Black‐level offset: Characterization and correction

— The correct setting of the black level is an important step in the (re)calibration of an electronic display. This study looks at the consequences of black‐level offset, the possibilities for display characterization with offset, offset correction, and the ability of average untrained users to visually correct the black‐level setting with the contrast and brightness controls on the display. In an experiment, 32 subjects were asked to optimally set the black level according to two types of instructions (short and extensive, between subjects) under two levels of illumination (low and office, between subjects) for two types of displays (CRTs and LCDs, within subjects). Most subjects were not able to set the black level near optimal for either display, with any combination of instruction and illumination level. The LCD did not have an optimal black level. For the CRT, optimal black level did not provide minimal differences with the sRGB standard tone reproduction curve.