What is color overshoot?

Color overshoot, also known as color ringing or color artifacts, is a visual distortion that can occur on monitors, particularly in fast-moving or high-contrast images. It is characterized by the appearance of exaggerated or intensified colors around edges or transitions between different colors.

Color overshoot typically happens as a result of the pixel response time of the monitor. When a pixel transitions from one color to another, it takes a certain amount of time to change its state. In fast-paced scenes, especially in gaming or video playback, if the pixel response time is slow, the pixel may not be able to keep up with the rapid color changes, resulting in overshoot or ringing effects.

For example, if you have a dark object against a bright background, the pixels responsible for rendering the object may transition from dark to bright too slowly, causing them to briefly display brighter colors than intended. This creates a halo or outline of exaggerated color around the edges of the object.

Color overshoot can be more noticeable in certain display technologies, such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels. It is often more pronounced in older or lower-quality monitors that have slower pixel response times. However, newer monitors with improved response times and technologies, such as higher refresh rates or adaptive sync, aim to minimize or eliminate color overshoot.

Manufacturers employ various techniques like overdrive or pixel overvoltage to reduce pixel response time and minimize color overshoot. These techniques involve applying higher voltage or increasing the driving current to pixels, enabling faster transitions between colors. However, aggressive overdrive settings can sometimes introduce their own artifacts, like inverse ghosting or coronas.

Overall, color overshoot is a phenomenon related to the limitations of monitor technology and can affect image quality, particularly in fast-paced content. Selecting a monitor with faster pixel response times and considering user reviews and professional recommendations can help mitigate color overshoot and ensure a more accurate and enjoyable visual experience.