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sburrell
11-08-2011, 19:47
Well, moving on from Mark's post on ambient lighting, I guess I'd like to ask a question on calibration of our displays.

So far as I can tell, the most common software for this purpose is supplied by SpectraCal: CalMan (http://consumer.spectracal.com/collections/calman).

You use it with test pattern discs such as GetGrey (http://www.calibrate.tv/) (highly recommended, so far as my reading takes me) and a colorimeter (CalMan works with several, including one I own already, the DTP-94).

The only problem is that the CalMan software costs $199, which is not far off how much my main display cost just a month ago. The GetGrey DVD costs less at $25, so I'd consider it - I can always calibrate family displays with it too.

So, the question is: can anyone recommend a free, or near-free, replacement for the CalMan software? Failing that, what methods do people here use to effectively and pseudo-professionally calibrate their displays on the cheap? If it helps, I'm somewhat familiar with ArgyllCMS (http://www.argyllcms.com/), a free, command-line, colour management utility. I've used it so far to measure dark level and brightness - I managed to reduce my dark level to 0.03 cd/m^2, and increase the actual contrast ratio to ~3200:1. However, I've no idea how to use it to calibrate colour output.

Reid Malenfant
11-08-2011, 19:56
Get yourself "Digital Video Essentials HD Basics" calibration disc & you'll be 85% of the way there ;) Assuming you are on about blu ray that is.

You'll need to calibrate for each source & each display unfortunately :rolleyes: While my TV is pretty much spot on i haven't calibrated my projector as yet & it could really do with it in all honesty :eyebrows: Greens have too much of a yellow tinge to them right now...

Finding the time though :scratch:

sburrell
11-08-2011, 20:58
Hi Mark,

Actually, unfortunately, Blu-Ray isn't something I use - Apple doesn't yet support them and besides, I've decided to wait for the next big thing instead. I've got a collection of 300+ DVDs and re-acquiring all that in Blu-Ray would cost too much.

No, my primary sources are DVD and the FreeSat HD box.

OOC, though, what did you use with the disc you recommend - the naked eye or a colorimeter?

Reid Malenfant
11-08-2011, 21:09
Hi Mark,

Actually, unfortunately, Blu-Ray isn't something I use - Apple doesn't yet support them and besides, I've decided to wait for the next big thing instead. I've got a collection of 300+ DVDs and re-acquiring all that in Blu-Ray would cost too much.

No, my primary sources are DVD and the FreeSat HD box.

OOC, though, what did you use with the disc you recommend - the naked eye or a colorimeter?
There are a few coloured plastic films in some kind of storage medium, you look through them to set up the screen :scratch: You set the screen up so you cannot see differences in colour lol.

Trust me it does sound really nuts, but it's well worth doing!

You want natural pictures? :eyebrows:

HighFidelityGuy
11-08-2011, 21:23
Some DVD's that have THX certificates (like Star Wars Ep 1) have a THX calibration section. You need some special THX calibration glasses to go with it. They look like old fashioned cardboard 3D glasses but with a blue filter in both eyes. I used this system to calibrate my last TV and it worked quite well. You used to be able to get the glasses cheap on eBay. :)

EDIT: THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THX-optimizer-optimiser-Blue-filter-GlassesHDTV-Blu-Ray-/150645330807?pt=UK_Home_Garden_CD_DVDStorage_SM&hash=item2313295377) are the glasses. You probably already have a DVD with the test patterns without realising it. There's probably a list of the ones that have it on the THX website.

Alex_UK
11-08-2011, 21:55
There's probably a list of the ones that have it on the THX website.

There certainly is, Sir - I used the THX optithingy, and haven't felt the need to ever play again, and that was about 7 years ago now. http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/thx-certified-releases/

sburrell
12-08-2011, 20:46
Hey,

I read about using the coloured filters, but it was pointed out that these filters can vary wildly in their accuracy - even filters from the same batch can be distinct. That's why I was hoping to pursue the DTP-94 angle.

Also, regarding THX optimization - I have several THX DVDs and not a blasted single one of them has the optimization thingy. I looked at the website and thought that there was considerably more NTSC-based DVDs in that list than PAL.

But then, I've also read that the THX technique is good for beginners, but I was hoping to go further. I'm not knocking everyone else's experience by the way - I'm sure you guys are perfectly competent, and that your methods have provided a satisfactory improvement in your picture quality. I just want something more... professional.

Having said that, I think the colour accuracy of my monitor is already damn good - skin tones are excellent, especially. Hmm...

greygoose
06-03-2012, 13:11
Hi,
When i purchased my Pioneer 60" monitor I enquired about how best to set up and calibrate it, i was advised to stay away from calibration disks and instead get a lend of a sony trinitron tv (crt) and try to match it??
anybody ever Bother with this one?

StanleyB
06-03-2012, 15:01
If your TV can be hooked up to your PC then just do a search on the net for some test cards or test patterns. Try THIS LINK (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Indian_Head_test_card) as an example of where to start.
Get the test pattern to be displayed on your TV and adjust the TV picture setup till you get a proper variation in colour and grey scale.
For best result, set the TV up for colour by using a colour test pattern, and for grey scale by using a grey scale pattern.

Use the example patterns on the righthand side of the page link that I just posted.

lovejoy
20-03-2012, 16:14
If you really want your TV to look at its best then find yourself someone with one of these:

http://www.jeti.com/cms/index.php/instruments/radiometer/specbos-1201

Setting up your TV by eye will never get it perfect and don't waste your time looking around the forums for someone who has had it done and has published their settings because EVERY TV is different. I've tried the calibration DVDs, THX certified BluRays and settings from the forum posts, but nothing even comes anywhere near as good as spending 20 minutes using a Specbos to achieve Rec.709 colour space values (that's the standard colour space used for TVs). I was lucky enough to be able to borrow one and do the job myself. Apparently, getting a professional to come out and do it for you will cost around £60, but I'd say it's money well spent.