ISF HDTV Calibration Discussion (Who, Where, Why, How)

[BHoward]

There are 3 ISF-trained display calibration services available in Ottawa for my new 46F500 set. Anyone use them or can recommend any others... they are

HTCal http://www.htcal.com/en/greetings.htm

Kaye's Calibrations http://www.storm.ca/~kaye/

Advanced Home Systems http://www.advancedhomesystems.com/services.html

[57]

There are certain issues that are somewhat unique to each brand. Differences between Toshiba and Hitachi and Sony for example. I'd try to find someone who specializes in Hitachi, the way JohnnyG does for Tosh & Panny". I'm not saying JG couldn't do a Hitachi, just that a "specialist" may be more aware of certain issues.

[BHoward]

Yes there would be difference between the makes, but given the small markets in Ottawa and Canada in general, I would find it hard to believe that any "specialist" would be available.

As long as they are ISF certified, then they should do a good job? I am new to this, having only recently purchased my RPTV.

This is similar to bring your car to Goodyear vs a Ford dealer for maintenence. The Ford dealer should do a better job because all they fix are Fords but the Goodyear guy might be just as good. But if there are no Ford dealers in your town then Goodyear will still do a good job.

[57]

But would to take a BMW to Mercedes and visa versa?

[BHoward]

Good point... but with only 3 available in my area that I could find, I may only be able to get the Goodyear guy?

(ps One is from Montreal but does Ottawa)


So... Can some one recommend an Hitachi ISF calibration service for Ottawa?

[henning]

Did you ever find an ISF calibrator with a specialy in Hitachi? I have a 57T500 needing ISF calibration soon.

[eljay]

What about Michael TLV of Keohi HDTV? Doesn't he periodically do tours that hit Ottawa? You could always check with him.

[brownriggd]

I had Mark Kaye calibrate my Pioneer Elite RPTV about 3 years ago. Back then, to my knowledge, he was the only ISF certified calibrator in Ottawa. He did a complete grey scale and adjusted the full range of colour, black levels, etc for all inputs. I'm a very fussy customer and had him come back to do several grey scale and other touch ups until I was completely satisified which he didn't mind doing. I'd recommend him.

The only thing though is his web site doesn't seem to be working and hasn't for quite a while now. Hope he's still in business. I've bought a new DVD player and would like to have some adjustments made.

[BHoward]

Yep ... got it done by Michael TLV of Keohi HDTV when he was here a little over a year ago. He did an excellent job and my picture was clearly better for both my HTPC and DVD.

[Toy Nut]

Hello All and Happy New Year...

Just wanted to know if any of you have any opinions on getting an ISF technician to calibrate your HDTV. Are the improvements worth it? I just got a Sony KDE42XBR950 Plasma and I am wondering if I would get a noticable benefit from doing so.

Any idea on expected cost or a good tech in Toronto would also be appreciated.

Toy Nut

[eljay]

Calibrations can run into the hundreds of dollars and, depending on the PQ you currently have, you may (or you may not) notice a difference.

My take on it: If you're having problems with your PQ (or if you simply have some cash lying around that you want to play with), consider having a calibration done. If you're happy with your PQ, leave well enough alone. A bit of tweaking with a set-up DVD is all you'll need.

Either way, all the best!

[57]

This has been discussed in the following thread:

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/for...pic.php?t=8554

[JohnnyG]

There will be a difference as I've never seen a TV that comes colour accurate from the factory. The question really is, is that important to you? Is it worth your money?

Some will say "no"...some will say "absolutely".

[Toy Nut]

Originally Posted by 57

This has been discussed in the following thread:

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/for...pic.php?t=8554

That was quite the cat fight on this previous thread. Not quite what I was expecting so I will rephase the question...

Has anyone with a high-end plasma had an ISF calibration done with appreciable results? Do plasmas coming from the factory typically have have more or less of an issue requiring calibration? I am just looking for experiences specifically from plasma owners so I can set my expectations when I have it done?

- I just spent over 10K so another $2-300 is not the issue here. This is not a RP TV so I will not have focus issues. I have performed a basic Video Essentials calibration and am pretty happy with the picture but I am comparing this to my former 7 year old non HDTV and non-scaled picture - so anything would look better.

And yes I am the kind of guy that will change the oil or have the alignment done on my sport car on a regular basis before the regular service intervals - but I know that this has a definite benefit for longevity.

Thanks.

[eljay]

Originally Posted by Toy Nut

That was quite the cat fight on this previous thread.

It was "pro-calibration" subjectivity duking it out with "pro-choice" subjectivity. Thankfully, no blood was shed.

Originally Posted by Toy Nut

I just spent over 10K so another $2-300 is not the issue here.

Then there's no reason not to have one done and, quite sincerely, I hope you are satisfied with the results.

Originally Posted by Toy Nut

And yes I am the kind of guy that will change the oil or have the alignment done on my sport car on a regular basis before the regular service intervals ...

I'm also very particular about my car's maintenance, but there is a big difference between maintaining a car/TV and having it specially tuned/calibrated. Neither is required and neither will necessarily provide significant benefit, although they both might.

All the best!