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Originally posted by Corax

I searched around on Google a bit and on this forum but I didn't find anything too specific in regards to this particular concern.

So I'm planning on soon filming a short video that places a huge importance on computer monitors, the old CRT kinds. The setting is going to be mostlt dimly lit. Obviously there's going to be a huge problem with monitor flicker if this is done wrong. The monitors aren't just there for show, they are actually important story telling elements.

I did a bit of research for solutions to this and a simple solution I found is to just up the refresh rate on the monitor, so even if it didn't completely lessen the effect of the flicker it would significantly reduce it. However for a long time now I've been hoping to film something in 24 fps, and the video camera I'm looking at renting for this project would have that capacity. Now...

Would upping the refresh rate on the monitor still result in less flicker?

Normally I would just get out there and experiment myself, but considering I would be renting the camera I don't have that opportunity.

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You MAY be able to reduce the flicker by adjusting the refresh rate on the monitor. A better way to do it is to adjust the shutter on the camera. Better cameras have a setting called ECS which is short for Electronic Clear Scan. Once you're in that mode, you should be able to "roll" the scan bar until it is reduced to a point where you won't see it through the eyepiece.

BUT, if you're shooting multiple CRTs simultaneously, the best (and possibly only) way to remove all rolling scan lines is to run them from a central source. It'll likely involve a lot of cabling (depending on the number of monitors you have), but essentially your source for playback will genlock with the camera and monitors so they'll all be in sync.

There are companies which provide this kind of playback service for film (actual film) wherein the video is played back at 24fps instead of 29.97.

And speaking of that, your camera should be set at 23.98 NOT 24fps for most situations. If you're in doubt about the camera and post workflow, be sure to ask LOTS of questions to the rental house and run a complete test all the way through so that you don't encounter unpleasant issues when it's too late or too expensive to fix.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

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Originally posted by Corax

Normally I would just get out there and experiment myself, but considering I would be renting the camera I don't have that opportunity.

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Also, a good rental house will let you test with the camera for free. You may have to use it in their facility, but since all you're looking to do is point it at a CRT screen or two, it just means you dragging your monitors to the camera instead of the other way around. The upside of this is that if you have any issues, the tech guys are standing right there and will likely be interested in solving the problems almost as much as you.

The happier they make you in the rental experience, the more likely you'll become a regular customer and/or recommend them to your friends. So be sure to ask for a bunch of their business cards and let them know that you'll pass them out.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

Thanks bjdzyak!

The place I would be renting from is actually our province's "Film Pool," and I know the people working there personally so taking the chance to chat with them would be less than a problem. 🙂 Also I have actually used the camera before and really enjoyed it, but I will definitely take the opportunity to test it as well given that my shooting conditions (dimly lit interior with many CRT monitors) is much different now haha.

The central source idea might work, I really am going to have to figure this stuff out when more of the logistics are sorted out though. I'll take note of your suggestions. 🙂

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And speaking of that, your camera should be set at 23.98 NOT 24fps for most situations.

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Hmm... okay. I'll look in to that. I'm assuming that's so when you go to edit or play the footage through digital NTSC mediums the time code conversion (or whatever the process is called) will line up better? I'm not quite an expert on all that.