A reference monitor is one employed for decisions on image quality. Achieving controlled reproducibility for this application is the primary objective of the specifications for monitor standardization.

SMPTE Working Group on Studio Monitors, S17.28, has recognized the great disparity now existing among studio monitors and control monitors, and has noted the confusing variability among decisions based upon visual judgments of program quality as evaluated on different monitors. They are working to identify and recommend specifications for the variables affecting subjective judgments, coming not only from the monitor capabilities, but also from the adjustment of its controls and the bias introduced by monitor surround and room illumination.