separation

n. A monochromatic image that contains information about one of the primary colors of a full-color image. Audiovisual RecordsThe degree to which different channels in a composite signal can be differentiated. The process of removing materials from a collection for separate storage; segregation.

Notes

A separation1 is generally one of a set. For example, the dye transfer process breaks the color information in the original image into three separations, one for each primary color. Each separation is used to print a different color dye, the images superimposed so that the combination reproduces the full color of the original. Some processes create a fourth separation used to include black for added density. Separations are usually on film to make printing plates or prints. However, individual separation prints are sometimes made as proofs during printing. - An example of separation2 is stereo recording, which must minimize crossover between left and right channels. - Separation3 often involves replacing the item with a separation sheet. Examples include pulling nitrate negatives from a collection for transfer to cold storage or removing folded, oversize materials so they can be stored flat.