"He explained to me this was done by using improved software in the tv. Is this true"
It sounds bugus to me - trying to cash in on the whole "green" movement...I don't think they will be changing any of the "software" on the TV...
The set is probally will be setup way too "hot" out of the box - so the colors "pop" of the screen when shown in the showroom - a proper calibration will bring down the display to work proberlly - and it may save you some money by reduing the amount of energy the set will use since it no longer has to be so bright....
You need to be careful with this one. I just had my set re-calibrated by someone I trust to do a good job and I know is not only ISF certified, but he was also recommended to me. He told me that most of his work now is fixing other "calibrators" so called work - so not all calibrators are created equal.
A true calibration will be more then just adjusting the grey scale. They should be fixing any over scan your TV may have. They should also be fixing the convergence, as well as user defined settings. After he was finished, the picture was just outstanding...
I'm not sure who is doing Best Buy's ISF calibration services - so I would ask for some other references.
Here is the site for the guy I use - there is a link to his site.
Busch Home Theater: ISF Calibration: THX Setup: Robert Busch
From this link - I found this discription
"How to select an ISF technician
WARNING! Not all ISF video calibrators are created equal.
Within the video calibration lie a number of precise and complex adjustments. If these adjustments are done correctly, it will present a picture so stunning that you will ask your self "how could I have thought the picture looked so great before". No matter what brand or make of TV, it still needs calibration. To get the best results from a calibration, you don't just want anyone inside your TV set. To find out if a person is truly qualified you need to ask some very key questions. You should make sure the calibrator first has the multitude of expensive test equipment needed (see the list below of what equipment that a good calibrator should have.). Ask if he or she has the in-depth knowledge of how the complex set of adjustments that are unique to each TV (your TV) work. Ask how long they have been a calibrator and what level of electronics training have they been through. Ask for some referrals to past clients they have done work for, call the Imaging Science Foundation for an opinion of the person’s skills.
The calibrator should have a background in electronics or have certification as an electronic technician. They should have experience with calibrating many of the different brands of TV sets, and have attended multiple training classes on how to properly setup a direct view, rear projection, and front projection displays. The calibrator will now also need training on digital display technology such as, Plasma technology, DILA and DLP digital displays. Once you have identified the person to calibrate your new set the next question is how much will it cost? This will vary anywhere from $275 to $400 for direct view sets; $300 to $750 for rear projectors; and $500 to $1000 for front projectors. Whatever the price, a good ISF technician is worth every dollar spent. He or she will turn your investment into gold."
