pmasters- TV calibration info

musman wrote on 3/18/2005, 5:10 PM
Been having a migraine and out a few days. Haven't seen a locked thread before, but maybe not such a bad idea. Please, lets all try to get along.
Anyway, I posted my results with the AVIA calibration dvd a while ago and it started a whole discussion which was very educational for me. Check it out here:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=360640&Page=0

The verdict for me is to use the AVIA dvd as it will get you closer than you will probably get on your own (and it comes with the blue filters, you need), then use some of the online tutorials to tweak your settings. Still, I advise taking an AVIA dvd to the store with you to test any new TV as I've found very few TVs can approach correct calibration, especially in regards to black and white balancing. Strangely, my 5 year old flat screen panasonic could be calibrated but my brand new one wouldn't at all.

Comments

farss wrote on 3/18/2005, 5:34 PM
Just as an aside you can make your own calibration DVDs using Vegas and DVDA. I do have a problem using DVDs for calibration though, the DVD player will do unpleasant things to what you've recorded on the DVD.
We do have one of those pattern generators in a pen gizmos but they do cost serious money and the one we have only outputs via SDI.
Bob.
Spot|DSE wrote on 3/18/2005, 5:55 PM
It's not just the DVD...B_JM posted an excellent listing of what DVD players have what kind of setup and colorspace information on them, and it was surprising how much play there is in how each DVD player is different. (it's posted on the DMN, no point in searching here)
Calibug makes a really nice little USB calibration tool for $99.00
http://www.dtvprofessional.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=21771 but of course, it's not easy plugging USB in when you go to a television store.
I'd think the DVD would be good enough for the store venture, but maybe not. I've never done that before.
I did calibrate a Sony WEGA at a training session in Seattle, and was surprised at how good it did. With more horizontal rez, it would have been a pretty decent lil' SD monitor.
farss wrote on 3/18/2005, 7:50 PM
Biggest problem I find with glass TVs is the geometry/horizontal deflection power supply regulation and resolution issues. LCD / plasma gets rid of that but I'm yet to see an LCD that does a really good job in the blacks.

Just as an aside, a guy from Weta Digital was saying they're stocking up on all the 21" CRT monitors they can find. We might think LCDs cut it for video but for film work they're not impressed with LCD technology.

For calibration / general testing those test pens are a good tool, I think they usually have them on special at NAB, the thing outputs just about every test pattern known to man and then some but like I said not cheap and perhaps a little too easy to have go for a walk. They'll also do service as a SPG if you need one.
Bob.