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In Reply to: I just did a quick google for DIY calibration discs... posted by rditmars on January 19, 2005 at 14:48:31:
I've used Video Essentials with very good results, but its not user-friendly at all. Once you've used it, though, its easy to skip right to the test screens. I can't compare it with an ISF calibration, but $20 vs $500 speaks loudly.
Follow Ups:
I use Digital Video Essentials for DIY calibration as well. I did improve the colour rendition for my front projector as well as 5.1 sound. I used my eyes with the supplied filters to set up colour and my ears to set up the sound.DVE highly recommends you have a sound meter to set up the sound, and if you are DIY'ing it you will understand why. It's just hard to feel sure you've got it right. Of course sound will be influenced by so many variables (number of people in the room, seating position, adding/removing or even moving furniture) that even with calibration you will still have some change.
They also explain that the best way to measure colour is with colour sensors/meters (but seem to say that you will get very very close with your own eyes, unlike the recommendation for sound). If you are hiring a pro and they don't have that equipment for colour then you might as well do it yourself - it is not hard at all.
I agree that the DVD could be a little better laid out but it's obviously trying to balance technical correctness and information with ease of use. Kind of like a physics person explaining that when you say 'weight' you probably mean 'mass'.
Hey, you're exagerating! It was only $400. lol.. Yep, a tad expensive, but not when you consider the overall $ scheme of a home video system. The $$ speak loudly, but the picture, after ISF calibration, speaks louder than that. It's the grey scale calibration that will bring your set into its' own.
The image on my set (Pioneer Elite 530) is really superb; like watching film. I can't imagine a $500 improvement given the variations in material, even DVDs.
I thought my cdp was absolutely fabulous until I changed the power cord. After listening to my "fabulous" cdp I changed the ICs. Now it was? you bet, more "fabulous." Then I added a power conditioner and well? there you go. Do you want to see where your plasma can go? Calibration!! And throw in a power conditioner, as well. It'll cost you a total of a $1k, but you'll love it. Did you go for a ED plasma or HD plasma? If you went for the ED, like Gilda Radner, from the old Saturday Live use to say, "Never Mind." Hey, exercise that credit card... peace, warren
Actually I wondered if there might be a corelation between praising pricy ISF calibration and buying expensive cables. I see your ISF appraisal in a new light. BTW, my Pioneer Elite is a CRT rear projector. I'm sitting out plasma, waiting for SED in a couple years.
I remeber, years ago, when cd players first came out. I was one of the first on my block to own one. Everyone thought I was crazy. I was told, I should wait a year and the prices would come down. Well, they did come down, but I was enjoying that baby for an entire year while others waited their asses off. It's all how you look at it. You'll never keep up with this stuff. Everything in the electronic's age has a short life. It's the fun of it..You won't regret calibration for a CRT. I've heard that the results can be more dramatic than plasma, or the like. Do some homework. It may, at the least, make your wait for SED, more enjoyable. peace..
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