IEC 61966-8-2001 PDF

Full title and description

Multimedia systems and equipment - Colour measurement and management - Part 8: Multimedia colour scanners. Specifies measurement conditions, test methods and characterization procedures for objective assessment and colour‑management support of colour scanners that capture reflective originals and output RGB colour data for multimedia and computer applications.

Abstract

This international standard defines how to measure and characterize the colour performance of multimedia colour scanners so that captured image data can be used reliably within colour management workflows. It covers environmental and instrument conditions, test charts and targets, measurement procedures, performance metrics (tone, colourimetric accuracy, linearity, noise and spatial aspects) and the format for reporting results to support interoperability in multimedia systems.

General information

• Status: Published — current edition (as of 25 February 2026); widely adopted as an EN standard by CENELEC and by national bodies.
• Publication date: 15 February 2001 (IEC publication).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Also published/adopted regionally as EN 61966-8 by CENELEC and national standards bodies.
• ICS / categories: 33.160.60 (Multimedia systems and teleconferencing equipment); 35.180 (IT terminal and peripheral equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2001).
• Number of pages: IEC bilingual publication listed as 78 pages; many EN/national adoptions appear in shorter language‑specific printings (typically reported in the 38–42 page range).

Scope

Applies to the characterization and objective performance assessment of multimedia colour scanners used in computer systems, multimedia and similar applications. The standard defines the measurement environment, required measurement equipment and reference test targets, methods to determine colourimetric and tonal characteristics, procedures for measuring noise, spatial resolution and stray light where relevant, and the format for presenting results so they can be used in colour management systems and comparisons between devices.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and required environmental conditions for repeatable measurements (illumination, temperature, dark current control).
• Specification of test targets and test charts (colour patches, neutral steps, spatial resolution patterns) appropriate for scanner characterization.
• Methods for measuring tonal response (linearity, gamma/tone curves) and recommended reporting formats.
• Colourimetric characterization procedures to determine scanner spectral or tristimulus response and transforms to device‑independent spaces.
• Evaluation of signal‑to‑noise, dynamic range, stray light and uniformity.
• Spatial performance tests (resolution, modulation transfer considerations and geometric accuracy).
• Requirements for calibration procedures, reference white handling and repeatability checks.
• Recommended presentation and documentation of results to support colour management (metadata needed for profiling/ICC workflows).

Typical use and users

Primary users are scanner manufacturers and design engineers, independent test and calibration laboratories, quality assurance teams, colour management engineers, imaging system integrators and anyone specifying or validating scanner performance for multimedia, digital archiving, publishing or imaging workflows.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61966 series (colour measurement and management). Commonly referenced or used alongside: IEC 61966‑2‑1 (default RGB colour space — sRGB), IEC 61966‑6 (front projection displays), IEC 61966‑9 (digital cameras), ISO/IEC and ISO imaging references such as ISO 12641 (colour targets for input), relevant CIE publications on colorimetry (for tristimulus definitions and observers), and colour management/profile specifications used in ICC/ISO profiling workflows.

Keywords

multimedia, colour measurement, colour management, colour scanner, scanner characterization, RGB, colourimetric, test chart, profiling, imaging, measurement methods, reproducibility

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61966‑8:2001 is an international standard that defines how to measure and report the colour and imaging performance of multimedia colour scanners to support consistent colour management.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement conditions, required equipment and targets, methods to determine tonal and colourimetric behaviour, noise and spatial characteristics, calibration and the format for presenting results so captured RGB data can be integrated into colour management workflows.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Scanner manufacturers, test and calibration laboratories, QA teams, colour management specialists and system integrators who need objective, repeatable measurements of scanner performance for multimedia and imaging applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of 25 February 2026 the 2001 edition (IEC 61966‑8:2001, Edition 1.0) is the listed IEC publication and is adopted in EN form; no newer IEC edition was published for Part 8 at that time. The IEC record indicates a stability date through 2030. Users should check with the IEC or their national standards body for any amendments or revisions published after 25 February 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 8 of the IEC 61966 series on colour measurement and management. The series includes other parts that address colour spaces, displays, cameras and related multimedia devices and test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Multimedia, colour measurement, colour management, colour scanner, RGB, characterization, test charts, profiling, imaging performance, calibration.