When should I get my TV calibrated?
Although, one can theoretically get professional calibration as soon as you get the set new, it is recommended that you let your TV have at least 100 hrs of use before getting it calibrated.
What does this accomplish? It allows new TV components to get broken-in. Although electronics these days are quite a bit more robust and reliable, the possibility still exists for higher than usual mortality rate. If one gets the professional calibration right away and then the TV malfunctions shortly thereafter (or during the manufacturer warranty period), then it is almost certain that all calibration work done on the set would be wiped out when the authorized service tech works on the set. There goes all the fastidious adjustments on the set along with the money spent on it. So, wait a while and let the set settle down. In the meantime, do user calibration using home theater discs like Avia or Video Essentials and try to build your knowledge base on tweaking your set or optimizing your viewing experience.
What's the end result of calibration?
It really depends on the set. If the set's defaults are far or way off from what they really should be, then the difference can be staggering. If the set's defaults however are close to calibrated values, then the difference may not be as dramatic or even noticeable.
But most folks who've had their sets calibrated however feel that the change is quite noticeable. Blacks are black; whites are white; even light distribution; realistic colors; and images are filmlike in quality. Apparently, a lot of problems with out-of-the-box sets also get corrected. Problems such as shimmering, ringing, weird color fringes, jaggies, and hot spots are reported to be reduced or even disappear.
If you've spent thousands on your HD-ready TV, you'd probably want to spend a little more to make your set perform at its best.
Calibration - What it entails?
Calibration will allow for correcting or optimizing the following parameters:
- Greyscale tracking *
- White & Black Level *
- Color temperature *
- Chroma Level and Phase *
- Geometry
- Focus (Electrical & Mechanical)
- Horizontal & Vertical Center
- Overscan
- Convergence (static & dynamic)
- Aperture
- Chroma detail enhancement, and
- Scan Velocity Modulation Disconnection
How will my TV benefit from an ISF/THX Calibration?
Television manufacturers have to set up these precision displays to sell and compete on showroom floors. Simply put, the user and service controls are set to attract customers. They are vying for your attention with many other TV's in less than ideal ambient lighting. An ISF/THX calibration will measure and adjust your display in your environment to the displays optimum condition.
