Video Asylum

Posted by Joe Murphy Jr (A) on July 17, 2003 at 21:51:58

In Reply to: What is a calibration disc? posted by bob1 on July 17, 2003 at 17:47:21:

#1
A calibration disc is a disc that contains test signals and patterns that help you properly set up a video display. In general, there are a few basic patterns that are used to set the display's controls: brightness, contrast, color, tint and sharpness. Years ago, the only way to access these signals and patterns was to buy, rent or borrow very expensive equipment.

When LD (laserdisc) was the preferred videophile format, Joe Kane put together a multitude of test patterns and video material for the format. The start of the "calibration disc" phenomenon was born. This first venture was called "A Video Standard". As the name implies, there are standards that should be followed when setting up a display device. And as Joe Kane makes perfectly clear, not enough manufacturers follow the proper standards. However, this version was a bit on the technical side (for most people). Joe Kane began work on a condensed and easier to understand LD version called Video Essentials (or VE as it's commonly called).

When VE on LD was introduced, the DVD format was not yet available. However, not long after DVD's commercial release, Joe Kane put the test signals and video patterns that had been used for the LD version of VE onto a DVD version. There are actually a couple of signals that appear on the DVD version that were not applicable or included on the LD version of VE.

A few years later another company, Ovation Software, also put together a calibration DVD called "Avia". Most of the patterns that are available on VE are included on their DVD. There are also some other signals and patterns that may be of use to technicians when calibrating a display. Their "condensed version" is available as a calibration disc called "Home Theater Tune-Up".

Recently, Allsop has put out a calibration disc called "Home Theater Optimizer". Besides calibration material, the disc also includes over 15 audio intense movie trailers in Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound. Their package includes a lens cleaning disc.

The next calibration disc to hit the market will also be from Joe Kane. It's called Digital Video Essentials or DVE, for short. There's not enough room to go into the details of this disc. Suffice it to say, DVE will be the tour de force of video calibration discs. Joe Kane Productions (JKP) has been working on this disc for several years. Technological barriers had to be broken and new technology invented to get this disc to final production. It should be available sometime in August or September of 2003 and will retail for $25.

Whatever you decide on, do not use the THX Optimode calibration patterns found on some DVD releases. These signals are not accurate and the implementation process is flawed. You have been warned.

#2
If you are interested in ISF calibration of your display, there are some things that you be aware of. The heating up, cooling down and general operation of your set will introduce various changes for the first 100 to 200 hours of its use. This is the break-in period for the numerous parts and electronics.

I'd suggest that you follow my guidelines from earlier with your display's settings. They don't have to be exact -- just fairly close. During the break-in period, these settings won't overtax your display and will give you a satisfactory picture. Treat your new set as you would a new car -- drive it carefully, enjoy it and don't push it to its limits. If you'd like to get a calibration disc and make some adjustments, that's also good idea. The instructions are fairly easy to follow.

An ISF calibration, depending on what you ask for, will run between $250 and $600. You may not want or need the full deal. An ISF technician will explain the various levels that are offered. It's really up to you in the end. For a smaller fee, touch-ups can be done about every 12 - 24 months. It will depend on how well your set behaves once calibrated by a tech. However, if you decide on an ISF calibration, do not get it done until you have at least 100 hours of actual use (I'd recommend 200 hours) on your set. Less than that would not be enough time for your set to break-in and a good ISF tech should make this clear to you.

#3
Get a subscription to WidescreenReview magazine. It's only about $30 a year for 12 issues. The articles from Joe Kane alone are worth the price.

#4
Visit the AVS forum (www.avsforum.com). The site is mostly dedicated to video (though there is some audio discussion). Find the area "Display Devices" and browse through the various subsections (RPTV, Plasma, Projector, etc). In a very short time, you'll see that there's a wealth of information available at you fingertips -- and it's all free. You can also browse www.hometheaterforum.com for information as well.

#5
Here's a link to Joe Kane's "Video Essentials" website. There's a great deal of information on his calibration discs, details about setting up a video display, a glossary and much more.

• http://www.videoessentials.com   (Open in New Window)