Flicker and Old Tube TVs

[Needham Smith]

Hello,

Working on a show tomorrow and the DP has informed me that there will be old tube tvs in the shot broadcasting something. He was worried about the tvs flickering in the shot. Curious if anyone has any advice to keep the flicker out if any. Please let me know your thoughts or if there is already a post about this send a link; I couldn't find one.

Shooting on a Red MX, 23.98, 24fps

I image we will be doing some slow motion stuff as well.

Thanks so much.

 

[Zack Birlew]

It's all in the shutter speed, my friend. You basically adjust that until the flicker goes away or isn't as noticeable. Sometimes you have to give and leave a little in depending on your lighting setup and just what you want the shot to look like. Here's a basic explanation just from a Google search:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question336.htm

I'm not sure about the slow-motion stuff, that could be tricky depending on what frame rate and corresponding shutter speed you use. I haven't been in such a situation myself so it's hard to give a clear step-by-step on what to do.

 

[Zack Birlew]

Just playing with my 5D Mark II and my oldie gaming CRT TV, the usual TV standards of 1/30 and 1/60 work at 23.98, had to angle the shot just right though for no flicker or bars, but as the shutter speed went up, the flicker increased no matter the angle. The shutter speeds on the 5D Mark II are limited for video though so you may have better luck, just gotta test it with your monitors and see.

 

[J. Eric Camp]

Set your shitterto syncro.

Then set the shutter to 144*. From there adjust syncro and phase to taste.

Bingo.