|
I have calibrated many digital front projectors, including DLP, SXRD, LCD, and D-ILA. Much of the calibration process is similar to that of a digital RPTV, except the meter is tripod mounted and pointed at the screen instead of mounted in direct contact with the screen.
There are two common problems I see with digital front projection home theaters. The first is inadequate light control. With conventional screens, any ambient light will degrade the image. Light may spill in around the sides of blackout shades, reducing the contrast ratio. Having white walls in your theater room will also add significantly to this problem.
The second problem is using an oversized or negative gain screen. It's tempting to go with a huge 120"+ screen, but most home theater projectors are not light cannons. All else being equal, the larger your screen is, the harder it becomes to get a bright enough image. Keep in mind that most projector's light output specifications are extremely optimistic, and as your lamp ages it will loose light output. In order to match the digital cinema light output standard of 16 footlamberts, it is best to keep your screen size moderate. Alternatively, a high gain screen like the Da-Lite High Power or Vu-Tec SilverStar can often be used if your installation falls within their optimum guidelines.
It is important to have the room totally dark during the calibration. Any windows or doors that leak in light should be covered.
The time it takes to do a calibration depends on your projector and how easy and complete it's service menu or advanced menu is. An average projector calibration usually takes about 4-5 hours. Do I mind if owners watch me do a calibration? Usually not- in fact, it's great to be able to explain what I'm doing; but there will be some long, boring time lapses (most with all the lights off). If something has been really messed up on your projector, like if someone went into the service mode and accidentally hit "reset" or if someone got into something they shouldn't have, warn me ahead of time.
With total light control, proper screen selection, and a careful calibration, a front projector can display an incredible image!
Note: Not all procedures are available or necessary on every projector. Projector should be properly mounted.
ISF calibration: $375
- Calibrate user controls for all used inputs and scan
rates with test DVD and HDTV generator
- Adjust sizing, focus, and lens shift, with seperate cinemascope adjustment when available; and tighten mounting
- Calibrate color decoder/CMS, gamma, and any other adjuctment available
- Adjust gray scale to D6500
- Provide before and after gray scale, contrast ratio,
and R,G,B linearity graphs if
requested
|
Chad arrived on time, and was very professional throughout his eight hour day at my home (despite the fact my dogs were barking nearly the whole time!) He was extremely knowledgable about both the video and audio calibrations, and explained every step of the way to me as I asked questions while he worked.
I gained some serious performance from his calibrations, tidly summed up in the before and after reports/graphs that he provided. My HD is more three dimmensional now--and the grey-scale was vastly improved, providing detailed shadow images, and shockingly vibrant colors. My xbox360 looks like another console now--and due to Chad's knowledge, he was able to correctly calibrate the Optoma for the Xbox's dvd player, which uses an old IRE standard, that I would have never caught.
If you're considering hiring Chad, I highly recommend him--and also suggest you contact him quickly, as he is "in demand".
-Brandt, Optoma HD70
All I have to say is Chad worked his magic yet again and has made my Optoma H31 look WONDERFUL! I was very hesitant as to if I would like DLP because I was so used to my Hitachi 57t500, CRT unit. I am now a DLP believer. I am absolutely amazed that the H31 puts out such an awesome picture!
Thanks again Chad!
-Jeff, Optoma H31 |
