RickLe

AVIA Test Pattern Question.

Just curious...I'm running the AVIA test patterns for geometry on my set. I chose 100 IRE, does AVIA run tests for any specific time length, then give you an idea how out of wack your set really is?

ChrisWiggles

RickLe

Well I just threw in the Avia disc wanting to check just how bad my geometry is. I went into Avanced and started running the test patterns. It's been two hours and the tests are still running. Is this the norm or should I stop the disc? I was also curious to know if the Avia disc gave results on what needed to be changed and just how bad it is?

ChrisWiggles

RickLe

I sure did, I went through everything more throroughly this time, and just like I surmised even before I read your post, it only gives the patterns as a visual measure only, no actual 'testing' and review. I was hoping it would. FWIW it's great for audio, and basic video setting but I was actually hoping for it to run testing sequences then give me a report. I've been having problems with my local dealer and Sony. I've been trying to prove my set has convergence and geometry issues that I see but they say can't be fixed. The test patterns definitely in the basic form show convergence and geometry issues. Now to get them to view it.

ChrisWiggles

Yes, but a disc is a dumb device. It would need some sort of measuring hardware to see what is going on with your TV. It has no way of knowing anything about what your TV looks like. Obviously this would cost big $$$.

What kind of TV do you have, model number may also be helpful. Geometry is usually something that can be fixed by a pro, or by crafty enthusiasts, via the service menu.

RickLe

It's a 32HS510 Sony. I finally, today, was able to get someone to come look at it. Hopefully they can fix the geometry prob. Everytime I say geometry or convergence I get, "What's that?", or "It can't be fixed." Today a tech told me,"there's no convergence on that set." Why then I aksed, does it give corrective measure in the service manual for it then?

ChrisWiggles

I'm not familiar with this set, other than google just told me it's a 32in direct view sony. Obviously there's no convergence then, though there should be adjustments that may help with geometry problems. What exactly is the nature of the problem you are seeing? Describe in detail. I'm sure others will be more familiar with this set, as I am not at all familiar with the specifics of most TVs. However, as a direct view, it won't have any convergence of course.

hopefully someone else can chime in to help.

MarkStash

ChrisWiggles:

While you're helping us Newb's, I have a question for ya. I get my calibration disk tomorrow. I have my sound meter at the ready and I'm anxious to "tune-up" my HT.

While researching, I learned that I can enter the service menu and another menu on my rear-screen projection Toshiba. Will I be doing this? Or, are all adjustments just being done to convergence, color, tint, contrast, etc. I'm not too sure about taking the tv apart and messing with lenses but I was curious.......

I've read other posts from folks who say their tv's are out by 2", etc. etc. Was curious how deep the calibration discs actually go.

ChrisWiggles

Mark:

glad to help where i can. Though I am as newb as many others in certain arenas. If I could own one model of every TV, receiver, speakers, etc it'd be great but obviously I don't have the $. Nor the patience to rob that many different stores.

Anyway, Avia's basic calibration covers white level(usually labeled "contrast", sometimes "picture"), black level (VERY confusingly labeled "brightness"), sharpness, color saturation (usually "color"), and color balance (tint/hue).

These are usually always accessible through basic menus(or knobs), without having to access the service menu.

Again, I'm a new when it comes to most consumer TVs, I do not know where the convergence adjustments are located on RPTVs. This is something you'll want to check, and adjust if necessary. Other more in-depth adjustments, and settings that may be accessed via the service manual may be adjusted with the help of the advanced setup patterns on Avia, however, the basic tutorial and patterns shouldn't require you to get into any service menus. It is a basic NTSC calibration, and the adjustments should be readily accessible.

More advanced tweaks may(should) provide better images, however, they are much more involved, and you CAN screw things up permanently messing around in the service menu. Also, physical stuff like taking the set apart, obviously may void your warranty, and you should not go willy-nilly there either. You may also expose yourself to very high voltages as well. Again, my knowledge and experience is related to FP CRT projectors, which are essentially the same as RPTVs, so are similar, but are not consumer oriented, so pretty much all the advanced adjustments you HAVE to do on your own (or hire a pro). For instance, I have no idea how exposed things are within the set, or if the electronics are well-protected, allowing you to access the lenses very safely.

I encourage you to learn as much as you can about in-depth adjustments, but I would be patient before rushing in headlong. IMO, the basic calibration will provide by FAR the best improvement in PQ. The rest take it a little further, but basic calibration takes it from crap to greatness. Beyond greatness is nice, but, just icing. Not that beyond the basics is insignificant, nor reserved for techy nerds, or videophiles, but for those with the patience to to things carefully and safely.

Hope my ramblings make sense.