IEC TS 61966-13-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Multimedia systems and equipment - Colour measurement and management - Part 13: Measurement method of display colour properties depending on observers. IEC TS 61966-13:2023 defines an objective colour-difference metric and a measurement method for observer metamerism that can arise between displays with different spectral power distributions; it also specifies required measuring equipment, conditions and procedures for obtaining the metric and applies to light-emitting or backlit transmitting colour displays measured under dark-room conditions.

Abstract

This technical specification establishes an objective metric and a repeatable measurement method to quantify observer metamerism — the colour differences perceived by different observers when viewing the same displayed colour produced by displays with differing spectral power distributions. The document details instrument requirements, measurement geometry and environment (dark-room), required test samples and data reduction, and references established colourimetry standards. The IEC corrigendum 1 (issued March 26, 2025) has been incorporated into the official text.

General information

• Status: Published (Technical Specification)
• Publication date: 1 November 2023
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 33.160.60 (Multimedia systems and teleconferencing equipment)
• Edition / version: 1.0 (Ed. 1.0)
• Number of pages: 49

Key bibliographic facts above are taken from the IEC publication record for IEC TS 61966-13:2023.

Scope

IEC TS 61966-13:2023 applies to measurement of display colour properties in order to quantify observer-dependent colour differences (observer metamerism) for light-emitting or backlit transmitting displays under dark-room conditions. The scope covers the definition of an objective colour-difference metric appropriate for this purpose, required measurement instruments and geometry, test conditions, sample preparation, and data handling required to compute and report the metric. Normative cross-references include core colourimetry standards (ISO/CIE 11664 series and CIEDE2000).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of an objective colour-difference metric tailored to observer metamerism between displays.
• Measurement method and test procedures for quantifying observer-dependent colour differences.
• Specification of required measuring equipment, spectral measurement capabilities and calibration needs.
• Environmental and geometric measurement conditions (dark-room, viewing geometry, luminance levels).
• Data reduction and reporting requirements, including reference to CIE/ISO colourimetry (e.g., ISO/CIE 11664 parts and CIEDE2000).
• Application to light-emitting and backlit transmitting displays; guidance for repeatability and inter-laboratory comparability.

These topics and normative references are described in the IEC technical specification and its implementation materials.

Typical use and users

Primary users include display manufacturers, colorimetry and test laboratories, colour scientists, system integrators and quality engineers who need to evaluate and control observer-dependent colour differences across display models or technologies. The TS is used to compare displays, develop conformance tests, guide colour management decisions, and support research into display metamerism and observer variability.

Related standards

IEC TS 61966-13:2023 is part of the broader IEC 61966 series on colour measurement and management. Normative and related documents include ISO/CIE 11664 (Colorimetry) parts such as Part 1 (CIE standard colorimetric observers), Part 4 (CIE 1976 L*a*b*), and Part 6 (CIEDE2000) which are referenced for colour-space and colour-difference calculations. It is also related to earlier IEC 61966 parts addressing default RGB colour spaces and display equipment measurement.

Keywords

observer metamerism; colour-difference metric; display spectral power distribution; colour measurement; measurement method; dark-room conditions; light-emitting display; backlit transmitting display; CIEDE2000; ISO/CIE 11664.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 61966-13:2023 is a Technical Specification that defines an objective measurement method and metric for quantifying observer-dependent colour differences (observer metamerism) between displays.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the definition of a colour-difference metric specific to observer metamerism, required measurement equipment and geometry, environmental conditions (dark-room), test procedures, data handling and reporting to enable repeatable, comparable quantification of display-induced observer colour differences. The document incorporates Corrigendum 1 issued in March 2025.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Display manufacturers, independent test laboratories, colour scientists and engineers, and organisations involved in display quality assessment and colour-management system development.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The specification was published 1 November 2023 (Edition 1.0) and remains the current Technical Specification; a corrigendum (IEC TS 61966-13:2023/COR1) was issued on 26 March 2025 and has been incorporated into available copies. The IEC record lists a stability date through 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61966 family addressing multimedia colour measurement and management and references ISO/CIE colourimetry standards for core definitions and formulas.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Observer metamerism; colour difference; display measurement; spectral power distribution; CIEDE2000; colourimetry; dark-room testing.