CRIkompatible

CRIkompatible is a term used in the lighting industry to describe products whose color rendering performance aligns with the concepts of the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The designation is not tied to a single formal standard in most jurisdictions; rather, it is used by manufacturers, retailers, and reviewers to signal that a product renders colors in a consistent and expected way under typical viewing conditions.

Definition and scope: In common usage, CRIkompatible implies achieving a high CRI Ra rating (often 90 or above) across commonly used correlated color temperatures, and maintaining stable color rendering across normal variations in supply voltage and temperature. Some proponents also require testing with a specified set of color samples and a documented testing method. The exact criteria are defined by the issuing party and may vary between brands.

Standards and metrics: Because CRI has limitations, some CRIkompatible claims supplement CRI with newer color quality metrics such as TM-30-18, which measures fidelity to a wider color range and provides additional indices. Critics caution that without independent verification, the label can be marketing rather than a guarantee.

Applications: The term is used in architectural lighting, retail displays, photography, and film production where accurate color perception matters. It is generally found in product datasheets, catalogs, and review sites rather than formal certification programs.

See also: Color Rendering Index, TM-30-18, color quality metrics.