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DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

post #1 of 11
11/13/08 at 8:46am
Thread Starter 
I'm buying a new 73" Mits DLP... They want an additional $199 (on top of the $399 4 year extended warranty) to do the "professional" calibration.....which, as their "selling point" states, that it will customize the brightness and color for my particular room (not a big deal to me) but, they also state it will optimize the tv and reduce power consumption and thus extend the life of my tv....not sure if this is true....if it is, this IS a big deal to me.

I've had a Mits 65" 1080i RPTV since 2005 with a 5year contract....never used any part of the warranty, never had any issues, never had a calibration done....and the picture is still flawless and looks awesome with my HD receiver, BluRay player and Xbox 360....

Anyway.....if someone (other than a salesperson) can give me the real deal with any experience they've had with this issue I would appreciate it!!!

...in other words....does anybody (with experience) either recommend (with reasons) or not recommend it.

Thanks!!
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post #2 of 11
11/13/08 at 8:59am

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

hi
Power savings on a DLP (aka bulb based device) is not true.
calibration is about making your display conform to color standards and maximizing the dynamic range (making whites bright but not clipping the signal, while making blacks dark without crushing (losing shadow detail) the image.

I have to scratch my head when a member asks about a Best Buy service. There are literally hundreds - thousands of threads about the general lack of knowledge of blue shirt employees, but still an informed person would consider hiring them to perform a truely professional service like calibration? They dont even have gear that works on the technology they are supposed to be calibrating.

Gregg
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post #3 of 11
11/13/08 at 9:51am

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

I don't know about calibration. But $399 ESP for a $3500 TV, is an 11.4% markup. In comparison, I pay $299 per year to each insure my car, and it's worth a whole lot more than that TV!

I'll just repeat the standard mantra: extended warranties on consumer electronics are on the whole a waste of money.
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post #4 of 11
11/13/08 at 12:39pm

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

I would recommend you get your set calibrated if you want the best performance...but not through the BB offer. If you have them do it, you will probally have to have a real calibration pro come in and fix their mistakes..

There are several threads here on ISF calibration - there should be someone in your area.
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post #5 of 11
11/13/08 at 12:40pm
Thread Starter 

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregg Loewen
hi
Power savings on a DLP (aka bulb based device) is not true.
calibration is about making your display conform to color standards and maximizing the dynamic range (making whites bright but not clipping the signal, while making blacks dark without crushing (losing shadow detail) the image.

I have to scratch my head when a member asks about a Best Buy service. There are literally hundreds - thousands of threads about the general lack of knowledge of blue shirt employees, but still an informed person would consider hiring them to perform a truely professional service like calibration? They dont even have gear that works on the technology they are supposed to be calibrating.

Gregg

I am just using Best Buy as an example....I don't plan on getting the extended service plan because I do think that adding another 15 to 20% of the original cost is a rip off...

.....so, I get your power answer....and understand that it is supposed to clean up the whites and enhancing the blacks....

....so, is this calibration doable by the end user??? If you scratch your head about Best Buy "blue shirts"....then who would you recommend to do a real (via a laptop with the appropriate software and connections) calibration???
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post #6 of 11
11/13/08 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Martino
I would recommend you get your set calibrated if you want the best performance...but not through the BB offer. If you have them do it, you will probally have to have a real calibration pro come in and fix their mistakes..


Then who would you recommend??
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post #7 of 11
11/13/08 at 1:11pm

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

hi
Lion Audio/Video Consultants Welcomes You! Home theater Calibration Video Audio Display ISF Imaging science foundation Training Education Consultation Setup Video Essentials Digital video essentials Avia Extron Ideal lume Cinemaquest Cable Sencore C3 (my company)
or
Movie Studios Ask FCC for Help in Making Riskless Profits | ISF F
would be 2 good places to start looking.

If you email me directly I can also assist you with finding a competant person in your location (where ever it may be).

Regards

Gregg@lionav.com
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post #8 of 11
11/13/08 at 1:13pm

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

Your money would be better spent skipping the extended warranty and using the funds for a certified ISF calibration -- and not a "calibration" from the local electronics big box store. I wouldn't let The Geek Squad or Fire Dog guys anywhere near my HDTV.
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post #9 of 11
11/13/08 at 7:40pm

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

This post should help you: Display Calibration: Root Fundamentals - AVS Forum
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post #10 of 11
11/13/08 at 11:48pm

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

Quote:
This post should help you: Display Calibration: Root Fundamentals - AVS Forum
George, AVS won't allow HTF links from their site anymore. As a response, nor will HTF allow links to AVS. "They" have severed ties with us. Ron's explaination is in post #4 of this thread:http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...ay-thread.html
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post #11 of 11
11/14/08 at 7:53am

Re: DLP "Professional" calibration....is it really needed??

Never mind then.
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