Mustatason

Mustatason is a Finnish term that translates to "black level" in English. It refers to the darkest part of an image or video signal. In display technology and image processing, achieving accurate and deep black levels is crucial for producing high-quality visuals.

A true black level, or absolute black, would ideally be the absence of any light. However, in practical display systems, there is always some light emitted, resulting in what is known as "black crush" or "elevated black level." This means that what should be black appears as a dark gray.

The ability of a display to reproduce deep blacks is often measured by its contrast ratio. A higher contrast ratio indicates a greater difference between the brightest white and the darkest black, leading to a more dynamic and detailed image. Technologies like OLED are known for their ability to achieve perfect black levels because each pixel can be individually turned off, emitting no light.

In photography and videography, controlling the black level is important during shooting and post-production. Adjusting the black level can help to reveal detail in shadow areas or to create a specific mood or aesthetic. Incorrect black level settings can lead to a loss of detail or an unnatural appearance of the image.