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?

[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!

[JohnnyG]

Hopefully you'll get some real owners chiming in, but from my experience, I've calibrated one plasma set - a 42" Panasonic - while I had an appropriate colour analyser on evaluation (the unit I own now is not accurate for plasma sets). The factory grey scale, in the most accurate user setting, was WAY off the standard and visibly blue right across the output sprectrum. This person is not a member of this forum, but I can assure you that he was absolutely delighted with the results.

[JohnnyG]

What can I say? Some people would light the Mona Lisa with a regular household 60 Watt incandescent bulb. Looks fine to them, but an art collector would cringe.

[filper]

At 5% (give or take ???) of the purchase price, I would think a professional ISF calibration to make the display 'shine' would be worth it.

In perspective if I was to pay $3000 for a HDTV, 5% of the purchase price $150 for calibration wouldn't even be an issue (not that it could be done for that amount, just an example).

[eljay]

What can I say? Some people would light the Mona Lisa with a regular household 60 Watt incandescent bulb. Looks fine to them, but an art collector would cringe.

And others would take the Mona Lisa and want to touch up the paint because it is not to original palette specification. In this case, too, the art collector would cringe.

In perspective if I was to pay $3000 for a HDTV, 5% of the purchase price $150 for calibration wouldn't even be an issue (not that it could be done for that amount, just an example).

I agree that the availability of a good calibration for that kind of money would be a real incentive.

However, the issue of subjective necessity still comes into play and this is where derogatory and condescending comments against people who choose not to follow these "higher standards" are both unnecessary and unappreciated.