Monitor HDR Content

Content generated for Dolby Vision deliverables is rendered for monitoring by means of the three following methods:

• eCMU: external Content Mapping Unit
• iCMU: internal Content Mapping Unit
• HDMI Tunneling

Both eCMU and iCMU produce the same HDR/SDR results and can be used interchangeably without issues.

Dolby Vision™ iCMU

This workflow is based on a GPU accelerated software version of the Content Mapping Unit developed by Autodesk based on Dolby Laboratories® recommendations.

The iCMU accurately renders HDR FX for both CM 2.9 and 4.0. It allows preview in any viewport as any Timeline FX or batch node and can be used for rendering, media export, etc. SDI and HDMI monitoring are done using your video card, AJA or Blackmagic Design, as for any other project.

When working in CM 4.0, you can get a real-time CM 4.0 to CM 2.9 conversion by using the Preview mode, located in the Setup menu of the HDR FX.

Note that Flame can simulate a lower range display on a higher one. So for example, on a capable HDR broadcast or graphics monitor you can view both the HDR master and the lower dynamic range output of the iCMU processing. Flame's dynamic colour management adjusts the viewing pipeline accordingly based on the tagged colour space of what you are looking at.

Dolby Vision™ eCMU

Using a Dolby Vision eCMU involves using the SDI output of the AJA or Blackmagic Design card to feed a 1U server running the Dolby Vision mapping software. You can then use the SDI output of this server to preview the HDR/SDR based on content analysis and creative trims. In this workflow, HDR FX result can only be seen when monitored through the eCMU: the Flame viewing system does not display HDR FX results.

To connect your workstation to Dolby Vision External Content Mapping Unit (eCMU), refer to the eCMU user manual for more details.

When planning to use an eCMU, keep in mind the following:

• The supported version of the eCMU firmware: version 3.0.4.

• The eCMU can be used in HD (1080p) or UHDTV (2160p). Only regular frame rates are supported (that is, 23.98 fps to 30 fps). AJA cards support 10-bit and 12-bit. Blackmagic Design supports 12-bit only.

• eCMU must be to the same network as the workstation.connected

• In Broadcast Monitor preferences, set the following options:

  • Broadcast Timing: 3G HD or UHDTV Progressive timing (23.98 fps to 30 fps)
  • Broadcast Colour Space: 4:4:4 10-bit or 12-bit RGB (With Headroom)

Working with multiple eCMUs

Finishing facilities with an important number of Dolby Vision projects might have multiple eCMU servers. When the eCMU are on the same network as your Flame Family workstation, they can be detected and made available in the HDR FX.

Analysis and Creative Trim can be previewed with any eCMU to which the SDI signal is connected to.

It is possible to have different target display and Creative Trims when working with an eCMU. This ability allows multiple target displays preview and remote HDR/SDR workflow. Products like Streambox Chroma can convert SDI 12-bit 4:4:4:4 signal to a remote eCMU and provided network communication.

When users leave a Flame Family application, we save the last used eCMU. If eCMUs is still available when the software is restarted, they are selected with their last selected Target Display. If they are no longer available, you will need to manually set the Target Display for each eCMU.

HDMI Tunneling (AJA only)

You can use a Dolby Vision-enabled television to validate your Dolby Vision work. LG and other display manufacturers have HDMI display models supporting Dolby Vision metadata.

To view the result of the Dolby Vision analysis on an HDMI-connected television:

1. Connect an HDMI display (Dolby Vision-enabled) to the HDMI output of the AJA card (KONA 4, KONA 5, Io HD, Io 4K, and Io 4K Plus). Blackmagic Design devices are not supported.

2. In Broadcast Monitor preferences, set the following options:

   • Broadcast Timing: 3G HDTV Progressive timing (23.98 fps to 30 fps)
   • Broadcast Colour Space: 4:4:4 8-bit RGB (With Headroom)
   • AJA HDMI HDR: Dolby Vision

3. Create your Dolby Vision analysis.

4. Select Dolby Vision 2.9 and HDMI Tunneling from the HDR Mode menu.

5. The result of your work can be seen on the HDMI display.