMC2 bodies (both Helium and Gemini) is not a clean signal. When comparing the image with a clean SDI or HDMI signal from the base expander the image from the Bolt module has higher contrast (what seems to be a gamma transform on top of the normal IPP2 color).

All monitor outputs are set to Rec709 SDR and they all have the same image pipeline without any LUTs. I’ve also confirmed that the Bolt XT Rx isn’t applying a LUT downstream. I’m running the latest alpha build FW 7.3 on the Helium and the Bolt has the latest Fw from Teradek. I’ve confirmed that the look is actually crushing the blacks with scopes on both my Flanders and Cine7 to ensure the gamma transform is in the signal.

Has anyone else seen a similar issue with this module?

Thanks
Kenny

[Alex Lubensky]

This might be just a "video" or "full" data levels issue of .rec709 color space. On my TV Logic 058W there's an option where you can choose you want to view the signal in video or full levels. Usually the camera sends in full levels over SDI. It might be that the module sends in "video" levels (you have compressed black and white point). If your monitor lets you choose the data levels of the signal - you might make the image display the correct way.

[Kenny Mosher]

Thanks Alex, I’ll look into that but since I see the exact same issue on my calibrated Flanders and my Cine7 I think it may be something else. My Cine7 is set to receive auto levels so it should adjust if the bolt is pushing out video levels.

Thanks!
Kenny

[Kenny Mosher]

Hi Alex,
So that worked perfectly on the Cine 7. I switched the color pipeline range on the wireless from "Auto" range to "Full" range and now the image looks almost identical to the direct SDI feed. Thank you!!