ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Recommended
Practice for Lighting
Performance for Small
to Medium Sized
Videoconferencing
Rooms
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Recommended Practice
for Lighting Performance for
Small to Medium Sized
Videoconferencing Rooms

Publication of this Recommended Practice

has been approved by IES and AVIXA.
Suggestions for revisions
should be directed to IES.

Prepared by:
The Lighting for Videoconference and Presentation Committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society
and the AVIXA Videoconferencing Lighting Task Group and Standards Steering Committee
Copyright 2017 by the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Approved by the IES Standards Committee, November 20, 2017, as a Transaction of the Illuminating
Engineering Society.

Approved by the American National Standards Institute as an American National Standard, December 21, 2017.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in any electronic retrieval
system or otherwise, without prior written permission of the IES.

Published by the Illuminating Engineering Society, 120 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

IES Standards and Guides are developed through committee consensus and produced by the IES Office in
New York. Careful attention is given to style and accuracy. If any errors are noted in this document, please
forward them to Brian Liebel, IES Director of Standards and Research, at the above address for verification
and correction. The IES welcomes and urges feedback and comments.

ISBN# 978-0-87995-356-0

Printed in the United States of America.

DISCLAIMER

IES publications are developed through the consensus standards development process
approved by the American National Standards Institute. This process brings together volunteers
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 DISCLAIMER

The application of this Standard is strictly voluntary. AVIXA recommends its use but does
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©2017 by IES and AVIXA®. This Standard may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

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CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised at any time. The procedures
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Prepared by the IES Lighting for Videoconference and Presentation Committee:

IES Consensus Body Members

Jim Yorgey, Chair
C. Brooke Carter-Silber, Co-Chair

J. Benya* P. Lambert* N. Russell

T. Cape J. Lipp D. Shaw
S. Cercone* P. Mahaney* J. Smith
R. Dagostino* C. Maione A. Treitman
D. Danto* W. Mettner* J. Whitcomb*
F. Hasler R. Mintz*
L. Hedberg P. Ngai* * Advisory

InfoComm (AVIXA) Standards Steering Committee:

Jason Brameld, Chair

J. Antinori J. Meehan
J. Bailey R. Morrison
D. Barnett D. Palmer
G. Bronson R. Wineland

AVIXA Staff

A. Brigida
M. Truong
 Please refer to the IES Bookstore after you purchase this IES Standard, for possible
Errata, Addenda, and Clarifications, www.ies.org/bookstore

Please refer to ANSI/IES RP-16-17 Nomenclature and Definitions,

www.ies.org/standards/ansi-ies-rp-16/

Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.0 FOREWORD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3.0 SCOPE, PURPOSE, APPLICATION, AND EXCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3.2 Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.3 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.4 Exclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.0 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4.1 Normative References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2 Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5.0 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

6.0 REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1 Requirements Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.2 Lighting Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.3 Required Instrumentation and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.4 Measurement and Calculation Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.4.1 Project Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.4.2 Room Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.4.3 Physical Room Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.4.4 Seating Locations to be Measured. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.4.5 Rear and Side Wall Luminance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.4.6 Front Wall Luminance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4.7 Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.4.8 Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.4.9 Criteria Conformance Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.5 Mandatory Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.6 Optional Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.6.1 Scaled Room Drawings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.6.2 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.7 General Conformance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ANNEX A – LIGHTING METRICS AND QUALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ANNEX B - SAMPLE CONFORMANCE FORM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27


1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Standard provides lighting parameters and
performance criteria for small-to-medium-sized
single-axis videoconferencing spaces (with 3 to
25 primary seating locations), defined as one set
of video displays and cameras oriented toward a
group of seated participants.
The Standard provides guidance to professionals
involved in the design, construction, assessment,
and support of videoconferencing environments by
establishing performance criteria for the design and
testing of room lighting and finishes that will provide
appropriate picture quality.
1.1 Keywords
Audiovisual, AV, camera, conferencing,
distance learning, fill light, illuminance, key
light, light meter, lighting, luminaire, luminance,
meetings, teleconferencing, telepresence, video,
videoconferencing, video teleconference (VTC).
2.0 FOREWORD
The human face, as we see it with our eyes,
has a three-dimensional appearance. This
helps us to read the nonverbal cues that are so
important in communication. The primary goal
of a videoconference space is to facilitate both
verbal and nonverbal two-way communication.
Therefore, the lighting provided in the space should
balance the visual needs of the participants and the
videoconference camera.
Lighting requirements for the participants and the
camera are similar but not identical. The primary
considerations for participants include:
§§ Visual comfort (control of direct light source or
glare)
§§ Glare-free view of video displays and visual
tasks (control of veiling reflections)
§§ Video image contrast
§§ Ability to see and interact with both local and
remote participants
§§ Ability to read and send gestures and both
verbal and nonverbal cues
§§ Ability to read and write (i.e., take notes), both
on horizontal surfaces (tables) and vertical
surfaces (e.g., white boards, interactive digital
displays, computer displays)
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
The primary considerations for the camera include:
§§ Illumination
• On the faces of participants, with appropriate
contrast ratios for rendering of facial features
• For image capture and transmission of
visual aids, including marker boards, display
boards, and documents
§§ Appropriate contrast between participants
and surrounding room surfaces
§§ View of participants
§§ Luminaires out of camera view
§§ Daylight eliminated from view
§§ Video displays placed out of camera view
§§ Lighting and finishes that reduce image
degradation
This Standard defines measurable luminance-
based performance criteria for optimizing the
participants’ experience. These criteria should be
used in designing, commissioning, and evaluating
applicable videoconference rooms. While this
performance standard is not a design guide, some
design resources are referenced that support the
creation of videoconferencing environments.
This Standard addresses performance criteria and
is written with lighting and audiovisual (AV) design
professionals in mind. However, due to the unique
nature of these spaces, the full input of a lighting
professional as part of a multidisciplinary design
team is strongly recommended when this Standard
is applied to design projects.
Nothing in this Standard suggests or implies that
any national, state, or local codes pertaining to
lighting and electrical energy may be disregarded in
pursuit of compliance.
3.0 SCOPE, PURPOSE,
APPLICATION, AND EXCLUSIONS
3.1 Scope
This lighting performance Standard for small-to-
medium-sized videoconferencing rooms defines
lighting requirements for videoconferencing that
enhance the comfort of participants and the picture
quality delivered. Specifically, this Standard addresses
small-to-medium-sized single-axis videoconferencing
rooms. A single-axis room is defined as having one
set of video displays and cameras oriented toward
a group of 3 to 25 seating locations (see Figure 1).
1
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
Figure 1. Single-axis room (left) and dual-axis room (right). (Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)
Dual-axis and multi-axis rooms have two or more
orientations beyond the primary seating area. These
include distance education and training rooms that
have separate cameras directed toward a presenter
location, in addition to cameras directed toward the
seating area.
This Standard may be applied to multi-axis rooms,
but only for the axis from the camera(s) at the front
of the room to the primary participant seating area.
Presenter locations and other areas of these rooms
are not covered within the scope of this Standard.
Multi-purpose spaces can include videoconferencing
as well as other functions that may require different,
and sometimes conflicting, lighting requirements.
When adding or building videoconferencing
technology into these environments, the lighting
performance criteria defined in this Standard should
be applied to the videoconferencing functionality
whenever possible.
3.2 Purpose
The purpose of this Standard is to provide measurable
lighting performance criteria that support the
following primary goals in a videoconferencing
environment:
§§ Provide minimum lighting performance
requirements for optimum participant viewing
2
of displays, presenter, and task area
§§ Optimize lighting for cameras, thereby
improving the images transmitted to remote
sites
§§ Enhance videoconference communication
capabilities, comfort, and productivity
The intended result is that lighting in new and existing
videoconference rooms will be built, evaluated,
and upgraded when necessary according to this
performance standard.
3.3 Application
The Standard is intended for use by those who
initiate, design, build, evaluate, and support
videoconference environments, including:
§§ Architects and interior designers
§§ Lighting consultants, lighting integrators, and
lighting equipment suppliers
§§ AV designers, AV consultants, AV integrators,
and AV equipment suppliers
§§ Contractors, equipment manufacturers, and
integrators
§§ Technology managers and videoconference
users
§§ Real estate, workplace, and facility specialists
§§ Executives, corporate services, and
purchasing departments

Concepts and criteria presented here have been
developed for small-to-medium-sized spaces
that have been designed primarily to support
videoconferencing, including:
§§ Videoconference rooms equipped with fixed
audiovisual technology
§§ Conventional conference rooms
accommodating portable videoconferencing
technology
§§ Telepresence rooms, defined as rooms
configured for individuals or small groups,
typically using high definition, life-sized
images on multiple displays
3.4 Exclusions
More-complex and multi-axis videoconferencing
applications require additional lighting considerations
that are beyond the scope of this Standard. Although
the concepts and criteria presented in this Standard
can be adapted to a wide range of video-based
communication environments, the following spaces
are specifically excluded from this Standard, as
they present additional challenges that are not
addressed in this Standard.
§§ Desktop videoconferencing used in a private
office, open office, or home environment.
§§ Dual-axis facilities, where there are cameras
facing both a main seating area and a presenter
position at the front of the room, except that
the criteria established in this Standard may
be applied to the participant seating area of
a dual-axis or multi-axis facility. In this case,
all performance criteria in this Standard shall
be met utilizing the measurement procedures
provided in order to be in compliance.
§§ Television studios, corporate studios, and
educational broadcast facilities where special
uses may require lighting levels that exceed
the comfort levels of most videoconferencing
participants.
4.0 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS
4.1 Normative References
The following Standards contain provisions that,
through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this document. At the time of approval, the editions
indicated below were valid. Because Standards are
revised periodically, users should consult the latest
revision approved by the sponsoring Standards
Developer Organizations:
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
ANSI/INFOCOMM 3M-2011, Projected Image
System Contrast Ratio
For the purposes of this document, the use of
the latest revision of a referenced Standard is not
mandatory. However, users of this document are
encouraged to apply the most recent editions of the
Standards and publications listed. Information on
recent editions is available from the AVIXA Director
of Standards, the IES Director of Standards and
Research, and ANSI.
4.2 Informative References
The following publications contain information
that supports the design and application of this
standard, but are not required provisions of the
Standard:
§§ IES DG-18-18, Light + Design: A Guide to
Designing Quality Lighting for People and
Buildings
§§ The Lighting Handbook, 10th ed. (IES 2011).
(Note that information in the Handbook
regarding videoconferencing lighting is
superseded by information in this publication).
§§ ANSI BS7920:2005, Luminance Meters:
Requirements and Test Methods
5.0 DEFINITIONS
As used in this document, “shall” denotes a
provision of the Standard that is mandatory for
compliance. “Should” denotes a provision that is
recommended but not mandatory.
For the purposes of this Standard, the following
definitions apply:
Above finished floor (AFF): The vertical distance
from the finished floor to an object above, generally
to the bottom of the object.
Fill light: Any additional light source beyond key
light that contributes to lighting the face, with the
primary purpose being to lighten, or fill in, shadows
created by the key light, thereby reducing luminance
ratios across facial features that are to be captured
and transmitted by the camera (see Figure 2). Fill
light can differ from the key light in its intensity or
direction. Often, fill lights are more diffuse sources
than key lights, producing softer shadows. A fill
light need not be a dedicated light source; fixtures
lighting adjacent areas that contribute to facial
visibility can also perform this purpose. If it is bright
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ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
Figure 2. Fill light and key light sources. (Graphic
courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
enough, even light bouncing off objects such as the
walls, ceiling, or furniture can function as a fill light
source. If the luminous dimension of the key light is
large enough relative to the face, its light will “wrap”
the face, also performing a fill light function.
Front, rear, left, right, and side walls: For the
purposes of this Standard, the front wall is the wall
to which the primary seating for videoconferencing
is facing and will typically be where the primary
display(s) and camera(s) are located. The rear wall
is the wall opposite the front wall. The left wall is
the wall to the left of the seating area when looking
from the front wall toward the rear wall. The right
wall is the wall to the right of the seating area when
looking from the front wall toward the rear wall.
Collectively, the left and right walls are the side
walls. (See Figure 3.)
Illuminance: Total luminous flux (visible light)
incident on a surface per unit surface area. It is
a measure of the density of the light falling onto
a specific area and is weighted by the varying
sensitivity of the human eye to different wavelengths
of light. The International System of Units (SI) unit
of illuminance is the lux. In the United States, the
footcandle is used to measure illuminance. One
footcandle (lumen per square foot) is approximately
equal to 10.76 lux (lumens per square meter).
Illuminance meter: An instrument for measuring
illuminance. Typically color corrected (to measure
more than one spectral distribution) and cosine
corrected (to accurately respond to more than
4
Figure 3. A videoconferencing space.
(Image courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
one spatial distribution) for the measurement of
incident flux. The instrument includes some form
of photodetector, with or without a filter, driving
a digital or analog readout through appropriate
circuitry.
Key light: Primary source of light illuminating a face
or an object (see Figure 2). For videoconferencing,
it is normally located above the faces at a vertical
angle that best illuminates the participants’ facial
planes. It may be located horizontally on-axis with
the camera, or at an angle of 40 to 50 degrees off
the camera axis when used with a fill light. A light
may be considered a key light due to its intensity
or direction, or whether it produces hard- or soft-
edged shadows.
Key-to-fill ratio (key:fill): Ratio of the luminance
created by the key light to the luminance created
by other fixtures or surfaces in the shadows of
the face. If the ratio is too high, the face may have
shadows that make parts of it not easily visible on
video and too dark for good facial rendering by the
videoconferencing system. If the ratio is too small,
the face may look “flat” and two-dimensional (see
Figures 4, 5, and 6).
In many cases, it may not be practical to use
dedicated fill-light fixtures. Fill light can be provided
by any other source of illumination in the room
other than the key light. Reflective surfaces such as
walls, tabletops, or other items that are fairly high
in reflectance, or Light Reflectance Value (LRV; see
below), and are an appropriate color can serve this
purpose.

Figure 4. The key:fill luminance ratio affects facial rendering. Key facial luminance is constant on the right sides
of the faces in these photographs. Fill facial luminance varies on the left sides of the faces.
(Image courtesy of Parker Smith)
Figure 5. The key:fill ratio makes facial features visible.
(Image courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
Figure 6. A high key:fill ratio casts shadows.
(Image courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
Proper lighting, especially with regard to key-to-fill
ratios, helps videoconferencing systems render
more “readable” facial features on video displays.
Light reflectance value (LRV), or reflectance:
The amount of light reflected from an object as a
percentage of the light falling on it. Pure white will
have a theoretical LRV of 100 percent. Typical LRV
values in a building are 70% to 80% for ceilings,
40% to 60% for walls, and 20% to 30% for floor
surfaces such as carpeting. LRV is a value used to
evaluate wall finishes, upholstery fabrics, and other
surfaces in the videoconferencing environment. The
reflection characteristics of a surface in conjunction
with the light incident on that surface determine the
measured luminance of the surface.
Luminance: Photometric measurement of luminous
intensity per unit area of light travelling in a specific
direction. It describes the amount of light that
passes through or is emitted from a particular area
that falls within a given solid angle. The SI unit for
luminance is the candela per square meter (cd/
m2). While illuminance is a measurement of how
much light is incident upon an object or someone’s
face, luminance is a measure of how much light is
reflected or emitted from it at in a particular angle
(see Figure 7). The angle of interest is that of the
pupil of the eye or the lens of a camera. Objects of
differing light reflective values will produce differing
luminances, even if they have the same illuminance.
Luminance is therefore an indicator of how bright
an object will appear; the eye and the camera
effectively “see” luminance, not illuminance.
Luminance meter: The luminance meter measures
light reflected from a target surface in candelas
5
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
Figure 7. Luminance and illuminance.
(Image courtesy of Norm Russell and Tim Cape)
per square meter (cd/m2) or in footlamberts (fL)* (see
Figure 8). The meter’s lens system focuses reflected
light on a receptor, typically a silicon photocell, and
the response of the receptor is translated to the
luminance value.
Figure 8. A luminance meter measures reflected (or
emitted) light. (Image courtesy of Tim Cape)
Primary camera: The camera used for primary
views of the participants. This may be the only
camera at the front of the room or, with multiple
cameras, the “close-up” camera that is used mostly
for participants.
Primary seating area: The primary seating area
is determined by the tester, either alone or in
cooperation with the owner and/or users of the
space. It should include participants at conference
or training tables that are intended to be in the
typical videoconference and are within view of
the primary camera. Additional rows of seating
for observers or other non-participants may be
considered outside the primary seating area and
are not measured for conformance. (See Figure 9.)
*Refer to ANSI/IES RP-16-10, Nomenclature and Definitions
for Illuminating Engineering (www.ies.org/standards/ansi-
ies-rp-16/). The term “footlambert” is obsolete, and its use is
deprecated.
6
Figure 9. Primary seating area.
(Image courtesy of Fred Hasler and Tim Cape)
Veiling reflections: Light reflecting off an object,
obscuring its details (see Figure 10). If the light from
a window or a lighting fixture reflects off a video
monitor, the contrast ratio of the image is reduced
and some details of the image may be lost.
Figure 10. Veiling reflections on a video display (in a
non-videoconference application). (Image courtesy of
Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
Videoconferencing space: Any space where one-
or two-way audio and video communication is
supported between two or more sites (refer back
to Figure 3). Both audio (aural) and video (visual)
communication are supported in real time. The
transfer and display of information and data such as
documents and multimedia program materials may
also be available functions in a videoconference
space.

6.0 REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Requirements Overview
This section includes descriptions of the lighting
performance criteria, measurement and calculation
procedures, and reporting requirements. Lighting
performance criteria include required luminance
ranges, ratios, and limits for each element of the
room listed in Section 6.2.
The measurement and calculation procedures provide
the methodology for obtaining the performance
values for each element to be measured (see Section
6.4). Requirements for reporting the results and the
conformance status of the space being evaluated are
also provided (see Section 6.5).
6.2 Lighting Performance
Lighting performance criteria for the room
environment are based on luminance measurements
of the room elements and room occupants (using
matte, 18-percent reflectance gray cards as proxies
for the occupants), along with observations of lamp
correlated color temperature and blackout shades
installation (where applicable). Measurements
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
include luminance values of room walls, tables
and other task surfaces, and displays. Some
performance criteria require that a ratio be calculated
between two measurements. These measurements
and ratios are then compared to the acceptable
performance criteria in Table 1.
Luminance measurements that take into account
the combined effect of the illuminance incident
upon the surface (or gray card) and the surface’s
light reflectance values are used to represent what
is delivered to the camera.
Recommended room-feature parameters that
contribute to the room’s lighting performance are
included as guidance in Annex A – Lighting Metrics
and Quality. Although strongly recommended, they
are not required for conformance to the Standard.
These parameters include elements such as finish
colors, specularity, and finish patterns, as well as
additional recommended luminance ratios.
The criteria below form the basis for conformance
to this Standard. All ranges given are inclusive,
meaning that the values shown at the ends of each
range are considered conforming performance.
(See Section 6.4 for the required methodology
associated with each performance parameter.)
7
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Table 1. Lighting Performance Criteria

8

6.3 Required Instrumentation and
Equipment
All on-site luminance measurements shall be made
with a calibrated luminance meter as noted in
Section 6.4. The equipment needed includes (see
Figure 11):
§§ Luminance Meter. Photometer (luminance
meter or spot photometer) with spectral
luminance response of a standard observer
with photopic vision. The acceptance angle of
the meter shall be 2 degrees or smaller.
§§ Matte Gray Card. Matte, photographic gray
card, 18% LRV, at least 100 mm × 200 mm (4
in. x 8 in.). Larger sizes may be necessary to fill
the measurement field of the luminance meter
in larger rooms.
§§ Tripod Stand and Clips. Used for camera
mounting and used with clips (such as typical
Figure 11. Equipment needed for luminance measurements. (Image courtesy of Tim Cape)
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
office large binder clips) to hold the gray card
in place, centered at 1.2 m (48 in.) AFF for
participant location measurements.
§§ Digital Camera. A digital camera is required for
taking general pictures of the room, to be provided
for the report as noted in the procedures below.
If High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is to
be used, the camera shall be capable of taking
photographs without flash and shall have the
ability (either manually or automatically) to take
exposure-value bracketed photographs over at
least 4 f-stops, for combining into 32-bit HDR image
files. Cameras that produce internally processed
“HDR” photographs of less than a depth of 32 bits
are not acceptable for measurement or reporting.
Additional requirements are noted in Section 6.5.
• Distance Measuring Device. A tape measure
or electronic measuring device is needed for
measuring required dimensions.
9
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
• CCT Meter (Optional). A device to measure
the correlated color temperature of a light
source. Note: These vary greatly in quality and
accuracy of measurement. If it is determined
that such a device will be helpful, the designer
should ensure that the meter’s capabilities will
match the needs of the project.
6.4 Measurement and Calculation
Procedures
To be considered in conformance with this
Standard, the parameters noted in Table 1 shall
be measured and calculated using the procedures
detailed below.
6.4.1 Project Information
1. Obtain a copy of the conformance form.
This form can be used either in a paper or
electronic format. The electronic version
is either a PDF file or a Microsoft Excel
file that includes pull-down menus for
selected options and will automatically
calculate conformance from the input
measurements.
2. Fill out the general information about the
facility, including the name of the site,
site location, room name or number,
date, and the name of the person who is
filling out the form.
6.4.2 Room Setup
1. The videoconferencing displays and
cameras must be installed in their final
locations, and all lighting, final room finishes,
furniture, and equipment enclosures
must be in place. The videoconference
system need not be operational for testing
according to these procedures.
2. Turn off all video displays during testing,
except for during front-projection
contrast ratio measurements, if required.
3. Set the lighting presets, dimmers and/
or switches to the videoconferencing
scene.
4. Arrange the tables and furniture in the
videoconference configuration to be
measured. Place any movable chairs at
their normal seating positions.
10
5. While taking the measurements,
permanently mounted equipment,
fixtures, furniture (including rolling
equipment racks), and wall hangings
(including artwork, logos, room
identifications, and other wall-hung or
wall-mounted items) may not be removed
or relocated. Chairs may be relocated
temporarily when making gray-card
measurements at participant locations.
6. Non-fixed objects resting on furniture
(such as printers, monitors, office
supplies, or food service containers) may
be temporarily relocated if they interfere
with wall or table measurements.
Tablemats and blotters intended for use
during videoconferences should remain
in their normal locations.
6.4.3 Physical Room Measurements
1. If using the electronic form, select the unit
of measurement (centimeters, meters,
inches, or feet).
2. Measure the width, depth and height of the
room. Use the sample sketch in Section
6.5 as a guide for these measurements.
Obtain or create an accurate graphical
representation of the room. Using
measurements taken in the room and/
or a scaled drawing of the room, clearly
identify all required dimensions.
3. Determine the Primary Seating Area,
and indicate the area on the graphical
representation of the room. (See Section 5.0
for a description of the Primary seating area.)
4. Measure the camera height. Take the
measurement from the center of the camera
lens to the floor, and locate the camera on
the graphical representation of the room.
6.4.4 Seating Locations to be
Measured
1. Determine seating locations to be
measured within the primary seating area.
The number of participant seating locations
to measured will vary from a minimum of
3 to a maximum of 9, depending on the
seating arrangement in the room. The
following text and illustrations show how
to determine which seating measurement
locations are required.
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

a. For single-table (Figures 12 and 13), of each row shall also be measured
boardrooms (Figure 14), or U-shaped in addition to the positions required
seating (Figure 15): above (which may be between two
seats). (See Figure 12.)
i. Front seating: The left and right
side seating locations nearest the
front of the seating area.

ii. Rear center seating: The center

of the rear seating location nearest
the back of the room, but within the
Primary Seating Area. This may be
between two seats if the row has
an even number of seats.

iii. Ends of seating rows: If any

of the left, right, or rear seating
rows around the table contains 4
or more seats, then the seating
positions at the end of such rows
shall also be measured in addition
to the positions required above.

iv. Center of seating rows: If any of Figure 12. Required participant measurement
the left, right or rear seating rows locations, based on the number of seats in
around the table contains 7 or more a row along the edges of a work surface.
seats, then a position at the center (Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber)

Figure 13. Small videoconferencing space with measurement

locations noted. (Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber)

11
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Figure 14. Boardroom-style telepresence space with measurement

locations noted. (Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber)

Figure 15. U-shaped videoconferencing space with measurement

locations noted. (Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber)

12
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

b. For multi-table, multi-row seating Table 2. Measurements for Rooms with 3 to 5 Rows
areas (see Figure 16):

i. Front row, front seating: The

seating locations at each end of
the front row.

ii. Front row, center seating: The

center seating locations at the
front table(s) for tables that have 4
or more seating positions.

iii. Back row, rear center seat: The

rear center seating location on
the back row within the Primary
Seating Area.
iv. Back row, end of row: If the back
seating row contains 4 or more
seats, then the seating positions
at each end of the back row shall
be measured in addition to the
positions required above.
v. Middle rows, end seating
positions: For rooms with 3, 4, or
5 rows of seats, the end seating
position measurements for rows
3 through 5 should follow the
recommendations in Table 2.
above (which may be between two
seats; see Figure 16).
2. Measure participant and table luminance
a. Assemble the measurement tools,
including a luminance (“spot“) meter,
the gray card, and a stand with a
clip to hold the gray card. The stand
and clip must be adjustable—able
to hold the gray card vertically or
at a 45-degree downward tilt and
centered at 1.2 m (4 ft) above the
finished floor (AFF).

vi. Middle rows, center: If any middle b. Take luminance measurements of

row noted above contains 7 or more the table surface at each required
seats, then a position at the center seating location identified in the
of each row shall be measured in sketch of the room. Stand in front
addition to the positions required of the primary camera. At each

Figure 16.Training room schematic. (Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)

13
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
required measurement location, take
luminance measurements at a point
on the work surface 0.3 m (12 in.) from
the edge of the table (see Figure 17).
Document the readings on the form
(see Figure 18).
Figure 17. Measurement locations for table
luminance. (Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)
Figure 19. Tripod setup for key light measurement.
Front, height indication, and side views shown.
(Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)
Figure 18. Measurement locations should be
documented using coordinates for key, fill, left,
and right light measurements. (Graphic courtesy
of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
c. Take participant luminance
measurement. The height of the
luminance meter should be 1.2 to
1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) AFF and located
14
horizontally at the camera position.
Locate a tripod so that the center of
a gray card clipped to it is at 1.2 m
(4 ft) AFF vertically, and 0.3 m (12 in.)
horizontally from the edge of the table
at a required seating position to be
measured. Make sure the gray-card
area is completely within the luminance
meter’s measurement angle and that
the person taking the measurements
is not casting a shadow on the card.
Repeat this measurement sequence
for all required seating positions.
Measurement A: Key Luminance
Orient the gray card vertically on
the tripod, facing the primary camera
position (see Figure 19, left and right).
While standing at the primary camera
position, measure and document the
luminance of the gray card in this
position. In addition, measure the X
and Y coordinates of the gray card
location as indicated in Figure 19,
center.
Measurement B: Left Luminance
Keeping the tripod in the same location,
rotate the card clockwise 90 degrees
on the vertical axis (see Figure 20).
While standing approximately 1.2 m
(4 ft) to the left of the gray card setup,
measure and document the luminance
of the gray card in this position.
Measurement C: Right Luminance
Keeping the tripod in the same
location, rotate the card clockwise 180
degrees on the vertical axis, or leave
the gray card in place if using back-
to-back gray cards on the same tripod
(refer to Figure 20). While standing
approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) to the right
of the gray card setup, measure and

Figure 20. Tripod setup for left/right light
measurements. (Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)
document the luminance of the gray
card in this position.
Measurement D: Fill Luminance
Keeping the tripod in the same
location, rotate the card so that it
faces the primary camera location.
Then tilt the card forward and down to
an angle of 45 degrees from vertical.
(Refer to Figure 21.) While standing at
the primary camera position, measure
and document the luminance of the
gray card in this position.
d. Calculate the key:fill luminance ratio.
For each seating position, divide the
Key Light measurement (“A”) by the
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
Figure 21. Tripod setup for fill light measurement.
(Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)
Fill Light measurement (“D”) and enter
the result in the Key:Fill field for each
position. Then average these ratios.
Note: When using the electronic
form, these calculations will be made
automatically.
e. Calculate the left:right luminance ratio.
For each seating position, divide the
left-side light measurement (“B”) by
the right-side light measurement (“C”)
and enter the result in the Left:Right
field for each seating location. Then
average these ratios. Note: When using
the electronic form, these calculations
will be made automatically.
15
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
6.4.5 Rear and Side Wall Luminance
1. Mark a temporary grid on the rear and
side walls (see Figure 22). Measurements
are to be made on a (1 m x 1 m) (3 ft 3in. x
3 ft 3 in.) grid, starting 1 m (3 ft 3 in.) AFF,
for all wall areas to be measured. The grid
consists of two rows of points: one at 1 m
(3 ft 3 in.) AFF and one at 2 m (6 ft 6 in.)
AFF. The grid points may be marked by
using a tape measure for each location, or
by sticking small pieces of masking tape or
small removable stickers at the grid points.
Figure 22. Measurement points for rear (top image) and side wall (bottom image) luminance.
(Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber)
16
2. For the rear wall, start the grid 1 m (3 ft
3 in.) horizontally from the intersection of
the left wall. Work across the rear wall,
stopping at the last available grid location
near the right wall. If necessary, chairs
may be moved to allow measurement of
grid points behind seating locations. Note
any unusual wall elements such as doors,
logos, windows, or other features that
appear at particular measurement points.
3. For the side walls, start 1 m (3 ft 3 in.)
horizontally from the intersection of the
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

side wall and rear wall. Stop the grid at

the halfway point between the rear-wall
and front-wall intersections.

4. Take luminance measurements at

each grid point. For the rear and side
walls, take each measurement from a
standing position just in front of the
primary camera position, and record
on the conformance form. Enter the
measurements and notes of any unusual
elements for the corresponding grid
points on the Conformance Form.

Tip: Be careful not to include in the measurement

field any temporary position markers placed on
the wall. (If necessary, remove the marker before
making the measurement.)
Figure 23. Measurement points for front wall and
6.4.6 Front Wall Luminance
display. (Graphic courtesy of Tim Cape)

1. Mark a temporary grid on the front wall. i. 75 mm (3 in.) from the center of
Measurements are to be made on a 1 m x 1 m each display edge: top, bottom,
(3 ft 3 in. x 3 ft 3 in.) grid, starting 1 m (3 ft left and right.
3 in.) AFF. Start 1 m (3 ft 3 in.) horizontally
from the intersection of the left and front ii. At each corner of the display, a point
walls at 1 m (3 ft 3 in.) AFF (to your right 75 mm (3 in.) vertically and 75 mm (3
as you face the front wall), and work in.) horizontally from each corner.
toward the right wall until the entire front
wall is covered. Disregard points that fall iii. For multiple adjacent displays
on or within 300 mm (12 in.) of the edge where the distance between
of a display image area. display bezels is less than 150 mm
(6 in.), points between the displays
2. In addition to the grid points above, may be disregarded.
identify the following points surrounding
each display along the front wall. Follow iv. For multiple adjacent displays
the instructions below depending on the where the distance between
display type. display bezels is 75 to 300 mm (3
to 12 in.), make one measurement
a. For direct view and rear projection for the adjacent edge center and
displays: Measure perpendicularly one for each corner along a line
along the wall from the bezel of centered between the adjacent
the display, (i.e., the bezel directly edges.
attached to the glass image area).
Displays shall be powered off, but any v. For multiple adjacent displays
lighting surrounding the displays that where the distance between
is on during videoconferencing shall display bezels is greater than 300
be on. Measurement locations (see mm (12 in.), measure all noted
Figure 23): points around each display.

17
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

b. For front projected images: Measure c. For multiple adjacent displays of

each point from the edge of the image
area (see Figure 24):
i. 300 mm (12 in.) from the center of
each of the bottom, left and right
edges of the image area (which
may be less than the screen area).
ii. For each bottom corner of the image,
a point that is 300 mm (12 in.) vertically
and 300 mm (12 in.) horizontally from
each bottom corner.
any type:
i. Where the distance between
images is less than 300 mm (12 in.),
the displays may be considered
as a single unit, and the points
between the displays may be
disregarded (see Figure 25).
ii. Where the distance between
images is 300 mm to 1 m (1 ft to
3 ft 3 in.), inclusive, mark three

Figure 24. Measurement points for front wall and projected display.
(Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber and Jim Yorgey)

Figure 25. Measurement points for two closely spaced displays.

(Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber and Jim Yorgey)

18

points long the centerline between
the adjacent displays (top, bottom,
and center).
iii. Where the distance between images
is greater than 1 m (3 ft 3 in.), measure
all noted points around each display
(see Figure 26).
3. Take luminance measurements of the
front wall. Locate the meter at the center
rear seating position, with the meter at a
height of 1.5 m (4 ft 9 in.) above the floor.
Measure and record the luminance at
each front-wall grid point, including the
points surrounding each display.
4. Display contrast ratio:
a. Indicate the type of display. Record
the display type on the Conformance
Form: direct-view (flat panel display),
front projection, or rear projection.
b. For projected displays only: Measure
the contrast ratio of the display using
methods detailed in ANSI/INFOCOMM
3M-2011, and enter the result on the
Conformance Form.
c. For direct-view displays only:
i. Power off all displays used for
videoconferencing.
ii. While seated in a designated
required participant seating
location, point the luminance meter
at each front wall display. Find the
brightest area across the entire
Figure 26. Measurement points for two widely spaced displays.
(Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber and Jim Yorgey)
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
image area of each display, making
sure to check all visible reflections.
Record the maximum luminance
value found across all displays
on the Conformance Form for
that position. Repeat this step for
each designated required seating
position.
6.4.7 Lamps
Document the correlated color temperature
(CCT, in kelvins [K]), and the light source
manufacturer and model number of
each light source type to be used during
videoconferencing. The CCTs may be
measured, or the values may be noted using
the light source manufacturer and model
number, and referring to the manufacturer’s
published specifications. Note the findings
for each light source type.
6.4.8 Windows
1. If the room includes an exterior wall with
windows, verify that blackout shades are
installed, operable, and effective. For the
purposes of this Standard, a conforming
installation shall meet all of the following
criteria:
a. Blackout shades with perimeter channels
shall be installed and fully closed during
videoconference operation.
b. There is no view to the outdoors from
the camera position with the blackout
shades closed. This means that there
is no view along the edge of a shade
to the outside, for example.
19
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
c. There is no exterior light source
(daylight or other lighting) that is
apparent inside the videoconference
room. There shall be no light leakage
apparent along any of the edges of
the shades (see Figure 27).
Figure 27. Light from the outdoors leaking in at
edges of shades. (Photo courtesy of Brooke Carter-
Silber and Jim Yorgey)
1. If the room includes interior windows,
any shades that are installed should be
closed.
2. In any case, window areas shall be
considered wall surfaces and shall
be measured as required according
to the procedures for wall luminance
measurements in Section 6.4.5.
6.4.9 Criteria Conformance
Calculation
1. Find the corresponding average
measurements, readings, and ratios in
the measurement section as required,
and document them in the “Measured”
column of the criteria table.
2. For each row in the table, compare the
“Measured” column value to the range
listed in the “Criterion” column, and
indicate a “Pass” or “Fail” condition in
the far-right column. If you are using
the electronic form, all the calculations
and pass/fail indications are performed
automatically.
20
6.5 Mandatory Reporting
Conformance to this Standard shall be verified
on-site using the criteria and procedures provided
herein. Design simulations are not acceptable as
proof of conformance to the Standard. Once the
measurements and calculations are completed,
results shall be reported.
A Conformance Report shall be provided that
includes the following:
§§ Room Dimensions. Provide the room
dimensions as required on the Conformance
Form, including:
• The overall room width, depth, and ceiling
height.
• Seating area dimensions, roughly to the
outer edge of table surfaces and chairs.
• Distance from the front edge of the seating
area to the display(s).
• Height of the main camera. (For
telepresence systems, this may include
multiple camera locations. Select a single
central camera position for the purposes of
this procedure.)
§§ Graphical Representation of Room.
Provide a graphical representation of the
existing room layout. (A scaled drawing of
the room is preferred but not required as
long as the relationships noted below are
properly indicated; see Figures 28 and 29.)
The graphical representation shall depict:
• The general orientation of the room
including the relationship of the display(s),
camera(s), seating area(s), and wall(s) to
each other.
• A schematic representation of the
seating positions around or behind any
work surfaces. Seating positions shall
be numbered to correspond with the
measurements made at each location as
indicated on the conformance form.
§§ Light Measurements. Include all measurements
as required by the verification procedure and
as indicated on the Conformance Form.
§§ Measurement Equipment. Include the
manufacturer and model number of the
following equipment used in the conformance
tests.
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Figure 28. Hand-drawn reporting schematic. (Graphic courtesy of Brooke Carter- Silber and Jim Yorgey)

21
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
• All photographs shall be taken without the
• If images of the room are provided as digital
6.6 Optional Reporting
Figure 29. Digital reporting schematic. (Graphic
courtesy of Brooke Carter-Silber and Jim Yorgey)
• Luminance meter (if calibrated, report the
type and date of calibration).
• Camera(s) used for images included in the
report.
• Equipment used for CCT measurement, if
used (if calibrated, report the type and date
of calibration).
§§ Conformance Form. Include the Conformance
Form that consolidates the criteria parameters,
the criteria to be met for each item, the
value measured and/or calculated from the
measurements, and an indication of the pass/
fail condition for each item.
§§ Notes. Provide notes as needed to call out
any peculiar performance issues, procedure
deviations, or other information pertaining to the
videoconference lighting system performance,
or to the camera or display setup.
§§ Photographs
• Provide photographs that generally
document the room, including the measured
wall surfaces and the seating configuration.
22
These photographs are not used as a part
of the room lighting performance criteria;
they are required only for documenting the
general conditions and configuration under
which the room was measured.
use of a flash.
files separately from the report text, they
shall be provided in an industry standard
format such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
6.6.1 Scaled Room Drawings
In addition to the graphical representation of
the room necessary for showing conformance
(see Section 6.5), the following drawings
may be provided in the report:
§§ Scaled reflected ceiling plan, lighting
plan, or other drawings representing the
existing ceiling layout, including ceiling
type, ceiling geometry, ceiling finish, light
fixtures, and other devices or equipment
mounted in the ceiling. This drawing may
include electrical and lighting information
such as fixture and lamp types, circuiting,
and dimming. This would be provided as
additional information and would not
replace the graphical representation of
the room.
§§ Room elevations may be provided
showing wall configurations, wall finishes,
and videoconferencing equipment
locations (including model numbers, if
desired) in the room.
§§ Full drawing sets including mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, structural,
audiovisual systems, and other trades
should not be provided with the report
except as noted above.
6.6.2 High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Photographs
It may be useful to take a series of exposure-
bracketed photographs that can be
processed to produce an HDR photograph
of certain areas of the room, particularly the
walls and the conferencing table surface.
These shall be taken with a matte, 18-percent
reflectance gray card in the scene, with a
known measurement of the luminance of

the gray card area when the photograph
was taken. This will allow for post-site visit
luminance analysis for some luminance
measurements.
If HDR photos are used, they shall include
minimum 32-bit-depth digital images (or
printed versions) of HDR photographs used
for measurement, illustrating the views used
for measurement and noting HDR calibration
points measured in the room and their
measured values.
6.7 General Conformance Requirements
Conformance to this Standard requires that all of
the following general conditions shall be met when
measured using the procedures outlined herein:
§§ The room falls under the scope of this Standard.
§§ All testing has been performed and data
collected according to the Measurement and
Calculation Procedures described herein.
§§ All results and collected data fall within the
criteria for every parameter listed under Lighting
Performance.
§§ All items listed under Mandatory Reporting
have been included in the Conformance Report.
The room tested shall not be considered in
conformance to this Standard if any of the conditions
listed above are not met.
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
ANNEX A – LIGHTING METRICS AND QUALITY
A.1 Luminance and Illuminance
A.1.1 What the Video Camera “Sees”
Video cameras perform adequately
throughout a fairly large range of absolute
brightness (luminance) levels. However,
images begin to fail when the luminance
values within a room scene extend beyond
the limits of the camera’s dynamic range. This
is why illuminance values alone do not serve
as suitable metrics in these applications.
The camera image is dependent on what the
camera sees, not what luminaires produce.
A light fixture provides the same illuminance
whether its output falls upon a bright white
wall or a dark brown table. The wall and
table luminance depend on their surface
characteristics. Under the same luminaire,
the table will appear very dark against the
very bright wall. If the camera sees the wall
and the table simultaneously, these extremes
could exceed the camera’s ability to faithfully
reproduce either part of the scene.
Therefore, the lighting designer should use
luminance ratios as guidelines when creating
videoconferencing lighting, and consider
illuminance only as impacted by reflectance
values. Luminance ratios are the ratio of two
luminance values found within the view of the
camera. These ratios can be taken across a
single surface, such as the rear wall, or between
two separate surfaces. Two examples (see
Figure A1) that are key to this Standard are:
§§ Face-to-wall ratio
§§ Face-to-table ratio
Figure A1. Examples of face-to-wall and face-to-
table luminance ratios. (Photo courtesy of
Brightline, edited by Tim Cape)
23
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17
A.1.2 “Converting” Illuminance to
Luminance
Because illuminance and luminance are two
different metrics, one cannot technically be
converted to the other the way that, for
example, feet can be converted to meters.
However, if a matte surface’s light reflectance
value (LRV) is known, then the luminance
of the surface can be derived from the
illuminance that it receives. Important: The
formula below applies only to matte surfaces.
If a surface has any specularity (shininess or
sheen), this relationship is not valid.
L = E x LRV x π/100 ,
where:
L = luminance, cd/m2
E = illuminance, lux
24
LRV = light reflectance value, expressed as a
number between 0 and 100
π = pi, approximately 3.14
A.2 Additional Room Design
Recommendations
The performance criteria listed in Section 6.0
Requirements are based on luminance values
for minimum acceptable camera performance in a
videoconference environment. The luminance values
called for are based on combinations of surface
illumination and the surface finish characteristics.
The recommendations in Table A1 provide additional
guidance for related room design parameters that,
while not a part of the conformance requirements,
are considered good performance ranges for the
parameters noted, and may help to meet the
luminance criteria.
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Table A1. Video-Teleconference (VTC) Room Design Criteria

25
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Table Notes: ‡ Display:

* Finishes (refer to Figure A2): Too much light falling on the surface of a
display can create veiling reflections, which
§§ Walls: The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and diminish the quality of the displayed image. If a
color of the walls are as important as the direct-view device is used, such as a flat-panel
luminance values. The ideal LRV for an interior monitor, it should not have a specular surface
room is 40% to 60%. The higher the LRV, the that will reduce the quality of the image by
reflecting the faces of the room’s participants.
less light that needs to hit the wall surface to
achieve the desired range of luminance values.
The color of the wall is also important; it should
complement the skin tones of the individuals in
front of it. Oranges, yellows, reds, and greens
should be avoided. Good choices are grays
and blues. Small patterns or stripes should
be avoided. The finish should be matte (not
specular) to avoid undesirable reflections.

§§ Shades: The purpose of blackout shades is to

exclude from the room the light from exterior
sources, particularly the sun and the sky. If
the windows are not on camera, the blackout
curtains may be of any shade as long as they
achieve this purpose. If they are on camera, Figure A2. Videoconferencing space with
additional design recommendations noted.
they should ideally have LRV values similar
(© Illuminating Engineering Society)
to the walls. Mesh-type fabrics should be
avoided because they will tend to produce a
These guidelines are a good start toward better
“moiré” pattern on the video image. If building
videoconferencing image quality, but there are many
interior windows are visible to the camera,
additional options and parameters that should be
the area that is visible should have a lighting taken into account, including:
treatment (particularly luminance value and
color temperature) that is similar to that of §§ Geometry of the space
the videoconference room, or they should be §§ Positioning of the participants
blocked by a suitable window covering, as §§ Classroom setting (straight, tiered seating)
described above. §§ Conference room style (semi-circular seating)
§§ Other uses of the space
§§ Floors: Floor surfaces are not often on camera,
but if they are, LRV values of 20% to 30%
should be used. Again, specular finishes should
be avoided.

† Furniture:

§§ Tables: The Light Reflectance Value of the

table should not exceed 60%, or it may reflect
too much light, making it difficult to read
documents placed on it. Grays or browns are
ideal colors. The table surface should not be
specular. If a modesty panel is used and is on
camera, it may need a lighting treatment so
that it falls within this range of values.

§§ Chairs: The chairs’ colors and finishes should

be similar to those for the wall, above. This is
only important if an empty chair is on camera.

26
 ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

ANNEX B – SAMPLE CONFORMANCE FORM

Note: This Annex is not part of ANSI/IES/AVIXA

RP-38-17; it is included for information only. (See
next pages)

For IES documents not currently listed in the IES

publication catalog, please contact ies@ies.org.

27
28
Site: _____________________________ Room: __________________________________ Test Date: _____________________

Lighting Performance for Small- to Medium-Sized Videoconferencing Rooms

Conformance Form ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017

Project Information
Site: By:
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

Room:

Date:

Room Information

Select Units:
Seat
Room
Area
Width

Depth Direct-View Monitor 0

Height Display is: Front Projection

Rear Projection
Seat Nearest Front Camera

From Front Wall Yes 0

Exterior windows?
From Display No

Camera Lens Height Blackout Shades: Yes 0

Present, Operable and
Above Floor Effective No

ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017 Conformance Form v1.1 Page 1 of 5

 Site: _____________________________ Room: __________________________________ Test Date: _____________________

Light Measurements All measurements in cd/sq.m

Participant Measurement Positions 1-9 Displays

Postion: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Enter values for the perimeter of display(s)
Key: below.
Gray Card
Fill: Display 1 Display 2
Luminance

Left: L C R L C R

Right: Top

Key/Fill Mid Display Display

Seating
Calculations
Left/Right Bot

Tabletop
Direct
Luminance

Direct-View Maximum
Display Luminance Projected Display
From Seating OR :1
(monitor off)
Contrast Ratio

Front Wall (Enter measurements below. Place an "X" where grid points overlay displays.)
Grid From Left Front Corner
1m 2m 3m 4m 5m 6m 7m 8m 9m 10 m 11 m 12 m 13 m 14 m 15 m 16 m
2 m (6'-6") AFF

1 m (3'-3") AFF

29
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017 Conformance Form v1.1 Page 2 of 5

30
Site: _____________________________ Room: __________________________________ Test Date: _____________________

Left Wall
Grid From Left Rear Corner
1m 2m 3m 4m 5m 6m 7m 8m 9m 10 m 11 m 12 m 13 m 14 m 15 m 16 m
2 m (6'-6") AFF
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

1 m (3'-3") AFF

Right Wall
Grid From Right Rear Corner
1m 2m 3m 4m 5m 6m 7m 8m 9m 10 m 11 m 12 m 13 m 14 m 15 m 16 m
2 m (6'-6") AFF

1 m (3'-3") AFF

Rear Wall
Grid From Left Corner
1m 2m 3m 4m 5m 6m 7m 8m 9m 10 m 11 m 12 m 13 m 14 m 15 m 16 m
2 m (6'-6") AFF

1 m (3'-3") AFF

Lamps Manufacturer Model Type K

Lamp 1
Correlated
Lamp 2
Color
Temp. (K) Lamp 3

Lamp 4

ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017 Conformance Form v1.1 Page 3 of 5

 Site: _____________________________ Room: __________________________________ Test Date: _____________________

Pass/ Pass/
Criteria Criterion Measured Criteria Criterion Measured
Fail Fail

Direct-View
Participants Vertical 10 - 30 cd/sq.m Max Luminance,
Displays Only, Max 24
(gray card) cd/sq.m Target: 15 - 20 Display Off
cd/sq.m
Projection Only,
Average
1.2:1 to 2.5:1 Contrast Ratio per InfoComm
Key:Fill
Standard
Correlated Color All within
Average
0.33:1 to 3:1 Lamps Temp., CCT
Left:Right 5% (+/- 2.5%)
(K)

Vertical, Minimum 30 Present and Present,

Back / Side Blackout
Average (drop minimum Operable operable and
Walls Shades
cd/sq.m measurement) Exterior Only effective
0.7:1 to 1.8:1 or
Wall-to-Participant
2.2:1 to 6:1
Luminance Ratio
using averages
2:1 or less
Uniformity
(drop minimum
Mean:Min
measurement)
Luminance
9 to 2,100
Front Wall Range
cd/sq.m
cd/sq.m As measured, this room ________
Average is in conformance with
Table Horizontal Minimum 30
cd/sq.m ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017
Table-to-Participant 2:1 to 6:1
Luminance Ratio using averages

31
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017 Conformance Form v1.1 Page 4 of 5

32
Site: _____________________________ Room: __________________________________ Test Date: _____________________

Room Sketch
ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17

ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-2017 Conformance Form v1.1 Page 5 of 5

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