For creatives such as designers, photographers, or video editors, utilizing the right color space on a color accurate monitor is crucial for a productive work session. Different professional monitors offer different color coverage, often including the color space Rec.709. This color space affects your selection of a professional monitor, but what is Rec.709 and how do you know when to use it for your creative work? In this article, we will explain what Rec.709 is and its importance in color accurate monitors. 

Rec.709, or BT.709, is the color standard for High-Definition (HD) displays and images. It was developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) and the first standard-approved version came out in 1990. By using this color standard, manufacturers can share a base for the colors they use to ensure every product meets users' color expectations. It does have updated variations, such as BT.709-6, but the Rec.709 standard remains the strong baseline for representing color for HD content, serving as a common language between your camera and display.

Rec.709 shares the same color primaries with sRGB but at a different gamma level, as shown in the graph below. For some content on TV today, such as UHD, HDR, or HLG content, the newer Rec.2020 or Rec.2100 are used to keep up with frame rate, bit depth, and color primaries. However, Rec.709 remains the basis for these updated color spaces and video editing on a professional monitor. This is because unless you are working for a streaming service, your content may not be captured and edited in UHD or HDR, and if you are working with those on your monitor, not every camera can capture images beyond HD. 

Rec.709 is important because most devices capture footage in the Rec.709 color space, especially for videography or cinematography. A Rec.709 monitor allows creatives to utilize a color gamut that resembles real-world colors captured from cameras that record HD content or HDR content. It makes images look realistic, baking colors into the image for better color grading and colors the human eyes can see.

As the core standard for video editing, Rec.709 is available in nearly every post-production editing application, from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve. Color grading footage, composing graphics, creating visual effects, or removing backgrounds requires realistic color accuracy for the final content to be HD or higher quality. Many large companies have also built 709 color calibrations into their displays, truly keeping it as the industry standard.

For professional monitors, especially those used for video or content editing, having a Rec.709 color cover of 99% or higher ensures what is on the screen matches the colors as intended. Check the monitor specs while comparing professional models before deciding what to get, and make sure it covers the color spaces you need for your work.

At BenQ, we strive to reproduce accurate colors in every one of our professional photography monitors. AQCOLOR, a proprietary technology developed by BenQ, is built on meeting industrial standards, emphasizing display details, and providing an out-of-the-box guarantee. Monitor capabilities are backed by third-party qualifications such as a Pantone Validated Certificate and Calman certification. The goal is to create products that will deliver on the promise of “Always Accurate and Consistent Colors” and empower creative professionals in every aspect of their work.

With BenQ Proprietary software, Display ColorTalk and Palette Master Ultimate (PMU), to ensure your colors are accurate and match across multiple screens. With creativity in mind, this software was designed to support your needs and elevate your creative processes.

Join the AQCOLOR Community and get the color accuracy you need with BenQ PhotoVue Monitors and DesignVue Monitors, backed by AQCOLOR technology and Paper Color Sync, guaranteeing color accuracy from screen to print. If you’re a student, take advantage of our special student offer here to get great quality for a great price. Additionally, SW and PD series purchasers and existing owners can get one FREE year of the new Pantone Connect Premium to bring the benefits of your smart device to your computer.