MAcbook Pro

DaVinci Remote Monitor for Color Correction

Please Note: To use Remote Monitor on a MacBook Pro you need to purchase Davinci Resolve Studio

INDEX

1.0 Getting Started

2.0 Minimum Requirements for Remote Monitoring

3.0 Optimized Display Settings for Best Color Accuracy

4.0 Best Network & Streaming Quality Settings

5.0 Best Room Setup for Color Review

6.0 Final Notes

1.0 Getting Started

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 Davinci Resolve Studio 19 
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Step 3: Join the Colorist’s Session
  • Open DaVinci Remote Monitor on your MacBook Pro.
  • Log in with your DaVinci Resolve Cloud Account.
  • Enter the Remote Monitoring Code provided by the colourist.
  • Click Join to start the session.

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

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2.0 Minimum Requirements for Remote Monitoring

2.1 Basic Usage (1080p Streaming)
  • MacBook Pro Model: Any Apple Silicon MacBook Pro (M1, M2, M3, M4)
  • macOS: 12 Monterey or later
  • RAM: 16GB minimum
  • GPU: Built-in Apple Silicon GPU
  • Storage: SSD required, at least 256GB free
  • Network: Wi-Fi 6 or Ethernet (Stable 50 Mbps+ connection recommended)
2.2 Recommended for 4K+ Streaming & colour Grading
  • MacBook Pro Model: M2 Max, M3 Max, M4 Max
  • macOS: 13 Ventura or later
  • RAM: 32GB or more (64GB recommended)
  • GPU: M2 Max / M3 Max GPU or higher
  • Storage: 1TB+ SSD (for caching and playback)
  • Network: Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6E (for low-latency streaming)
  • Wired connection strongly recommended for 4K monitoring
  • External Display: A calibrated monitor is recommended for accurate colour grading.
  • Click here for speed test.

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3.0 Optimized Display Settings for Best colour Accuracy

If you’re using DaVinci Remote Monitor on your MacBook Pro’s built-in display, apply these settings for the best colour accuracy.
3.1 macOS Display Settings (Disable Unwanted Adjustments)
  • Disable True Tone: System Settings → Displays → Uncheck “True Tone”
  • Disable Night Shift: System Settings → Displays → Night Shift → Set to Off
  • Disable Auto Brightness: System Settings → Displays → Uncheck “Automatically Adjust Brightness”
  • Disable Dynamic Tone Mapping (HDR only):System Settings → Displays → Uncheck “Optimize Brightness”
3.2 Set the Correct Colour Profile for SDR or HDR
Go to System Settings → Displays → Colour Profile, and choose:
  • For SDR Grading: “Rec.709 Gamma 2.4” (or “Apple Display (P3)” if unavailable)
  • For HDR Grading: “HDR Video (PQ)” (This enables macOS HDR display mode)
MacBook Pro’s built-in display uses a wide-gamut P3 colour space, so it may not perfectly match Rec.709 SDR monitors.

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4.0 Best Network & Streaming Quality Settings

4.1 Quality Settings

1) Go to Preferences (Cmd + ,) → Video and Audio

2) Under Remote Monitoring, set:

  • Streaming Resolution: 1080p (50 Mbps) (for smoother playback).
  • Streaming Resolution: 4K (100 Mbps) (requires wired connection & high bandwidth).
  • Enable “Use 10-bit for Display” (if available).
4.2 Optimizing Network Performance
  • Use wired Ethernet for the best connection.
  • If using Wi-Fi, connect to a 5GHz or Wi-Fi 6 network.
  • Close background apps that use bandwidth (cloud sync, video calls, etc.).

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5.0 Best Room Setup for colour Review

5.1 Lighting Conditions
  • Use dim, neutral lighting (5000K–6500K).
  • Avoid direct light hitting the screen.
  • Use bias lighting (neutral 6500K LED) behind the display.
5.2 Wall & Surface colours
  • Best: Neutral gray (Munsell N5 or N7), matte finish.
  • Avoid: Bright-coloured walls (red, blue, green) or glossy surfaces.
5.3 Eye Adaptation & Viewing Angles
  • Let your eyes adjust for 5–10 minutes before reviewing colours.
  • Take short breaks to avoid colour fatigue.
  • Position the MacBook Pro screen at a 90° angle (perpendicular to your eyes).
  • Avoid extreme side viewing (MacBook Pro’s display has slight colour shifts at angles).olour fatigue.

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6.0 Final Notes Recap

6.1 Notes
  • MacBook Pro’s XDR display is excellent but not a true HDR reference monitor.dim, neutral lighting.
  • For colour-critical work, an external HDR display is recommended.
  • Enable “Use Mac Display colour Profile for Viewers” to avoid gamma shifts.
  • Ensure the receiving device also supports HDR playback if streaming in HDR.

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