Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

USMC Rando asked in Consumer ElectronicsTVs · 1 decade ago

Calibrate big screen TV?

I was at a major retail store today looking at flat (big) screen TV's.

I was trying to decide on one, and the sales person tried to sell me on calibrating the TV.

They normally charge $300 for this, but if I have them set it up, they will do it for $200, plus the normal set up charge fees.

Now setting up a TV is not rocket science, but calibrating a TV is a new one to me.

Is this a gimmick?

Is this worth it?

And if so, is this something I can do myself?

Thanks

4 Answers

Relevance
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It's a GIMMICK !!

    No Plasma, LCD or DLP TV set needs calibrated.....

    And they do not make CRT PROJECTION TV SETS anymore....that's too bad, but they don't.

    Those might need Convergence alignment after shipping but it's very rare for it to need it.....

    That's the ONLY TV that actually needs ANY adjustment.....

    As for the TV sales guy....HE's a ROBOT if thats what he said to you.

    Source(s): Over 25 years servicing electronics.
  • 1 decade ago

    No, it's not a gimmick.

    The factory often sets TV's to high brightness and contrast so the TV stands out if it is used as a showroom demo.

    Then - your DVD players, CATV box, Sat box, Game system all produce different electrical signals.

    Calibration compensates for all of these by getting the TV to produce an exact color of Red, White and Black for each input.

    You can do gross calibration yourself with the help of 2 setup DVDs: "Avia" and "Digital Video Essentials". These disks have test patterns and verbal tutorials on how to do this.

    There is a outside group called Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) that trains techs to use color meters and the internal service menu on televisions to bring the TV into exact compliance with standards used by production studios.

    The better guys also do convergence, focus alignments, line the inside with non-reflective cloth, etc.

    Obviously the adjustments on a front-projector system are different than a rear projector or a flat panel. Most of the ISF techs have a sliding scale based on the number of inputs and type of display.

    People who have had it done claim it makes a big difference. The display becomes so real, it's like looking out a window with a real HD signal.

    I would do it - if the store uses ISF certified techs.

  • 1 decade ago

    I have read articles regarding calibration of computer monitors so I don't think it's a gimmick. In monitor calibration, they usuallu have a device placed in front of the screen and just run the sofware included with it. This is usually used by photographers and video editors because need accurate color reproduction on their work.

    I don't reallt know how they do it on TVs but I guess I have gave you something about monitor calibration.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    properly in the adventure that your having issues with your Projection television then it would be maximum suitable which you get in touch with the persons who made your television set and ask for A tech guy or woman and clarify to the guy what's misguided with your TVset

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.