I have a sequence in 1080i/50 1:1 resolution.

I want to export this sequence as .mov file with 1080i/50 DNxHD 185 8bit compression and I don't understand what colour spaces should I use.

Project, of course, uses 709 standard (blacks @16 and highlights @235 in Y waveform monitor). When I set 601/709 colour space on export settings (both - on general export settings and codec settings), I get too grey image on export. When I import it back with the same settings (via Fast import) in Avid (601/709 setting on import) and compare it with original (1:1), it's much brighter and with "grey fog". Levels on waveform monitor are "compressed" to center (highlights are below 235 and blacks are above 16).

I also tried to export using RGB color space and import back using 601/709 (if I use RGB on import, Avid doesn't offer fast import anymore, which results in spare compression generaton). In this case black/highlight levels are ok (16/235) but the middle part of waveform is "pushed up", so the image is still brighter than orignal.

The only way I can get correct image is when I use "same as source" setting and 601/709 colour space on export - when this is done, colours are fine when imported back in Avid. But in this case it's all in 1:1.

What I want is DNxHD 185 8bit for exported file. What colour space settings should I use to get correct colours?

P.S. I use Avid Media Composer v3.0, if it matters.

Some observations I made can be found here. Maybe it helps you finding your way thru' that colour-jungle.

Regards, g_f

Thanks a lot!

I guess I solved the problem.

I did a mixdown of a whole sequence to DNxHD 185 and exported it with "Same as source" setting and 709 colour space (which actually means rewrapping mixdowned media to an external QT file, so there's no quality loss between original mixdown in Avid and QT file). When imported back in Avid via fast import, image levels are identical to original. And they're fine in other applications as well. ;)