The Future of Color on the Web
(Revised 2011)
To achieve accurate colors, we need the following:
1. The graphic file format
New and improved file formats can carry this color information. The PNG (pronounced ping) file format is one solution. PNG can store gamma and chromaticity data for improved color matching and is designed to work on all computer systems and Web browsers.
There are other graphic file formats - such as the JPEG 2000 that has been used extensively in specialized fields such as medical imaging and geographic information systems. Unfortunately many of these alternative file formats are not finalized for universal usage on the web.
Much more information about PNG and JPEG 2000 can be found in Computer Color Links.
2. A Universal Standard - sRGB ?
The issue of a color standard has been addressed by the International Color Consortium. Other groups, such as those who are developing new graphic formats which store gamma information, are also evaluating the idea of a color standard. One of the recommended standards is the sRGB color space. This proposed standard has provoked considerable debate. Some say "Keep everything in sRGB and he color will be ‘good enough’ for consumers." In truth, it was never designed as a solution to color accuracy on the web. Furthermore, sRGB is a very limited color space which represents the "average" PC monitor. Today's displays and operating systems offer far greater capabilities.
3. Superior Systems
In the future we will have superior systems which will bring us Internet access and traditional television into the same "TV". At the present time, even if the technology were complete, there is not enough bandwidth to make this possible.
