Calibration NooB Questions

[azjazz]

Just so you know my experience level, I have never color calibrated a display beyond using my Video Essentials and Avia DVDs with the red/blue/green plastic films.

Now, I'm ready to take it up a notch ...

I purchased ControlCAL, and planned on borrowing a display calibrator from work (I'm an engieer) - but the folks at work decided not to let their equipment out.

So, I need to purchase some hardware (and, maybe more software?).

I need to keep costs very low on this (absolutely under $300, $200 would be better) , and I'll only be adjusting my 9G Kuro 6020 occasionally (maybe twice a year, if even). I'm not super-anal like some folks, though I must be anal to some extent for even trying this. :D

So, for hardware: Is the "XRITE EYE-ONE Display 2" a decent calibrator? The price point is attractive.

What else should I be purchasing?

Finally, can I use my Avia SD DVD on my new HDMI Sony DVD player as a good signal source? I don't have a Blue-Ray player yet.

Thanks (and remember, please be kind 2 n00bs ;))

AzJazz

[Turbe]

You could buy a Display LT (see the Amazon Widget that shows up on the Forum's Main Page (http://www.controlcal.com/forum/) - you may have to hit Refresh a few times) and use ColorHCFR.

You could get the Gamma 5/CalMAN Standard bundle (see up top under Notices), CalMAN is highly recommended (used by many Pros).

To be honest, the Gamma 5/Display LT/Display 2 is really not recommended on Plasmas.. The better/best choices are the Chroma 5 or I1 Pro Bundles (again, see up top under Notices).

Note: The Gamma 5 is an OEM Display 2

[azjazz]

Bummer. I may be skrood on this. I'm not sure I'll be able to justify to myself spending $500 extra for this effort.

Will I also need to purchase signal generation hardware? Or, will my new Sony SD DVD player (with HDMI output) and Avia DVD work?

[Jeff M]

I was looking over the investment side of things, thinking about such senarios as the average cost of a calibration being done for around $350, then maybe again after a year or so when the screen changes some, or heaven forbid, a repair (I hope under warranty) making it necessary for yet another calibration (another $350) so the final cost of the better equipment for the diy'r/owner starts to look like a good investment, maybe even for the next tele down the road, and maybe another in the family room/bedroom etc. Depends on the level of the diy'r, his time available to get avid and do the work, or like you already along on the learning curve and being more qualified to start, or the diy'r that does not want to take on this much commitment. So many ways to look at it, no one can tell you for sure what to do but with enough info you can make the best decision for yourself ;).

And last, there is anal, and then there is just good "attentional to detail" :D

Jeff M

[azjazz]

... I purchased a Chroma 5, along with the CalMan & ControlCal software.

I'm ready to start basic calibration, but having little experience with doing a professional adjustment, I have a couple of questions:

1) I haven't purchased a Blu-Ray player yet (I'm waiting for them to get a bit cheaper). I do have a Sony SD DVD player that has an HDMI output that can rescale for 1080i output. Am I supposed to display my grayscale from the DVD player using an unadulterated 480p output to my 6020FD?
2) I have an old Standard Definition Joe Kane DVE DVD. What Chapters/Tracks on that DVD do I use for getting the proper calibration screens? (I think I need 30% and 80% grayscale)
3) Lastly, am I basically supposed to adjust the 6020FD "R/G/B Low" values when I have the CalMan slider set to 30% and the "R/G/B High" values when I have the CalMan slider set to 80%?

Sorry for the simple questions, but I am just learning.

Thanks for any help!

AzJazz

[azjazz]

I have a bit of a change to my questions.

I now have a 1080i HMDI input for my 6020FD. I am using my JKP DVE HD Basics Blu-Ray as a calibration source.

That said, I now have the following questions:

1) The recommended "baseline" settings of:

Brightness=0
Contrast=40
Color=+1
Tint=Red:1

do not seem to be the correct settings based upon what I see when I use the DVE disk. For example, using the DVE disk, it looks like I should have Brightness set to +2. Would I have better overall results using the recommended baseline settings listed above, or should I be starting "customized" from what I see using the DVE disk?

2) This question still applies: Am I basically supposed to adjust the 6020FD "R/G/B Low" values when I have the CalMan slider set to 30% (and with 30% grayscale displayed) and the "R/G/B High" values when I have the CalMan slider set to 80% (with an 80% grayscale pattern displayed)? If not, how am I supposed to know how to adjust the "R/G/B Low" and "R/G/B High" values?

Thanks!

AzJazz

[Turbe]

Start with a 2 point, then fine tune with 11 point (available in CalMAN Intermediate and Advance). Just move the Controls a click and you will see how far in either direction the adjustment can influence. HINT: Try moving the Lows the opposite direction (you do need a meter with good handling at the low end which the Chroma 5 is good). Remember, make small adjustments each time.

[azjazz]

Thanks, Turbe!