White Color Tint During Higher Color Depth Capture. Example Solution Provided.
White Color Tint During Higher Color Depth Capture: Example Solution Provided
In recent times, the demand for higher color depth capture has increased significantly, especially with the advent of 10-bit and 12-bit color formats. However, many users have reported a white color tint during higher color depth capture using OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) with vkcapture. This issue has been a persistent problem for many users, and in this article, we will delve into the possible causes and provide a solution to this problem.
The bug in question occurs when using 10-bit+ color formats (i.e., p010) for OBS. This results in a washed-out preview and recording. The issue seems to be related to the way vkcapture handles SRGB (Standard RGB) content. Specifically, vkcapture does not convert or tag SRGB content correctly before passing it to OBS. As a result, if OBS is set up with a different color format, it assumes that the vkcapture provides the stream in the same format, leading to incorrect color mapping.
Color Mapping: A Complex Issue
Color mapping is a complex process that involves converting color data from one format to another. In the case of SRGB, it is a non-linear color space that is used to represent colors on a screen. However, when dealing with higher color depth formats like 10-bit and 12-bit, the color mapping process becomes even more complex. The issue with vkcapture is that it does not handle this color mapping process correctly, leading to the white color tint during higher color depth capture.
Similar Issue in Linux-Pipewire Capture
Fortunately, a similar issue existed in Linux-Pipewire capture, and a possible solution has been merged into OBS Studio. This solution addresses the color mapping issue and provides a more accurate representation of colors during higher color depth capture.
The following screenshot illustrates the issue:
As you can see, the preview (and in turn, the recording) has a white tint when using OBS with p010 + SRGB while the content is 8/10-bit SRGB. Interestingly, the source's preview is correct, possibly because it always shows content in NV12 + SRGB/REC.709.
Here are the system details that were used to reproduce the issue:
- OS: Arch
- GPU: Radeon 7700S
- Mesa version: 25.0.4
- obs-vkcapture version: 1.5.1
The solution to this issue lies in the recent merge of a pull request into OBS Studio. This pull request addresses the color mapping issue and provides a more accurate representation of colors during higher color depth capture. To take advantage of this solution, you will need to update your OBS Studio to the latest version.
Update OBS Studio
To update OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Open OBS Studio and navigate to the "Help" menu.
- Click on "Check for Updates."
- If an update is available, click on "Update" to download and the latest version.
Verify the Solution
After updating OBS Studio, verify that the issue has been resolved by capturing a stream with a higher color depth format (e.g., p010). If the preview and recording no longer have a white tint, then the solution has been successful.
In conclusion, the white color tint during higher color depth capture using OBS with vkcapture is a complex issue that arises from the incorrect color mapping process. However, with the recent merge of a pull request into OBS Studio, a solution has been provided to address this issue. By updating OBS Studio to the latest version, users can take advantage of this solution and enjoy accurate color representation during higher color depth capture.
White Color Tint During Higher Color Depth Capture: Q&A
In our previous article, we discussed the issue of white color tint during higher color depth capture using OBS with vkcapture. We also provided a solution to this problem by updating OBS Studio to the latest version. However, we understand that some users may still have questions about this issue. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.
Q: What is the cause of the white color tint during higher color depth capture?
A: The white color tint during higher color depth capture is caused by the incorrect color mapping process. Specifically, vkcapture does not convert or tag SRGB content correctly before passing it to OBS. As a result, if OBS is set up with a different color format, it assumes that the vkcapture provides the stream in the same format, leading to incorrect color mapping.
Q: Why does the source's preview show the correct colors?
A: The source's preview shows the correct colors because it always shows content in NV12 + SRGB/REC.709. This is a different color format than the one used by OBS, which is why the preview appears correct.
Q: Can I use a different color format for my stream?
A: Yes, you can use a different color format for your stream. However, you will need to ensure that your OBS Studio is updated to the latest version, which includes the fix for the color mapping issue.
Q: Will this issue affect my recording quality?
A: Yes, this issue can affect your recording quality. If you are using a higher color depth format (e.g., p010) and OBS is not configured correctly, your recordings may appear washed out or have a white tint.
Q: Can I use a different capture device to avoid this issue?
A: Yes, you can use a different capture device to avoid this issue. However, you will need to ensure that the capture device is compatible with your OBS Studio version and that it supports the color format you want to use.
Q: How do I update my OBS Studio to the latest version?
A: To update your OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Open OBS Studio and navigate to the "Help" menu.
- Click on "Check for Updates."
- If an update is available, click on "Update" to download and install the latest version.
Q: Will I lose any settings or configurations when I update my OBS Studio?
A: No, you will not lose any settings or configurations when you update your OBS Studio. Your settings and configurations will be preserved during the update process.
Q: Can I roll back to an earlier version of OBS Studio if I encounter any issues?
A: Yes, you can roll back to an earlier version of OBS Studio if you encounter any issues. However, please note that rolling back to an earlier version may cause you to lose any settings or configurations that were introduced in the later version.
In conclusion, the white color tint during higher color depth capture using OBS with vkcapture is a complex issue that arises from the color mapping process. However, with the recent merge of a pull request into OBS Studio, a solution has been provided to address this issue. By updating OBS Studio to the latest version, users can take advantage of this solution and enjoy accurate color representation during higher color depth capture. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.