iPad Pro

DaVinci Remote Monitor for Color Correction

INDEX

1.0 Using iPad

Step 1: Create a DaVinci Resolve Cloud Account
To use DaVinci Remote Monitor, you must have a DaVinci Resolve Cloud login. Follow these steps:
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  • Click “Create a Free Account”
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  • Enter your email address, create a password, and fill in your details.
  • Verify your email address (you will receive a confirmation email).
  • Log in to DaVinci Resolve Cloud and ensure you can access your account.
Step 2: Install the DaVinci Remote Monitor App on iPad (NOT Davinci Resolve Studio)
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  • Tap Download and install the app.
  • Open the app and log in with your DaVinci Resolve Cloud account.
Step 3: Connect to the Colorist’s Session On The Day Of The Session
Client’s iPad
  • Open DaVinci Remote Monitor.
  • Log in with your DaVinci Resolve Cloud account.
  • Enter the Remote Monitoring Code provided by the colorist.
  • Tap Join.

Note: Your colorist will also need to be logged into DaVinci Resolve Cloud to enable Remote Monitoring.

2.0 Compatible iPad Models & Requirements

2.1 Best for HDR and Monitoring (Most Accurate Colors)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ and 13” (M1/M2/M4) → Liquid and Ultra Retina XDR Display (1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak HDR)
2.2 For UHD (Non-HDR) Monitoring
  • iPad Pro 11″ (M1/M2) → Supports UHD but lacks full HDR accuracy
  • Older iPad Pro models (A12Z, A12X, etc.) → Supports UHD, but not ideal for professional HDR work
2.3 Minimum iPad Pro Requirements
  • Operating System: iPadOS 17.0 or later with an A12 Bionic chip or newer.
  • Storage: At least 1GB free space for app installation.
  • Network: 5GHz Wi-Fi or Wired Ethernet via USB-C adapter
  • HDR Support: Only available on iPad Pro 12.9″ (M1/M2/M4) models

Note: HDR monitoring is only accurate on the 12.9″ M1/M2/M3 iPad Pro due to its XDR Display.

3.0 Optimize Settings for Color Accuracy and Viewing

3.1 For UHD (Non-HDR) Monitoring
  • Ensure the iPad’s display mode is set to Standard Mode.
  • Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network (avoid 2.4GHz).
  • Stay as close to the router as possible for a strong signal.
  • Internet Speed: Minimum 50 Mbps download for UHD.
  • Latency (Ping): Below 30ms for smooth playback.
3.2 Additional For HDR Monitoring (Only for iPad Pro 12.9″ M1/M2/M3)
  • Confirm HDR Mode is Enabled.
  • Internet Speed: Minimum 100 Mbps for HDR.
  • Latency (Ping): Below 30ms for smooth playback.
  • Click here for speed test.
3.3 Troubleshooting Tips
  • Black screen or no connection? → Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong, and you are ideally using 5GHz Wi-Fi.
  • Colors look off? → If using HDR, make sure you have a 12.9″ M1/M2/M3 iPad Pro and HDR mode is enabled.
  • Laggy playback? → Move closer to the Wi-Fi router, or use a wired connection via a USB-C Ethernet adapter.
3.4 Why Not To Use An iPad (vs iPad Pro)?
  • Limited color accuracy → sRGB screens lack full DCI-P3 gamut.
  • Weaker GPU & lower refresh rate → Can cause lag and stuttering.
  • Does not support HDR.

4.0 Best Room Environment for Color Review

For accurate color review in DaVinci Remote Monitor, the client’s viewing environment plays a crucial role. Even with a high-quality iPad Pro (M4, M3, M2, M1, A12Z, A12X), poor lighting conditions or reflections can distort perceived colors and contrast.
4.1 Lighting Conditions (Avoiding Reflections & Glare)
  • Best: Soft, indirect lighting (like dimmable LED panels or bias lighting behind the screen).
  • Avoid: Direct light sources that create glare or color casts on the iPad screen.
  • Worst: Bright overhead fluorescent lights, sunlight hitting the screen, or mixed color temperature lighting.
  • Angle the iPad to minimize screen glare from windows or artificial light sources.
  • Use a dark, matte surface behind the iPad to prevent unwanted reflections.

Tip: If working in a room with windows, close blinds or curtains to prevent changing daylight conditions from affecting color perception.

4.2 Wall & Surrounding Colors (Neutral Environment is Key)
  • Best: Neutral gray walls (18% gray is ideal) → Prevents color bias in perception.
  • Good: Soft white walls with consistent lighting.
  • Avoid: Brightly colored walls (e.g., red, blue, green), as they can affect how the eye perceives colors on the screen.

Tip: Wearing neutral-colored clothing can also help prevent unwanted color reflections onto the iPad screen.

4.3 Screen Brightness & True Tone Settings

Manually set iPad brightness for consistency:

  • iPad Pro (M4, M2, M1, A12Z, A12X) models have automatic brightness, but for color accuracy, set it manually.
  • Keep brightness at a fixed level (50-80%) to match studio conditions.

Turn OFF True Tone & Night Shift:

  • True Tone adjusts the screen’s white balance based on ambient light—disable it for consistent color grading.
  • Night Shift shifts the screen to a warmer tone at night—disable it to prevent unwanted color shifts.
4.4 Viewing Angle & iPad Positioning

Position the iPad at eye level:

  • The best viewing angle is directly in front of the screen, not tilted at an extreme angle.
  • Using a stand or mount helps maintain consistent eye-level positioning.

Tip: If working in a dark environment, enable a low-intensity backlight (bias lighting) behind the iPad to reduce eye strain without affecting color perception.