expert at aspectled Written by Marty Lemke | A Leader in LED Technology

TM-30 is an advanced method for evaluating the color rendering properties of a light source. It considers several factors, including hue, saturation, and fidelity. A Tungsten Halogen light, which serves as a standard, receives a perfect score of 100 on the TM-30 Rg (saturation) scale.


When measuring TM-30, the results are divided into two main categories:

  • Fidelity (Rf): This measures how closely the light source replicates the colors as compared to halogen lighting, scored on a scale from 1 to 100.
  • Gamut (Rg): This assesses the hue and saturation of colors rendered by the light source. The scale starts at 100, where values above 100 indicate oversaturation and values below 100 indicate undersaturation.

TM-30 vs. CRI

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source displays the colors of objects compared to natural sunlight. CRI measures 8 standard colors and the results are expressed on a scale from 0 to 100. CRI uses a light fidelity metric only and doesn’t consider hue and saturation. Color Fidelity refers to how accurately a light source affects an object’s color. TM-30 measures 99 colors, considering light fidelity, as well as Color Gamut (Rg- saturation Index) and Gamut Shape (Visual description on hue and saturation). Together, Color Fidelity, Color Gamut, and Gamut Shape provide a more comprehensive understanding of a light source's color rendering properties.


TM30 Rg Vector Scale Test On L-Series Strip Light

To better illustrate TM-30, we conducted a TM-30 test on our 24VDC, non-waterproof 3000K L-series strip light. The test provided insights into how the L-Series renders colors compared to halogen light, or sunlight. The results showed that the L-series strip light has an Rg (gamut) value of 99.42 and an Rf (fidelity) value of 91.96.

This graph shows how our L-Series Dotless™ Linear LED Strip Lights (red circle) perform compared to our reference light source with a perfect TM-30 score (black circle).

This bar graph above shows 16 color samples and how accurately our L-Series renders those color samples when compared to a reference light source (halogen light, or the Sun). The bar graph below shows all 99 color samples.

And finally, this image shows how the L-series scored overall for Light Fidelity (Rf), and Saturation (Rg).

What are the benefits of high TM-30?

A high TM-30 score indicates more accurate color rendering as compared to the original light source. This is particularly important in settings where accurate color representation is key.

For example, in an art gallery, proper color rendering is crucial. Artists and patrons alike can best appreciate works that are accurately rendered under a light source and stay true to the artist’s design. Unlike CRI, which doesn't account for saturation, TM-30 provides this critical information, ensuring that colors are portrayed more accurately.

Who Uses TM30?

TM-30 is most considered in settings where accurately depicting the true colors of objects is crucial. Proper color representation can significantly enhance the experience, satisfaction, and quality of work for professionals in these environments. TM-30 is commonly utilized by professionals who require precise color rendering in their work, some examples are:

  • Light Designers
  • Photographers/Videographers
  • Retail Store Designers
  • Fashion Designers
  • TV Set Designers
  • Stage Designers
  • Paint Specialists
  • Hospitals

Final Thoughts

TM-30 represents a significant advancement in the evaluation of light sources, offering a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of color rendering compared to traditional methods like CRI. By considering additional factors such as hue and saturation, TM-30 provides a fuller picture of how a light source will affect the appearance of objects. This makes it an invaluable tool for professionals in various industries where accurate color representation is essential, from retail and fashion to photography and healthcare. As lighting technology continues to evolve, TM-30 will likely become an increasingly important standard for ensuring that the true colors of our environments are faithfully and accurately represented.