TV calibration

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smarsden

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Master Geek
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#36794 1-Jul-2009 22:27

Hi All,

Although I can understand the logic behind using a TV calibration disc for a display that is dedicated for use in a controlled-light environment - e.g. such as a projector being used in an always dark room - what are the general thoughts on using one on a TV that's in 'normal everyday-use environment'? i.e. a TV in a lounge that could be on at any time from 7am to 11pm, with therefore very varied lighting conditions ranging from bright day-light to complete darkness, with of course artifical bulb-lighting in the mix too.

From the research I've done so far, calibration discs should only be used in the lighting conditions that the display will normally be run at, which for a lounge environment can be so different from one time of day to the next, I'm wondering whether there's any point for a normal use TV.

Thoughts anyone?

Wiseacre

44 posts

Geek

#230148 2-Jul-2009 07:03

Depending on your TV you might be able to 'save' multiple calibrations - my LG panel allows two 'user' calibrations per input, so I have one calibration for daytime use when there's lots of daylight coming in and another for evening/movie usage.

Are there any retailers in NZ that sell calibration discs such as 'Digital Video Essentials'?

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Dingbatt

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#230168 2-Jul-2009 08:39

Wiseacre: Depending on your TV you might be able to 'save' multiple calibrations - my LG panel allows two 'user' calibrations per input, so I have one calibration for daytime use when there's lots of daylight coming in and another for evening/movie usage.

Are there any retailers in NZ that sell calibration discs such as 'Digital Video Essentials'?

I think JB HiFi has them and I know I have seen them at 'The Listening Post'. I got mine at JBHF in Melbourne so I'd be surprised if they didn't have them here.

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Nety

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#230177 2-Jul-2009 09:13

I would say it is absolutely worth while even if you can only save one calibration. Even if the brightness/contrast is not ideal in all situations at least colours will be calibrated correctly. Made a huge improvement on my TV from how it came from the factory.

I set the input I use for movies for night watching and TV for day watching.

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Nimma

98 posts

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#230186 2-Jul-2009 09:38

I've tried the avia one and it was a bit rubbish. To be honest the results I'm most happy with were the basic calibration details from windows media centre (XP, vista or 7). Google your TV model and "calibration" as well, sometime people post their results.

Masterpiece

247 posts

Master Geek
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#230459 2-Jul-2009 21:52

Actually to get the best from a display you must calibrate it, however this is still no magic pill for any short comings, within reason you pretty much get what you pay for relative to the range on offer.

Today though the quality has advanced over the last few years such that the lower end models have a reasonble array of features and controls to dial in a display to the official reference standards. To calibrate actually means adjusting the parameters so that the image adheres to the official standards, for HD that is Rec709.

Calibration disks, HD Basics, Digital video essentials comform to these standards and allow you to do a basic calibration.

They are basic because they allow you to adjust just a few controls, Brightness and colour and maybe a few others. Note although they have contrast adjustment the design and adjustment proceedure only works on a few technologies and can have you incorrectly adjust your display if used on a display that doesn't perform how the design works. Still from a hit power for buck point of view they are worth it.

Real calibration is done with a video generator, accurate measurement probes and software to calculate the measurements. All very costly, total value many times more than many of the panels you buy, but thats the nature of accuracy.....Just so happens I have bought all of this as part of my side line business to calibrate consumer displays.

Light conditions play a part, a decent part of the visual balance and where the concept of day/night calibrations come from. ISF, the imaging science foundation whom I am a member of has spent many years campaigning the manufactures to follow reconmendations to add controls to allow calibration in the panels and projectors you buy today.

Night time vs daytime can be quite different, the 3 main aspects that require different settings is brightness, contrast and gamma. All 3 are frequently misunderstood where the later 2 are nearly impossible to set without accurate measurement equipment. It's not that humans can't judge very well, we can, it is just we contrast adapt to the light conditions thus constantly change our perception of what we see, displays on the other hand don't, and when they try are very crude.

The choice is with most displays is to adjust for the most common viewing conditions or if he panel or system allows for it set up 2 setups for evening and day.

I might point out that most panels these days can be set to levels which can cause visual distress if viewed for long periods in the wrong conditions. ie a daytime setting used at night.

akin to listening to loud music for long periods.

Is calibration worth it...course it is, same reason you tune a car, you get the best mileage out of both when operating as intended.

regards

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