Hey folks..the tapes and dvds you see for calibrating your system...are they worth the money?..or just go with what looks good to you?..thanks

Yes - they are very dry and somewhat boring, but you will learn a lot about TV's and why they look like they do..


After you set it up following the directions on the DVD, you will usually find something about the picture that you don't like, but you will have the knowledge to change what you want to change and leave the rest right...

I always found with the original Video Essentials that you had to turn the 'color' down two to three notches after using the disc...

Thanks for the info dj..as far as knowing what to change and how to do it..i assume you mean in advanced settings..black levels and so forth?

They teach what the consumer settings do, and how to set them properly... They don't get into "the color of gray" because (IMHO) then you wouldn't need ISF for anything...;) You will most likely learn something from watching the video, and your TV will most certainly look better when you're done. Some people are convinced that you absolutely HAVE to have the display calibrated by an ISF certified tech. I don't agree. I've seen before and after, and compared to my settings using the DVD, I think I come within 98% without the certification (again IMHO...)

Good luck,

Norm

Depends on the display type. I wouldn't get a projection CRT (front or rear) without getting an ISF calibration. Most others aren't as big a deal for altering the greyscale, it seems. Red push is another matter, though. Can be very annoying.

I have 2 of the calibration DVDs and a couple CDs, too. Worth every penny.

Not to mention the fact that I don't personally know too many consumers that would spend $4000 on a color analyzer to properly set the gamma.

Depending on your DVD player, Video Essentials is almost impossible to navigate through. It's pretty decent though. I like the Avia Guide to Home Theater disc myself. Spend the money on one or the other though, if you would like to see what you're supposed to rather than shooting in the dark.

Matt

Thanks for the advice and input..just dont know if its worth it to me..my moniter is ONLY.a panasonic ED plasma and mid level yamaha a/v...and although i think the pic is terrific and sound great, i have always wondered about the advanced features..love to fool with stuff if you know what i mean..

Go to Deep Discount DVD and buy Digital Video Essentials for under $20 and then set up your system properly. Compared to buying a plasma, you'll be stunned at the value. If you really want to do the sound right, also get an SPL meter. Rat Shack sells the most famous one for something like $40. I use mine all the time.

Buy the set up disc, avia or digital video essentials. If I told my friends I wouldnt be setting up their tv's anymore and that they would have to watch them as factory pre-set they'd linch me!

Great!...i will spring for the stuff..i am looking forward to getting it set right..thanks again to all..

I am glad to see consumers are becoming more educated about calibration. The test discs can get you close but probably wont be able to help correct decoder issues (Red push) or poor white balance but will improve the picture.

With audio, I would suggest an spl meter for setting speaker levels but may need more to setup the subwoofer. A cheap sub will sound alot better if properly setup.

A cheap sub will sound alot better

HUH???

I think he means, "...better than it did before." Not, "...better than a real sub."

whats cheap vs real????..just wondering..

I have a Sony KX-V36XBR450 television. I never had it calibrated and have noticed that the geometery seems off. This TV is 4:3 ratio and when I'm watching a DVD at 16:9, the black bars at the top and bottom seem to curve. Also when watching normal broadcast TV, graphics seem to curve as well. Will these calibraton DVDs reset the geometry of the TV?