Final Cut Pro: FxPlug - Working with high RGB values in High-Precision YUV

Issue

Many FxPlug filters in Final Cut Pro and Motion are able to generate very high RGB values, even extending beyond the gamut of traditional video. When these values are converted from their native RBG color space to the YUV color space in a High-Precision YUV sequence, the results will be mathematically accurate, but due to differences in the available values between these color spaces, it's possible for the result to appear differently than intended.

In some cases this may result in bright, saturated colors in the highlight areas of the rendered result.

Solution

The RGB Limit filter can be used accommodate this color space difference. In this context, the following steps demonstrate how to apply the RGB Limit filter to a clip to achieve the desired result:

1. Double-click the clip in the Timeline so that it appears in the Viewer.
2. Choose Effects > Video Filters > Color Correction > RGB Limit.
3. In the Viewer's Filter tab, make the following settings in the RGB Limit filter:
   • Select the Minimum RGB Limiting check box.
   • Set the Clamp Levels Below parameter to 0%.
   • Select the Maximum RGB Limiting check box.
   • Set the Clamp Levels Above parameter to 100%.
   • Deselect the Max RGB Reduction check box.