Calibration question - Blu-ray Forum

oiamslain · 10-08-2008, 11:25 PM

Short time lurker/first time poster here! I wanted to get some opinions on calibrating my set. I have a Toshiba 42" 42HL167 1080p LCD. I've had it about a year and have always used the "movie" mode when watching DVD's and Blu-ray's, and I think it looks really good.

I'm wondering, though, if I'm missing out on a better picture by only using the movie mode. What does professional calibration ususally cost and who does them? Is a calibration disc just as good (and non-tech person friendly)? Will it be a big difference over "movie mode?"

Thanks!

Lucy Diamond · 10-08-2008, 11:45 PM

First off and most importantly...WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MAAAAAAAAAN!!!!
And welcome to the BluWorldOrder!!!

Okay..so now....business.

Hopefully you have been into this for a while. For now, throw in your copy of Revenge of the Sith and use your THX optimizer to get yourself in the ballpark...FOR NOW.

The reason I say FOR NOW is because if you do that, you are simply calibrating for DvD. Go out and get yourself a copy of Digital Video Essentials HD Basics. Throw it in and follow the instructions.

I'm not going to lie to you...it is boring as hell, but it is well worth it.

There really isn't much need for pro-calibration, because most of the people that BestBuy or Circuit City will send to your house are complete monkeys and won't know much more then you.

I went to school for this sort of thing and I spent much of my twenties in production and post production studios of all types and believe me...it is a good disc.

Throw it in and enjoy.

Welcome and have fun,

oiamslain · 10-09-2008, 12:00 AM

Cool - thanks for the info and the welcome!

LOL - I have to agree on the "monkeys" at some of the stores. When I was choosing my TV, I actually had a CC employee tell me that the reason one model was better than the other was because it cost more!

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 01:51 AM

No offense, but there is a big difference between the geek squad calibration and an fully trained ISF calibrator.

My 85u was calibrated by one of the best guys in the business (my first one) and Im sold. Ill never own another HDTV thats not professionaly calibrated.

BTW, I used the DVE Bluray to set this tv up, and the ISF calibration beats it hands down. You cant beat a $16k calibration machine with a optical test pattern.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 01:55 AM

While that may be true and probably is you are still wrong. Umm...the geek squad folks are ISF certified as well. That's basic information by now.

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 01:58 AM

Yepp, they claim that. Its also known its a gimmick and they have been found to do a piss poor job.

Go to the ISF website or the AVS section for calibrators and hire someone who does it for a living.

A Best Buy employee with a certificate and SpyderTv does not count as a real calibrator.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Yepp, they claim that. Its also known its a gimmick and they have been found to do a piss poor job.

Go to the ISF website or the AVS section for calibrators and hire someone who does it for a living.

A Best Buy employee with a certificate and SpyderTv does not count as a real calibrator.

Regardless, they are ISF certified. Just check the ISF website. They are listed as being such. I wouldn't use them either, but facts are facts.

So yes, they claim that. So do the ISF folks themselves.

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 02:06 AM

WTF, we actually can come to terms on something.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elwaylite

WTF, we actually can come to terms on something.

Yep, while they may not all be very good...the geek squad folks are ISF certified. So, let's not spread misinformation.

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 02:07 AM

Agreed.

arush5268d · 10-09-2008, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilmMaster

Regardless, they are ISF certified. Just check the ISF website. They are listed as being such. I wouldn't use them either, but facts are facts.

So yes, they claim that. So do the ISF folks themselves.

Dude...just stop.

Don't come here and argue and try to pick a fight with everyone.

You can't call the Moron Squad "fully-trained ISF calibrators." A two day course is not fully trained.

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 02:55 AM

While I do agree with him that they are indeed labeled ISF, just calling them that without furthur comment would possibly mislead people looking for a reliable calibration.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arush5268d

Dude...just stop.

Don't come here and argue and try to pick a fight with everyone.

You can't call the Moron Squad "fully-trained ISF calibrators." A two day course is not fully trained.

Umm...dude...the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) considers them to be ISF certified. That isn't your decision to make. Does it mean they all do a wonderful job? Absolutely not. Facts are facts. Don't take it out on me. Look it up for yourself...

http://www.imagingscience.com/

arush5268d · 10-09-2008, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilmMaster

Umm...dude...the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) considers them to be ISF certified. That isn't your decision to make. Does it mean they all do a wonderful job? Absolutely not. Facts are facts. Don't take it out on me. Look it up for yourself...

http://www.imagingscience.com/

So that's what ISF stands for. I never knew until now. Thank you *so* much.

Lucy Diamond · 10-09-2008, 03:10 AM

Okay...guys...we are all buds here okay. Lemme just say this...I really don't thing the OP was considering spending 16GRAND on this process and while I am certainly AWARE of all that...I am also aware that you don't need to spend that much to enjoy a TV.

Dude...if you've got it.....God freakin bless you. All I'm saying is for 15.99, this kat can be up and running in about 45 minutes and use the extra 16 THOUSAND dollars on something useful....like Hookers, beer and gasoline.

Viva la tax breaks!!!!

Yeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy Diamond

Okay...guys...we are all buds here okay. Lemme just say this...I really don't thing the OP was considering spending 16GRAND on this process and while I am certainly AWARE of all that...I am also aware that you don't need to spend that much to enjoy a TV.

Dude...if you've got it.....God freakin bless you. All I'm saying is for 15.99, this cat can be up and running in about 45 minutes and use the extra 16 THOUSAND dollars on something useful....like Hookers, beer and gasoline.

Viva la tax breaks!!!!

Yeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!

$16k aint what the calibration costs ($300-$400), thats the cost of the equipment a professional uses.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arush5268d

So that's what ISF stands for. I never knew until now. Thank you *so* much.

I'm just happy that I was able to help you.

oiamslain · 10-09-2008, 03:31 AM

Wow. Didn't mean to start a war - sorry!

I think I have the basic idea. Professionals are the best option, but on a budget (which I am), the disc will get me better results than "movie" mode.

Thanks all!

elwaylite · 10-09-2008, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oiamslain

Wow. Didn't mean to start a war - sorry!

I think I have the basic idea. Professionals are the best option, but on a budget (which I am), the disc will get me better results than "movie" mode.

Thanks all!

No war, and yes youre right.

If you find $400 laying around, get your tv ISF calibrated.

10-08-2008, 11:25 PM	#1
oiamslain Junior Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Peoria, IL	Calibration question Short time lurker/first time poster here! I wanted to get some opinions on calibrating my set. I have a Toshiba 42" 42HL167 1080p LCD. I've had it about a year and have always used the "movie" mode when watching DVD's and Blu-ray's, and I think it looks really good. I'm wondering, though, if I'm missing out on a better picture by only using the movie mode. What does professional calibration ususally cost and who does them? Is a calibration disc just as good (and non-tech person friendly)? Will it be a big difference over "movie mode?" Thanks!

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10-08-2008, 11:45 PM	#2
Lucy Diamond Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:The Tomb of Annihilation 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:3	First off and most importantly...WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MAAAAAAAAAN!!!! And welcome to the BluWorldOrder!!! Okay..so now....business. Hopefully you have been into this for a while. For now, throw in your copy of Revenge of the Sith and use your THX optimizer to get yourself in the ballpark...FOR NOW. The reason I say FOR NOW is because if you do that, you are simply calibrating for DvD. Go out and get yourself a copy of Digital Video Essentials HD Basics. Throw it in and follow the instructions. I'm not going to lie to you...it is boring as hell, but it is well worth it. There really isn't much need for pro-calibration, because most of the people that BestBuy or Circuit City will send to your house are complete monkeys and won't know much more then you. I went to school for this sort of thing and I spent much of my twenties in production and post production studios of all types and believe me...it is a good disc. Throw it in and enjoy. Welcome and have fun,

10-09-2008, 12:00 AM	#3
oiamslain Junior Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Peoria, IL	Cool - thanks for the info and the welcome! LOL - I have to agree on the "monkeys" at some of the stores. When I was choosing my TV, I actually had a CC employee tell me that the reason one model was better than the other was because it cost more!

10-09-2008, 01:51 AM	#4
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	No offense, but there is a big difference between the geek squad calibration and an fully trained ISF calibrator. My 85u was calibrated by one of the best guys in the business (my first one) and Im sold. Ill never own another HDTV thats not professionaly calibrated. BTW, I used the DVE Bluray to set this tv up, and the ISF calibration beats it hands down. You cant beat a $16k calibration machine with a optical test pattern.

10-09-2008, 01:55 AM	#5
FilmMaster Banned Member since:Sep 2008	While that may be true and probably is you are still wrong. Umm...the geek squad folks are ISF certified as well. That's basic information by now.

10-09-2008, 01:58 AM	#6
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	Yepp, they claim that. Its also known its a gimmick and they have been found to do a piss poor job. Go to the ISF website or the AVS section for calibrators and hire someone who does it for a living. A Best Buy employee with a certificate and SpyderTv does not count as a real calibrator.

10-09-2008, 02:06 AM	#8
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	WTF, we actually can come to terms on something.

10-09-2008, 02:07 AM	#10
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	Agreed.

10-09-2008, 02:55 AM	#12
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	While I do agree with him that they are indeed labeled ISF, just calling them that without furthur comment would possibly mislead people looking for a reliable calibration.

10-09-2008, 03:10 AM	#15
Lucy Diamond Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:The Tomb of Annihilation 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:3	Okay...guys...we are all buds here okay. Lemme just say this...I really don't thing the OP was considering spending 16GRAND on this process and while I am certainly AWARE of all that...I am also aware that you don't need to spend that much to enjoy a TV. Dude...if you've got it.....God freakin bless you. All I'm saying is for 15.99, this kat can be up and running in about 45 minutes and use the extra 16 THOUSAND dollars on something useful....like Hookers, beer and gasoline. Viva la tax breaks!!!! Yeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!

10-09-2008, 03:31 AM	#18
oiamslain Junior Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Peoria, IL	Wow. Didn't mean to start a war - sorry! I think I have the basic idea. Professionals are the best option, but on a budget (which I am), the disc will get me better results than "movie" mode. Thanks all!

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