Looking at Bias lighting for my telly...

[DarrenHW]

First thing to report is that this lamp is way too bright, I'd usually have the lights dimmed to a lower level than the lamp was outputting, even so it was an enjoyable way to watch a film. I have 2 rentals to watch this weekend Riddick and 2 Guns (will be a first watch for both), I chose Riddick as it was a safe bet there would be lots of dark scenes and I wanted to know how this would improve black levels.

Findings:

It is certainly a less distracting way to watch a film, the TV being back-lit really focused my attention on the screen, even during the painfully slow first 30 minutes of the Directors Cut of Riddick.

Not a hint of eye strain, as stated above I usually have the lights on as I experience some eye strain without.

No (perceivable) screen reflection, I have a Samsung with a gloss screen and can quite often see room reflections in very dark scenes.

Black levels increased, I was quite happy with my black levels but found I could make out a lot more detail.

I can't really comment on any improvement in colour perception as Riddick doesn't really have any natural colours and it's not a film I'm familiar with. Skin tones did appear more natural and all colours did seem more vivid.

All in all an enjoyable experiment, I do have more lamps but they'll take more that 2 minutes of setup time, hopefully I'll have time when I get home tonight to setup a T8 before tonight's feature, 2 Guns, gives a whole new meaning to tube rolling!
On a side note, (and I know I'm either preaching to the choir or about to start a fearsome debate ) earlier in the week I swapped my stock figure of 8 mains lead for an aftermarket one with approximately (multistrand) 2.5mm cores, this yielded a massive improvement in picture quality even when plugged into a 4 way mains block.

[Gazjam]

Agreed. I guess there is a reason cinemas are dark and lack ambient lighting around the screen.

...and those same films are "mastered" (like vinyl LPs?) in movie studio editing suites using backlit displays, for colour accuracy and picture quality!

My take on it that its like mastering for vinyl and playing it back at home...
At the Studio the movies are created to be as the director intended in "mastering suites", similar as mastering for vinyl.
At home, I'd reckon the better the reproduction equipment you have the closer you get to that original recording or movie, just as the Director intended.
Just like our hifi!

I reckon if backlighting can get you closer to that original vision then its a good upgrade if you enjoy your movies.

Some good info here on the advantages and theory:
http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/ive.htm

[Gazjam]

First thing to report is that this lamp is way too bright, I'd usually have the lights dimmed to a lower level than the lamp was outputting, even so it was an enjoyable way to watch a film. I have 2 rentals to watch this weekend Riddick and 2 Guns (will be a first watch for both), I chose Riddick as it was a safe bet there would be lots of dark scenes and I wanted to know how this would improve black levels.

Findings:

It is certainly a less distracting way to watch a film, the TV being back-lit really focused my attention on the screen, even during the painfully slow first 30 minutes of the Directors Cut of Riddick.

Not a hint of eye strain, as stated above I usually have the lights on as I experience some eye strain without.

No (perceivable) screen reflection, I have a Samsung with a gloss screen and can quite often see room reflections in very dark scenes.

Black levels increased, I was quite happy with my black levels but found I could make out a lot more detail.

I can't really comment on any improvement in colour perception as Riddick doesn't really have any natural colours and it's not a film I'm familiar with. Skin tones did appear more natural and all colours did seem more vivid.

All in all an enjoyable experiment, I do have more lamps but they'll take more that 2 minutes of setup time, hopefully I'll have time when I get home tonight to setup a T8 before tonight's feature, 2 Guns, gives a whole new meaning to tube rolling!
On a side note, (and I know I'm either preaching to the choir or about to start a fearsome debate ) earlier in the week I swapped my stock figure of 8 mains lead for an aftermarket one with approximately (multistrand) 2.5mm cores, this yielded a massive improvement in picture quality even when plugged into a 4 way mains block.

In my experience Darren taking care of the power that feeds your equipment can make a helluva improvement.

[spendorman]

As I recall this was something Philips introduced and a few others include but I personalty think its a gimmick and serves no real purpose. I have found it distracting when I have seen it and I don't feel there is any need for it.

My advice save your money and buy a few blu rays.



Regards Neil

I thought it was a gimmick until we inherited a Philips TV "with Ambilight" It's great, contributes to the viewing experience, and seems to reduce eyestrain.

Our set is much older than this one, but still very good:

http://youtu.be/Bzc3Y4jY_Y4

[Gazjam]

Bias lightning arrived from the States.
£40 customs charge...ouch!

Post pics and opinion here when its set up.

[DarrenHW]

What did you go for, the Panel Light?

I didn't have as many tubes as I thought and what I did have where way outside of the recommended colour temperature. I need 6500K for my fish tank project so will order a few of different wattage's / lumens to try out. I did find that TV distance from wall, light distance from TV / wall and light placement affected the picture quality, I'm thinking of using 2 tubes as I have experienced off axis issues from using just 1.

[Gazjam]

Hi Darren,
Went for two of the Panel Light kits, 4 lamps in all. 6500K lamps, spot on colour wise.
My TV is just a few inches from the back wall, so this was the one to get.
Wanted even lighting on the back wall and the Company advised that a light on each edge of the TV would give the best effect.
Two would get the bias lighting effect they said, but 4 would be aesthetically better.

Hopefully get them installed this week, will post pics.

Adjust brightness by a rotating "sleeve" that blocks off as much light as you need.
Just twist to adjust, pretty clever.

What did you go for, the Panel Light?

I didn't have as many tubes as I thought and what I did have where way outside of the recommended colour temperature. I need 6500K for my fish tank project so will order a few of different wattage's / lumens to try out. I did find that TV distance from wall, light distance from TV / wall and light placement affected the picture quality, I'm thinking of using 2 tubes as I have experienced off axis issues from using just 1.

[DarrenHW]

Having 4 lights sounds like a good way to go, with rotating sleeves, simpology at it's best! Just a kicker about HMRC!

Look forward to your pics and findings.

[DarrenHW]

How you getting on with this?

[Gazjam]

Not had the time to set it up yet Darren,
the 60" plasma's a heavy bugger and I need to take it off the wall to install it all.

Extra pair of hands being organised for next week, pics and thoughts to come.