Problem
A review platform preview is lower quality than the master, causing a client to flag compression artifacts as grading problems.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Review platforms re-encode uploaded files into highly compressed, low-bitrate web proxies (e.g., 2 Mbps H.264/8-bit 4:2:0) to enable smooth streaming across mobile browsers. In dark gradients, subtle vignettes, or high-motion scenes, proxy macroblocking and color banding are mistaken by clients for poor grading or defective mastering.
Actionable Fix:
1. Upload 10-bit ProRes 422 proxy or high-bitrate H.264/H.265 files (minimum 15-20 Mbps) with 2-pass encoding to preserve gradient fidelity during platform re-encoding.
2. Include a standard disclaimer banner in review platform headers: "Web preview compressed for streaming; master colorist evaluation available via downloadable ProRes screener."
3. Inspect the web proxy stream on a calibrated external monitor to identify compression banding before sending links to sensitive executive clients.
Pro Tip:
Enable 10-bit HDR/SDR playback settings in review platforms (like Frame.io Enterprise) and upload high-bitrate mezzanine files so client browsers receive clean gradient streaming without banding artifacts.
Review platforms re-encode uploaded files into highly compressed, low-bitrate web proxies (e.g., 2 Mbps H.264/8-bit 4:2:0) to enable smooth streaming across mobile browsers. In dark gradients, subtle vignettes, or high-motion scenes, proxy macroblocking and color banding are mistaken by clients for poor grading or defective mastering.
Actionable Fix:
1. Upload 10-bit ProRes 422 proxy or high-bitrate H.264/H.265 files (minimum 15-20 Mbps) with 2-pass encoding to preserve gradient fidelity during platform re-encoding.
2. Include a standard disclaimer banner in review platform headers: "Web preview compressed for streaming; master colorist evaluation available via downloadable ProRes screener."
3. Inspect the web proxy stream on a calibrated external monitor to identify compression banding before sending links to sensitive executive clients.
Pro Tip:
Enable 10-bit HDR/SDR playback settings in review platforms (like Frame.io Enterprise) and upload high-bitrate mezzanine files so client browsers receive clean gradient streaming without banding artifacts.