Calibration and the tools needed

[mmulcahy1]

Hi,

I'm a total noob and I apologize if I'm asking something that I could not locate using the search function - tons of info to sort through!!

1. What is "ISF" calibration?

2. I'm going to try to use the AVIA disc to "calibrate" my KDL-32L4000 Sony LCD TV. Are there actual tools that I will need?

Thanks in advance for the info.

[musicman4687]

Originally Posted by mmulcahy1

Hi,

I'm a total noob and I apologize if I'm asking something that I could not locate using the search function - tons of info to sort through!!

1. What is "ISF" calibration?

2. I'm going to try to use the AVIA disc to "calibrate" my KDL-32L4000 Sony LCD TV. Are there actual tools that I will need?

Thanks in advance for the info.

No tools needed for Avia, except the ones included. ISF calibration is the idea of trying to achieve near perfect results within the TV. Usually this is done on expensive TV's, as it costs $300+.

http://www.imagingscience.com/


I traded my detailing service to have a ISF guy come by and do my TV. He needed his car detailed, I needed my TV calibrated, so it worked out for both of us.





-Nick

[jibucha]

Hello

Using Discs such as DVE & AVIA are not calibrations; what you are able to do, which is important, is to do what is commonly known as front panel adjustments.

A Calibration, or Professional Calibration, is an entirely comprehensive adjustment of a display.

If you are unwilling to pay the fee for a Professional Calibration, using these discs to improve your picture quality, your sound quality, and to prolong the life of your display; it is the least one could to improve things.

Most importantly, if you take the time to play through all of the chapters, these discs will teach you quite a bit; especially, why a professional calibration is worthwhile.

A Professional Calibration, only matters if you wish to actually see the quality of your display, and of course, your Blu-ray Player.

I sincerely hope that this information is helpful; not too much detail, but it would require many pages to comprehensively detail.

Thank You

[Bonifax]

For fixed pixel displays such as LCDs and Plasma you should use "get gray DVD" or the AVS HD 709 calibration disk.

[FIDDYPOP]

I have a 1080p hdtv that is not calibrated. I must admit that the images are gorgeous. Does calibration make a considerable and highly noticeable difference? Is the calibration with the $300-400?

[jibucha]

Yes; without exception.

Originally Posted by FIDDYPOP

I have a 1080p hdtv that is not calibrated. I must admit that the images are gorgeous. Does calibration make a considerable and highly noticeable difference? Is the calibration with the $300-400?

[musicman4687]

Originally Posted by FIDDYPOP

I have a 1080p hdtv that is not calibrated. I must admit that the images are gorgeous. Does calibration make a considerable and highly noticeable difference? Is the calibration with the $300-400?

Yes. Even on my "little" 26", the before/after was significant. Everyone who has ISF calibration done, almost always says it was worth the price. But keep in mind, most of these folks want the best from their TV. Do you?







-Nick

[Edh63]

ISF calibration is not just a matter of picture quality. ISF calibration is much about balance in PQ and mechanical operations of the set itself.

Calibration pulls blues out of whites and reduces heat output, specifically in Plasmas. As stated, it cannot be done via disk and has to be accessed via a special service menu that requires certain equipment. A technician will set-up a laptop and other calibration hardware, attach a heat sensor to the center of your screen and make the necessary adjustments to bring the set to as close to the best possible operating parameters that he can.

You'll find after calibration the set will look a little dull since the manufacture settings have been adjusted. The set is now operating at more realistic settings according to what colors should actually look like. You can always tweak your color setting if you need to richen it up a bit. Just keep a map of the calibration on file so you can always go back to zero if you tweak it out of whack too much.

Get an ISF calibration. It's worth the money and your set will thank you down the line. That's if you have one of those newer Plasmas that says "Thank You for Calibrating Me, Master". Very rewarding.