HDTV Calibration

Do I have to change the settings of my HDTV? This is the most common question of consumers after they purchase their new High Definition Television or commonly known as HDTV. Although only a few consumers really need for professional calibration, however, the fact that HDTVs are pre-programmed with a setting that would deliver a stunning picture quality in a brightly lit electronics store or mall. The settings are usually in their maximum level, with the brightness and contrast at their highest to compensate for the ambient light conditions with that of the store or mall. The high contrast and brightness settings are noticeable whenever one installs an HDTV in a living room with a dim environment. The default settings would look overdone or overly saturated.

Most HDTVs have a preset settings or modes of display which can easily be selected depending on various viewing conditions or inputs. This is only a matter of selecting the most appropriate setting, or closest to, the current viewing situation or video input.

With regard to professional calibration, this option is but a consideration in terms of high-end or expensive, if not, luxurious equipment. A good example would be a high-end home theater system which definitely needs professional calibration. However, if your location, situation, or ambient condition is not optimized for viewing experience, professional calibration is not advisable and only a waste of money.

Trying to experiment with the different settings, especially those settings which are quiet not common or unfamiliar may cause undesirable outcome, although they are reversible. This is true when changing settings on a global basis as this affects all the settings that is associated with the global setting selected.

What Are my Options for HDTV Calibration?

Default settings – As discussed earlier, the brand new HDTV which you have just purchased is preprogrammed or has default settings which is tuned by the manufacturer for optimum experience and picture quality for purposes of marketing and increased sales based from the desirability of the picture quality. However, consumers cannot help but wonder why the HDTV they have just bought does not look as sharp or may look overdone or overly saturated in terms of brightness and contrast which are undesirable for viewing experience especially inside the house or living room condition. This is due to the fact that the lighting condition or ambient condition at home is different from that of the store or mall.

Do it yourself – The initial reaction or should we say instinctive reaction of the consumer is to alter the settings and tune the HDTV himself/herself. Then the consumer is confronted with a lot of display controls and sub-menu to consider. The optimal viewing setting is also achieved, or affected, with the distance of the viewer from the HDTV. If the new settings do not look the way you want it, or when you get lost from all the relatively complicated settings and controls, then you might consider the next step.

HDTV calibration DVD – The next alternative that the consumer does whenever the settings are all messed up is to call, or visit the store where the equipment is purchased. Then the store would suggest that you purchase a DVD containing HDTV calibration methods. The DVD will show you how to make some test patterns, a straightforward approach to alter the video settings or modes. The tutorial is designed that even the person who has only basic knowledge with technology may understand. This option is strongly recommended for those who want to learn to configure their new HDTV. The only drawback is that they should be ready to spend some extra dollars for the DVD.

Hire a professional – This is so far the last alternative, but the best option for a consumer who is really meticulous with the HDTV setting. However, this option is also the most expensive as professionals charge a hefty price for the job. Tuning up a HDTV is not a thing that scientists do but can be learned. Only that, be prepared to spend some time and effort to read and study the principles behind HDTV circuitry and features. If you want it fast, accurate and suited to your viewing needs and ambient condition for a totally awesome viewing experience that you can enjoy, or brag, with your family and friends, then, hiring a professional is the option you have to take.

Optimized Display for DVDs

If what you need is to achieve a better display optimization, then the most cost-effective yet reliable option is calibration through purchasing DVDs for optimized display. There are a wide variety of this kind of DVDs in the stores. Some examples are those that are produced and distribuited by Avia, Digital Video Essentials, DisplayMate Technologies, and Ovation Multimedia. These products are a great help in setting up, tuning, evaluating and calibrating HDTV displays, front projectors and RPTVs. The instructions and videos are relatively easy that novice to experts find it helpful and convenient to use like in adjusting picture settings, brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness.

There are, however, drawbacks in using Calibration DVDs. Various adjustments must be made through visual evaluation of some test patterns. However, not all test patterns can be done as some requires special instruments like Spectroradiometers, Photometers, Color Analyzers, Waveform Monitors, and Oscilloscope. This equipments are the tools of the technicians or professionals in adjusting the HDTVs of their costumers.

THX Certified DVD Movie Optimizer Utility

THX Certified DVD Movie Optimizer Utility is an alternative to Calibration DVDs. It includes THX's Optimizer utility to help you optimize your display settings. However, this is not as user-friendly as the Calibration DVD. The purpose of this is to provide set of test signals through simple and logically arranged steps of instructions to achieve optimum picture settings for the associated movie title. The said test signals provide for the matching to the levels employed with the DVD mastering process to obtain the exact or identical picture and sound quality intended by the producer or filmmaker. With this, there is an audio test to ensure that the surround sound is configured right and also with the video tests which includes checking the aspect ratio, performance, contrast, brightness, color and tint. With regard to recalibration, this should be done at least once a year as the characteristics of all displays like contrast and brightness diminishes over a period of time.