This guide compares two ways to put calibration patches on a display: PatternSpace rendering from macOS, and ColourSpace's direct PC output from a Windows computer. It compares the pattern output path, not the full ColourSpace and PatternSpace products. ColourSpace is a complete calibration system; PatternSpace is a pattern generator with added Mac display, ICC, and LUT tools.
Quick Recommendation
Use ColourSpace direct PC output if your calibration workflow is already on Windows and you want the PC's graphics output to drive the display without a separate pattern generator. Use PatternSpace if you want to render from a Mac display and connect calibration software to a dedicated native app that also supports several protocols, advanced Mac HDR presets, and separate ICC and LUT tools.
At a Glance
- Output device: ColourSpace direct PC uses the Windows PC's own graphics output. PatternSpace renders on a selected internal or connected Mac display; compatible DeckLink hardware is a separate SDR output option.
- Operating system: ColourSpace direct profiling is a Windows PC workflow. PatternSpace runs natively on macOS.
- Calibration control: ColourSpace directly generates patches as part of its own calibration software. PatternSpace Pro receives patches from ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator-compatible software; PatternSpace Remote has a free evaluation allowance.
- Signal setup: Direct PC output depends on the Windows GPU, port, driver, and signal configuration. ColourSpace's guide calls for neutralizing the video-card gamma table, disabling active ICC correction, and checking full versus limited range.
- Mac tools: PatternSpace adds HDR output presets and diagnostics, an extensive pattern library, ICC profile tools, VCGT workflows, and LUT preparation. These are outside the scope of ColourSpace direct PC output.
ColourSpace Direct PC Output
ColourSpace can use a Windows PC's HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C video output as its patch source. This can reduce the need for separate pattern-generation hardware, but the PC and graphics path become part of the signal chain. The output has to be configured correctly for range, bit depth, and the display's input. Windows 11 Auto Color Management can also affect the path, so verify the actual signal before profiling.
Light Illusion's setup guidance says macOS is not suitable for this direct external-display workflow because ColorSync is always active. That makes direct PC output a Windows-centered option for users who need to send patterns from their calibration computer to an external TV or monitor.
PatternSpace on Mac
PatternSpace separates the calibration controller from the display renderer. Run PatternSpace on the Mac connected to the display, then let ColourSpace or another supported controller request patches over the network. This provides a purpose-built Mac rendering app and diagnostics for the selected display and output preset.
PatternSpace Pro adds HDR PQ, system-tone-mapped HDR, Display HDR, and Linear HDR presets, plus Peak White and EDR controls. The app also supports CalMAN, PGenerator emulation, and an open PatternSpace Remote protocol in addition to ColourSpace.
External Video Output
PatternSpace also supports external SDR patches through compatible Blackmagic DeckLink hardware, as a separate purchase. Current support is limited to progressive 720p and 1080p, 10-bit YCbCr, video-range BT.709 / gamma 2.4, using solid and window patches. HDR, UHD, and library patterns are not supported over SDI. Review the DeckLink SDI guide before relying on that path.
Which Output Path Fits?
- Choose direct PC output when ColourSpace and the Windows computer are already central to the bench, and you want the PC's video output to feed the display.
- Choose PatternSpace when you want a native Mac pattern renderer, need to drive output from ColourSpace, CalMAN, PGenerator, or a custom controller, or want Mac HDR, ICC, and LUT tools alongside pattern generation.
- Choose DeckLink SDI when the display must receive SDI and your workflow fits PatternSpace's current SDR format and pattern limits.
Sources and Guides
See Light Illusion's Direct Profiling guide for PC output requirements and its TPG operation guide for patch scale and range setup. For PatternSpace's signal and file format limits, see the DeckLink SDI guide, ICC profile tools guide, and LUT Tools guide.
Try PatternSpace on Mac
PatternSpace is free to download from the Mac App Store. Pro unlocks calibration automation, advanced Mac display HDR controls, ICC export, and LUT export. DeckLink SDI is a separate one-time purchase. See the current feature and pricing details before choosing the tools for your setup.
More Comparisons
Compare PatternSpace with Portrait Displays Patterns for Mac, LightSpace Connect, or pgen_client.