By Bob Gatton
Two years ago, I wrote Picture Perfect, an article on properly adjusting the picture on your television. The basics of the process are the same in 2007, but some of the options have changed.
Good: Monster ISF TV Calibration Wizard DVD
This $30 DVD, hosted by Jenna Drey, is extremely easy to use. Just put the DVD in the player, press play and follow in the instructions on screen. It uses absolutely no technical jargon. For instance, in the chapter "How Black are your Blacks?" it shows a man wearing a black shirt and jacket. The jacket is just slightly darker than the shirt. You should be able to see where the shirt ends and the jacket begins. If you cannot, adjust the brightness on your television. Similar, easy to understand scenarios are included to adjust the contrast, color, sharpness and aspect ratios of the television.
Joel Silver, president of The Imaging Science Foundation states, "This is the one DVD that will improve all your other DVDs."
Better: DataColor SpyderTV Pro 2007
This $1,200 system includes: - Two Spyder software CDs for your computer
- SpyderTV Platinum colorimeter, to be placed in front of the television screen (except when calibrating front projection systems)
- A suction cup/tripod attachment for attaching the colorimeter to the screen or tripod
- SpyderTV PRO test pattern DVDs
- Assorted cables, adaptors, instructions and a tripod mount
- One-year access to DataColor's training and certification website
- A carrying case
You also will need:
- A computer (PC or Mac; a notebook works best)
- A DVD player
- The remote controls for the television and DVD player
- A television to calibrate
Install the software on your computer. Then position the colorimeter on the TV screen and connect a USB cable from the colorimeter to your computer. Put the SpyderTV PRO DVD in the DVD player that is connected to the television to be calibrated.
The colorimeter is comparing the signal from the DVD with the picture on the television screen, taking your eyes out of the equation. A wizard included in the Spyder software walks you through the process — very easy. It took me about 45 minutes to calibrate a 42-inch Westinghouse LCD TV.
$1,200 is not an insignificant sum of money, but the increase in picture quality from the factory settings was not subtle. Besides more life-like colors, the calibrated set had a picture that looked almost 3D on some movies.
Best: Imaging Science Foundation
If you want the absolute best in picture quality, having an Imaging Science Foundation certified technician calibrate the set is still way to go. They have very expensive and accurate equipment, extensive training and the knowledge and expertise to properly adjust all the controls on your normal television menu. Even better, they also have access to hidden factory service menus that have additional adjustments. To find a calibrator in your town, go to Imaging Science Foundation.
Chances are that if you are still reading this article, you have a newer television in your home. You have spent, in many cases, a considerable sum of money to have a quality display. If you don't do anything else, buy the Monster ISF DVD. Spend $30 and get a better picture. After you have seen what is possible, chances are that you will spring for the Spyder system or an ISF calibration.
Bob Gatton is a consultant and designer specializing in home theater and home automation.
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