Home FAQs ISF Video Calibration Maybe I'll Calibrate My HDTV Myself...

 

[ Q ] I've heard that I can buy the same equipment used by professional calibrators and calibrate my HDTV myself. Why shouldn't I just do that?

[ A ] Well, if you're technically minded, if you enjoy learning new things, and if you have a dozen or so hours to dedicate to the learning curve, you might want to take the plunge. Hey, some of our favorite calibrators got started that way!

Let's be clear -- no one here would suggest that video calibration is rocket science. And while tools alone do not define the quality of calibration, they are a contributing factor. How comfortable would you feel about paying a professional who showed up at your home with only the same entry-level color analyzer you could buy at amazon.com for $200?

When you arrange for a professional calibrator to come to your home, you're paying not only for his or her time and investment in the tools of the trade, but you're also paying for the calibrator's experience and problem-solving abilities. Sure, there are days when the calibration process is a relatively straightforward connect-the-dots process, but more often it requires many iterations to get the best possible combination of contrast ratio, accurate grayscale tracking and color fidelity.

Because perfection isn't possible, you have to balance the science of calibration with the art of it -- knowing where to compromise and how much compromise is acceptable. You should understand that that's not something easily learned in a weekend.

Contributions to this FAQ article were made by the following ISF Forum calibrators:
A/V Insights, Avid Concepts, Clearly Resolved, Coast Calibration. Dave Hancock

100,00% of 2 voters found this FAQ useful,  I found this FAQ   useful   not useful