Video Asylum

Posted by kfalls (A) on November 30, 2004 at 06:05:16

In Reply to: Re: Agreed... posted by warrenh@optonline.net on November 27, 2004 at 03:46:38:

I have taken the ISF calibration class and currently working toward the certification. Usually for $125 you'll get only one input calibrated. From the class and what I've read in the class text, convergence should be included in the initial calibration. Make sure the set is on for at least 30 minutes before the calibration. There are different methods of calibration, but in general the calibrator should first check focus and convergence. Then center up the user controls and adjust the basic 5 (brightness, contrast, color, hue, and sharpness) using either the service menu or internal (circuit board) controls to calibrate the set so the calibrated settings are also the default settings. This way you have a one-button default. He should also check the white balance with a calibrated sensor and adjust the service menu drive and cutoff controls at two different IRE levels (usually 80IRE and 20IRE) so the white balance is the same at different brightness levels. If the appropriate settings are available, he will also setup the display for day and night viewing. He can also give advice on the correct viewing distance for screen size and the type and amount of bias lighting.

The Video Essentials/Avia DVDs are good tools to use for calibrating the DVD input since it takes into account the player and cabling, but not really as accurate for setting up SAT, OTA, or CABLE inputs since it assumes the DVD player output is at reference. An ISF certified technician will have a signal generator he can use to calibrate the other inputs, either with or without your cables.

Some ISF certified technicians can also perform Home Theater sound calibrations, such as correct levels, crossover, proper subwoofer placement, room corrections.