"See every shade of the story." A proprietary HDR optical layering system using four synchronized projectors to achieve luminance, contrast, and color volume unattainable with conventional single-engine projection.
Spectra HDR is an Onyx Labs projection architecture designed to solve the fundamental limitations of single-engine HDR systems: constrained peak luminance, unstable contrast under ambient drift, color compression, and limited tonal elasticity at large screen sizes.
The system uses four independent projection modules, each calibrated to a specific layer of the final image. Through optical integration, advanced colorimetric shaping, and real-time ML-assisted geometric stabilization, the layers combine on screen into a seamless high-dynamic-range image through simple additive light physics.
Each projector contributes a distinct element of visual performance. No single layer constitutes a complete, viewable image — they are complementary components authored during post-production to work together as a unified HDR image.
| Layer | Role | Primary Function | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer A | Primary Layer (PL) | Foundational image structure, midtone rendering | ~12 fL |
| Layer B | Highlight Layer (HL) | Extended luminance headroom, specular detail | ~10 fL |
| Layer C | Shadow Detail Layer (SDL) | Near-black detail without raised black floor | ~6 fL |
| Layer D | Color Reinforcement Layer (CRL) | Saturation maintenance across dynamic range | ~7 fL |
Total system brightness reaches a minimum of 35 fL in standard certified configurations, with premium laser installations capable of 45–70 fL. The additive model is expressed simply:
Lfinal = La + Lb + Lc + Ld
In 3D mode, the four-projector array is divided into two stereoscopic pairs using wavelength multiplexing (6-primary spectral separation). This eliminates the need for high-gain silver screens, achieving over 7 fL per eye — double the standard DCI 3D specification — while remaining fully compatible with matte white reference screens.
| Stack | Projectors | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Left Eye | 1 & 2 | Base + Highlight (left) |
| Right Eye | 3 & 4 | Base + Highlight (right) |
Spectra HDR content is created by mastering a complete HDR image and then processing it through the Spectra Transform app, which automatically separates it into four complementary layers using a reference algorithm. For most content, the automated output requires no manual intervention. For premium releases, colorists working with Onyx Labs may refine layers individually.
Spectra maintains backward compatibility: a single-projector mode plays standard DCPs via Layer A alone, and a two-projector mode supports Dolby Vision dual-stream content via Layers A and B.
| Parameter | Minimum | Ideal |
|---|---|---|
| Projectors | 4 (identical model) | 4 RGB laser |
| Resolution | 4K (4096×2160) | 4K |
| Color Gamut | ≥ DCI-P3 | ≥ 95% Rec.2020 |
| Peak Brightness (total) | ≥ 35 fL | 45–70 fL |
| Native Contrast | ≥ 2500:1 | ≥ 1,000,000:1 (dynamic) |
| Pixel Alignment | ≤ 0.25 px | ≤ 0.05 px |
| Genlock | Required | Required |
The Spectra HDR technical specification (Reference #14) is currently in active development. The whitepaper, system architecture, projection requirements, 3D architecture, layer encoding specification, DCP packaging, auditorium requirements, calibration procedures, and Spectra Control Unit sections are complete. Remaining sections (Spectra Lite) are in progress.
We actively welcome technical feedback from projection manufacturers, studios, exhibitors, and integrators. Use the discussion section below or contact us directly.
Technical Feedback
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