CRI and TLCI are two measures creators may see when comparing lights. CRI estimates how a light renders a set of colours compared with a reference source. TLCI was developed to assess colour rendering in a television environment by modelling how a camera and display respond. The UEFA Stadium Lighting Guide describes TLCI as a useful supplementary measure for evaluating light sources used in video and film. See its colour-rendering section.

What the scores can tell you

A high CRI score can be a useful first filter, but a single overall number may not reveal how every shade will appear. The UEFA guidance specifically notes that some LED sources can have gaps in parts of the spectrum and recommends looking at extended colour information such as R9 when evaluating reds. TLCI offers another way to assess the light with a camera-based model in mind.

Neither score guarantees that a light will match every camera, skin tone or mixed-light environment. Your lens, camera profile, white balance and other lights all affect the image. Manufacturer scores also describe test performance, not your own shoot.

A practical check before filming

If you are choosing a light for interviews, product videos or skin tones, compare the manufacturer’s CRI and TLCI information, then test the actual light with your camera. Record a face and a colour reference under the intended settings, compare it with daylight or your other fixtures, and look at the result on a display you trust. Check for flicker at the frame rate and shutter settings you plan to use as well.

Use the scores to narrow options, not as a substitute for a camera test. For a simple creator setup, consistent colour temperature between lights and repeatable white balance may matter more than chasing a top number on a specification sheet.

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