Problem
An encoder interprets full-range source as limited-range and crushes blacks in the final file.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Video luminance ranges are categorized into Full Range / Data Levels (0-255 for 8-bit, 0-1023 for 10-bit) and Limited Range / Legal Video Levels (16-235 for 8-bit, 64-940 for 10-bit). If source footage recorded in Full Range (common in drones, action cameras, and screen captures) is misflagged or exported with an encoder preset that assumes Limited Range input, the encoder scales levels downward. This compresses blacks below level 16 into solid clipped black, obliterating shadow detail and blowing out specular highlights.
Actionable Fix:
1. Set the clip's Data Levels explicitly to 'Full' in the clip interpretation settings (Clip Attributes -> Data Levels: Full in DaVinci Resolve).
2. Ensure the export preset video levels parameter is configured to 'Auto' or matches platform delivery standards (Limited Range for broadcast Rec.709, Full Range for PC/web sRGB).
3. Inspect the waveform monitor on the exported master: verify that shadow information rests gracefully at 0-16 IRE without harsh clipping shelves.
Pro Tip:
For standard web and YouTube delivery in Rec.709, grade footage with legal video levels (64-940 in 10-bit) to ensure that consumer TVs, mobile devices, and browsers display consistent shadow contrast.
Video luminance ranges are categorized into Full Range / Data Levels (0-255 for 8-bit, 0-1023 for 10-bit) and Limited Range / Legal Video Levels (16-235 for 8-bit, 64-940 for 10-bit). If source footage recorded in Full Range (common in drones, action cameras, and screen captures) is misflagged or exported with an encoder preset that assumes Limited Range input, the encoder scales levels downward. This compresses blacks below level 16 into solid clipped black, obliterating shadow detail and blowing out specular highlights.
Actionable Fix:
1. Set the clip's Data Levels explicitly to 'Full' in the clip interpretation settings (Clip Attributes -> Data Levels: Full in DaVinci Resolve).
2. Ensure the export preset video levels parameter is configured to 'Auto' or matches platform delivery standards (Limited Range for broadcast Rec.709, Full Range for PC/web sRGB).
3. Inspect the waveform monitor on the exported master: verify that shadow information rests gracefully at 0-16 IRE without harsh clipping shelves.
Pro Tip:
For standard web and YouTube delivery in Rec.709, grade footage with legal video levels (64-940 in 10-bit) to ensure that consumer TVs, mobile devices, and browsers display consistent shadow contrast.