A supported iPad Pro can be a useful device for remote colour review when configured correctly. It provides a consistent, portable viewing option for directors, DPs, producers, post supervisors, colourists and studio stakeholders who need to review a RePro stream remotely.
This guide should be read alongside the general Remote Colour Review in RePro guide.
Before you start
iPad Pro can be used for remote colour review, but it should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a calibrated finishing suite or professional reference monitor.
For colour-critical decisions, always follow the requirements set by your production, studio, post supervisor, colourist or delivery partner.
If the iPad Pro model, display setup, stream configuration or viewing environment has not been approved, the session should be treated as creative review rather than final colour approval.
iPad Pro generation differences
Different iPad Pro generations have different setup requirements and display capabilities.
Netflix’s iPad Pro guidance separates setup documentation into two groups:
iPad Pro Gen 5 to Gen 7
iPad Pro Gen 2 to Gen 4
The major practical difference is Reference Mode.
Newer supported iPad Pro models can use Reference Mode, introduced in iPadOS 16, to automatically establish key display settings for colour review. Netflix’s change log notes that Reference Mode was added to its Gen 5 to Gen 6 guidance and that Gen 7 was later added to the newer setup guidance.
Older iPad Pro models do not use the same Reference Mode workflow and require more manual display setup.
Supported Reference Mode models
Apple’s Reference Mode is available on:
iPad Pro 13-inch with M4
iPad Pro 11-inch with M4
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 6th generation
Reference Mode requires iPadOS 16 or later.
When Reference Mode is enabled, supported iPad Pro displays can show reference colour for common SDR and HDR standards, including BT.709 and HDR10 BT.2100 PQ. Apple states that Reference Mode targets D65, disables dynamic display adjustments such as True Tone, Auto-Brightness and Night Shift, and supports up to 100 nits for SDR and 1000 nits peak brightness for HDR.
iPad Pro Gen 5 to Gen 7 setup
For supported newer iPad Pro models, use Reference Mode where appropriate.
Before joining a RePro colour review session:
Update the iPad Pro to the latest approved iPadOS version.
Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi or wired network where available.
Keep the iPad charged or connected to power.
Open Settings.
Go to Display & Brightness.
Tap Advanced.
Turn on Reference Mode, if available.
Confirm that True Tone, Night Shift and Auto-Brightness are disabled.
Confirm the required SDR or HDR review target with the session host.
Open RePro and join the correct session.
Do not change display settings during the review unless instructed by the colourist, post supervisor or session host.
Fine-Tune Calibration
Supported iPad Pro models can use Fine-Tune Calibration while Reference Mode is enabled.
Fine-Tune Calibration allows measured white point and luminance values to be entered using readings from an external instrument and test pattern.
This should normally be handled by a colourist, post facility, engineer or someone familiar with display measurement.
Use Fine-Tune Calibration when:
The production requires a measured setup.
The iPad Pro needs to be aligned with a reference display.
The iPad Pro will be used for colour-critical review.
The viewing environment and device setup are controlled.
Do not guess Fine-Tune Calibration values. Use measured values from an appropriate instrument and test pattern.
iPad Pro Gen 2 to Gen 4 setup
Older iPad Pro models can still be useful for remote creative review, but they do not follow the same Reference Mode workflow.
For older iPad Pro models:
Update to the latest approved iPadOS version.
Use a controlled viewing environment.
Disable True Tone.
Disable Night Shift.
Disable Auto-Brightness where available.
Disable accessibility settings that affect colour, contrast or brightness.
Avoid changing brightness during the review.
Confirm with the session host whether the setup is acceptable for the session purpose.
Older models may require manual setup and comparison against an approved reference display. They should be treated with more caution for colour-critical review.
SDR review target
For SDR review, the production should normally be monitoring against the agreed SDR mastering target.
A typical SDR reference target is:
Setting | Target |
Colour space | Rec.709 |
White point | D65 |
EOTF | BT.1886 / Gamma 2.4 |
Peak luminance | 100 nits |
When using Reference Mode on a supported iPad Pro, confirm that the content and viewing workflow are aligned to the SDR target.
HDR review target
For HDR review, confirm the mastering and monitoring target before the session.
A typical HDR review target is:
Setting | Target |
Colour space | P3-D65 |
EOTF | PQ / ST.2084 |
Peak luminance | Production defined, commonly 1000 nits |
White point | D65 |
HDR review on iPad Pro should only be used when the model, display mode, stream, content format and review purpose are understood.
If the session is HDR but the iPad Pro is showing a tone-mapped SDR version, comments should be made in that context.
Display settings to avoid
For colour review, avoid any setting that dynamically changes the image.
Where possible, disable:
True Tone
Night Shift
Auto-Brightness
Low Power Mode
Reduce White Point
Colour Filters
Increased Contrast
Display accommodations that affect colour, brightness or contrast
Third-party display adjustment tools
On supported newer models, Reference Mode should handle several of these settings automatically. Still, it is worth checking the setup before the review starts.
Viewing environment
The viewing environment matters.
For best results:
Review in a controlled room.
Avoid direct sunlight on the screen.
Avoid brightly coloured walls or strong coloured lighting.
Keep room lighting consistent.
Do not review colour in a changing environment such as a car, train, café or busy production office.
Sit directly in front of the iPad.
Avoid screen protectors or privacy filters that may affect colour or contrast.
Keep the display clean and free from reflections.
If the viewing environment is unsuitable, treat the session as creative review only.
Network recommendations
Colour review requires a stable connection.
For best results:
Use a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Use wired networking where available.
Avoid congested public networks.
Close unnecessary apps.
Avoid downloads, uploads or video calls during the review.
Keep the iPad connected to power for longer sessions.
If the image buffers, drops resolution or becomes unstable, pause colour-critical review until the issue is resolved.
Joining the RePro session
Open the RePro app or RePro link on iPad Pro.
Sign in using your approved account.
Complete 2FA if required.
Select the correct organisation.
Select the correct project.
Select the correct channel or programme.
Confirm with the session host that you are viewing the correct feed.
Confirm whether the session is SDR or HDR.
RePro iOS app settings
Before joining a RePro colour review session, check the RePro Apple TV video settings.
On RePro AppleTV app.
Open Video Settings.
Select Passthrough
Note: It is important to set the RePro Viewer to Passthrough for colour review sessions so the viewer receives the source stream without RePro applying adaptive bitrate processing or additional transcode layers. If ABR is enabled on a project, the stream may be re-encoded at different quality levels, which can introduce extra compression, banding or unwanted artefacts that could be mistaken for issues in the grade.
Before colour review starts
The session host, facility team or colourist should confirm:
Correct source output from the grading system
Correct SDR or HDR signal path
Correct RePro channel
Correct iPad Pro model
Correct iPadOS version
Reference Mode status, where supported
Fine-Tune Calibration status, where required
Correct frame rate
Correct audio configuration, if required
Whether viewers are seeing SDR, HDR or a tone-mapped version
Whether any LUT, trim, tone map or transform is being applied
Security guidance
Only use approved devices and accounts for review.
Do not:
Share your access link.
Record the session.
Take screenshots or photos.
Download content unless explicitly approved.
Forward review links to anyone else.
Review content in a public place where others can see the screen.
If your iPad is lost, stolen or accessed by someone else, notify the production or RePro administrator immediately.
Troubleshooting
Reference Mode is not available
Reference Mode is only available on supported iPad Pro models running iPadOS 16 or later. If Reference Mode is not available, confirm the iPad Pro model and iPadOS version.
The image looks too bright or too dark
Confirm whether the session is SDR or HDR. Check Reference Mode, brightness behaviour and whether any accessibility or display settings are affecting the image.
The colour looks wrong
Confirm the stream target, device setup and whether any LUT, tone map or colour transform is being applied upstream.
HDR does not look correct
Confirm that the iPad Pro model supports the intended HDR workflow and that the RePro stream is delivering the expected signal. Also confirm whether the session is intended to be viewed as HDR or tone-mapped SDR.
The stream is buffering
Move to a stronger network, close other apps and avoid making colour-critical decisions until playback is stable. You can also try increasing the buffer size in the RePro app:
Go to Video Settings (the camera icon at the bottom of the screen)
Increase buffer by moving slider to the right.
Best practice checklist
Before the session:
Confirm the review purpose: creative review, technical review or final approval.
Confirm whether the session is SDR or HDR.
Confirm the iPad Pro model and generation.
Update iPadOS.
Enable Reference Mode on supported models.
Confirm Fine-Tune Calibration if required.
Disable unwanted display adjustments.
Check the viewing environment.
Check network stability.
Join early for setup confirmation.
During the session:
Keep display settings unchanged.
Keep room lighting consistent.
Make notes with timecode or clear shot references.
Flag playback or display issues immediately.
Pause colour-critical review if the stream, device or viewing setup is uncertain.
Summary
iPad Pro can be a strong remote colour review device when the correct model is used and the setup is controlled.
For newer supported models, Reference Mode provides a more consistent setup for SDR and HDR review.
For older models, manual setup is more important and the device should be used with greater caution for colour-critical decisions.
When in doubt, treat the session as creative review and confirm critical decisions in an approved colour review environment.