The Offset Podcast EP030: Discussing Monitors Part 1
For our 30th episode we're discussing that topic we always seem to revisit - monitoring! While we have some opinions on the state of reference and consumer monitors in 2025 we thought it'd be fun to celebrate our 30th episode with some good friends who also happen to be experts in their part of the monitoring ecosystem. In Part 1 of a two-part series, we're joined by Flander Scientific CEO Bram Desmet, Nate McFarlin from Dolby, and David Abrams from Portrait Displays/Avical.We'll discuss their areas of expertise with each of them a little bit - monitor manufacturing, display testing and validation, and calibration. Specific topics explored in this episode include:Staying on top of monitoring technologiesChoosing display technologies for a monitor product lineDetermining what features make it into monitor softwareAddressing different needs of different users e.g. DITs vs ColoristsHow staying at the forefront of color science helps deliver the most accurate monitors possibleThe role that an R&D company like Dolby plays in the monitor ecosystemHow monitor usability is just as important as performanceThe complexity of monitor display technologies and how they can complicate monitor evaluationSometimes monitor evaluation brings with it things manufacturers don’t want to hearConsumer monitors can be considerably harder to evaluate than professional monitorsWhat does Dolby Certification really mean for consumer TVsWhen will we hit a point where HDR is standard & SDR is looked at in a similar way to HD or 4:3 Professional vs Consumer displays when it comes to calibration accuracy out of the boxCalibration is not a replacement for understanding & proper setup/use of a monitorExploring how calibration has become both easier and harderHow accurate is accurate enough and is the cost of reference calibration gear worth itNoticeable differences & degrees of accuracy with calibrationDrift and the frequency of recalibration In part 2 we explore some monitoring topics provided by our listeners and ones that Joey and Robbie have been eager to discuss.
--------
58:48
The Offset Podcast EP029: ARM In Post Production Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion about ARM-based computing and its impact on postproduction. If you missed part 1 in this series, be sure to check that out, as we cover a lot of helpful background information. In this show, some of the specifics discussed include:How ARM will factor into our next workstation purchasesDo we think Apple will deliver on a ‘beast mode’ Mac ProWill Apple Silicon ever support discreet GPUsHow ARM Linux systems are very appealing from a hardware point of view but have software challengesIs widespread adoption of ARM an inflection point for cloud-based workstations for the massesA side effect of cloud-based workstations might be faster feature/bug fix deploymentWhy the future of workstations is really excitingBe sure to check out our library of episodes, and if you liked the show, be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you find it.
--------
25:42
The Offset Podcast EP028: ARM In Post Production Part 1
ARM SoCs (system on a chip) have become a hot topic in the computing world in the past few years. Apple branded ‘Apple Silicon’, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, Ampere’s Altra, and others have been disruptive in a world once dominated by x86/x64-based systems from Intel & AMD.In Part 1 of a two-part series on ARM in postproduction, we explore some of the essentials of ARM systems, including:Basics of ARM vs x86/x64 processorsRISK vs Non-RISK CPUsThe flexibility & scalability of ARMThe goal of a uniform product architecture and its advantage for a company like AppleGPU design/performance - the surprise of Apple’s ARM implementationThe appeal and benefits of efficiency and low power consumptionThe benefits of unified memoryPackage scalability - faster/more cores, multiple SoCsDoes clock speed matter with ARM SOCs?Additional benefits - onboard encode/decode abilitiesAre SoC GPUs ever going to be on par with discrete GPUs? Will discrete GPUs ever come to Apple ARM systems?In part two, we’ll dive a bit deeper, exploring additional topics, including how cloud-based ARM computing could be a game changer for cost-effective, decentralized post workflows, what the future may hold for workstations from Apple and others, and much more.
--------
34:35
The Offset Podcast EP027: Where Do DCTLs & OFX Fit Into A Grading Workflow?
The built-in tools in grading applications like DaVinci Resolve are immensely powerful, but sometimes, you need a tool that goes further—or, at the very least, approaches a task in a slightly different way. In this installment of The OffSet Podcast, we're exploring how power grades, DCTLs, and OFX fit into a grading workflow.Specific topics we discuss in this episode include:Defining Powergrades, DCTL & OFXThe benefits of extending the toolset without cluttering the user interfaceIntegrating DCTLS and OFX into fix node tree structuresThe DCTL ecosystem as R&D for Blackmagic DesignKeeping DCTLs & OFX in sync, up to date, and on multiple systems and locationsExploring how to NOT paint yourself into a corner with DCTLs & OFXHow DCTLS and OFX require a lot of steps and clicks for useThere could be better interface & panel integrationSome of our favorite DCTLs and OFXBe sure to check out our library of episodes, and if you liked the show, be sure to like and subscribe to the show wherever you find it.
--------
53:15
The Offset Podcast EP026: Managing Review Sessions
In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we’re discussing strategies for managing client review sessions - both in person and remote. The review session sounds straightforward on paper, but it can be a complicated balancing act of moving things along, addressing changes, and keeping everyone happy. Some of the specifics we discuss in this episode include:Managing both in-person and remote review sessionsThe importance of ‘knowing’ the show - content, characters, etcModulating small talk and reading the roomLeveraging markers & notes for remaining tasks to accomplish & notes to selfAnticipating problems, tangents, and pushbackSetup your grading pipeline to make changes and comparisons easy for the clientThe power of making choices and changes visual Documenting and tracking changes for consistency and completion Making sure the technology works - audio, networking, lighting, passwords etcHaving a backup strategy - rendering out intermediate masters, duplicate projects/timelinesHaving clearly defined goals for the review session & a post-review plan You can submit show ideas and find show notes by visiting www.offsetpodcast.com. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube - just search for The Offset Podcast
The Offset Podcast is a semi-monthly (twice a month) podcast hosted by postproduction industry stalwarts Robbie Carman & Joey D’Anna - we’re professional colorists, educators, and polymaths in video postproduction and color. We’ve been told our detailed, informative, and easy-to-follow explanations of even the most technical subjects have helped people at all levels to improve their workflows, tackle their technical/creative problems, and even improve their approaches to business & client communication.
Geared towards postproduction industry professionals each episode feels like catching up with valued peers and is the perfect length for the average commute, lunch break, or to keep you company while you work.
Netherlands