Redscreen

Redscreen, or red screen, is a term with multiple unrelated meanings across computing, film and video production, and user interface design. It denotes a solid red display that signals an abnormal condition, or serves as a test pattern, depending on context. The term is informal and lacks a single authoritative definition.

In computing, red screens commonly describe fatal error displays that halt normal operation. Enthusiasts and professionals sometimes refer to these as the red screen of death, though the exact visuals and causes vary by system. Red screens can result from hardware faults, firmware failures, corrupted software, or boot-time problems, and recovery typically requires reboot, diagnostics, or repair.

In film and video production, a red screen may be used as a solid color reference or calibration patch. It can serve as a test card for camera sensors, lighting, exposure, and color reproduction, or as a transition with chroma-key workflows. Unlike green or blue screens used for keying, red screens are less common for chroma-key but may appear in testing or stylized contexts.

In user interfaces and accessibility, red overlays or full-screen red alerts are occasionally employed to indicate critical warnings or system failures. Designers weigh the urgency conveyed by red against readability and user comfort, and such screens are often accompanied by explanatory text or recovery options.

Because redscreen can refer to different concepts, readers should infer meaning from the surrounding topic. For precise usage, consult domain-specific documentation.