Why Green?

[Jason Cuddy]

Okay, this might be a very obvious question, but it's really bugging me. Last week on Grange Hill someone asked my Camera Op why the CRT is green on the MK-V we were using, and quite frankly we were all stumped.

Does it provide a getter contrast ratio?
Low power consumption?
Easier to see in the daylight?

I know flat screen colour monitors are now more common on newer rigs, but...why green?

Cheers,
Jason.

[Matt]

Try this thread http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2240&hl=why+green

[HJS-MK-V]

Hi Jason

It is to do with the phosphor coating to give better contrast.

Most of the new LCD's like the ones we do have a Much better picture and contrast ratio than these old Green screens. And we no longer need to flag or shade the screens to see a perfect picture.

Also FYI the original Steadicam (Model 1 - 3/3a) had the heads up display tube from the F14 tomcat as the viewfinder / Monitor. 18,000 volts and very bright. But even then on really sunny days we would still have to flag it to see.

Hope this helps - say hi to the guys there for me.
All the best
Howard

[RobinThwaites]

Just to expand on why green.

As Howard says green phosphors are the easiest to make bright and sharp but the question is why would green be chosen for the original head-up display tube?

The answer is easy and logical, green is the colour that the eye resolves best and are most sensitive to so it works best all round.

Robin

[HJS-MK-V]

Hi Robin

How are you?
Re - "The answer is easy and logical, green is the colour that the eye resolves best and are most sensitive to so it works best all round."

Cool - You learn something new every day...
but what happens if you are colour blind? - :wacko:

All the best
Cheers
Howard

[RobinThwaites]

I am good thanks and excellent question.

As my father was colour blind but I am not I thought I would investigate further and found this page http://www.toledo-bend.com/colorblind/aboutCB.html which highlights some interesting problems like not knowing when you are sunburnt.

Generally the problem is not that you don't see colours but that you can't tell the difference, red/green being the most common however I have never seen a red phosphor CRT monitor so it may not be an issue:blink:.

Robin

[HJS-MK-V]

Hi Robin

Many thanks - It was more of a joke - but thank you for the insite it is all very interesting...
I wonder how many Steadicam Op's out there are colour Blind? And if it does make a difference to them?

I know that since I have been using colour screens I find it much easier to do composition than in the old Green days. But maybe that is just me?

Take care and hope to see you soon
Cheers
Howard