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* sourcing
 
* SMPTE RP-40
'''Test films''' are tools for calibrating, aligning, and checking [http://www.sprocketschool.org/wiki/Category:Projectors film projectors] and their components. Issues that can be diagnosed and corrected with the guidance of test films include [[ghosting]], [[focus]], [[framing]], and pedestal adjustments. They are sometimes used in conjunction with [[test equipment]].
* SMPTE RP-91
 
* sound test films
The term generally refers to films made by technical bodies like [https://www.smpte.org/ SMPTE] or by manufacturers like [https://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/CatalogSubCategoryDisplay.aspx?CID=81 Schneider Optics] specifically for test purposes, which are designed to help to calibrate your equipment so that it adheres to a certain set of image or audio standards.
* doing scratch tests properly
 
In practice, term may also be used more casually to refer to any piece of footage used to test a projector, such as a fresh trailer used to conduct a [[scratch test]].
 
[[File:SMPTE text.jpeg|frameless|right|thumb|300px|]]
 
==Common types of test film==
* SMPTE RP-40 - Visual focus test film for 35mm
* SMPTE RP-91 - Visual focus test film for 70mm
 
* SMPTE Buzz Track - Sound test film to set lateral position of film in the soundhead.
* DOLBY CAT. NO. 69P - Pink Noise test film
* CAT. NO. 69T- Dolby Tone test film
 
==Images==
'''click to enlarge'''
You may notice some of them are dirty, it's because they've been used many times! As they should be.
<gallery widths=200px heights=200px mode=packed>
File: Rp 40.jpeg| SMPTE RP 40 35mm test film. Used for evaluating optical alignment, timing, framing and focal registration. Can be used to evaluate jitter and weave.
File: Schneider test film.jpeg| Schneider Optics 35mm frame and focus chart. Used for evaluating optical alignment, timing, framing and focal registration. Great for evaluating contrast performance.
File: 16mm_test_film.jpg| 16mm test film (BLS 1682)
File: Ghosting.jpg| 35mm [[Ghosting|Travel Ghost]] test film
FILE: travel ghost can.jpeg| Can of SMPTE [[Ghosting|Travel Ghost]] test film
File: Rp91.jpg| SMPTE RP 91 5/70 test film
File:70MM test.JPG|Boston Light and Sound 5/70 test film on screen
</gallery>
 
==Sources of test film==
* [http://www.blsi.com/ Boston Light and Sound]
* [http://store.smpte.org/category_s/5.htm?searching=Y&sort=7&cat=5&show=100&page=1 SMPTE]
* [https://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/CatalogSubCategoryDisplay.aspx?CID=81 Schneider Optics]
* [http://www.rsem.com/equipment-list.asp?category=test%20film%2Fequipment&show=all&page=1 R.S. Engineering]
 
==Other Resources==
* [http://www.sprocketschool.org/wiki/File:Smpte-test-materials-catalog.pdf SMPTE Test Materials for Motion Picture and Television catalog], circa 1985
 
==External Links==
* [http://testfilms.tumblr.com/ Tumblr page] on test film history
* [http://lucyraven.com/RP31 RP31] 35mm film installation by artist Lucy Raven involving various test films.
 
[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Film prints]]
[[Category:Projectors]]
[[Category: Showmanship]]

Revision as of 12:38, 29 April 2017

Test films are tools for calibrating, aligning, and checking film projectors and their components. Issues that can be diagnosed and corrected with the guidance of test films include ghosting, focus, framing, and pedestal adjustments. They are sometimes used in conjunction with test equipment.

The term generally refers to films made by technical bodies like SMPTE or by manufacturers like Schneider Optics specifically for test purposes, which are designed to help to calibrate your equipment so that it adheres to a certain set of image or audio standards.

In practice, term may also be used more casually to refer to any piece of footage used to test a projector, such as a fresh trailer used to conduct a scratch test.

Common types of test film

  • SMPTE RP-40 - Visual focus test film for 35mm
  • SMPTE RP-91 - Visual focus test film for 70mm
  • SMPTE Buzz Track - Sound test film to set lateral position of film in the soundhead.
  • DOLBY CAT. NO. 69P - Pink Noise test film
  • CAT. NO. 69T- Dolby Tone test film

Images

click to enlarge You may notice some of them are dirty, it's because they've been used many times! As they should be.

Sources of test film

Other Resources

External Links

  • Tumblr page on test film history
  • RP31 35mm film installation by artist Lucy Raven involving various test films.