Grey Scale and Colour Calibration

Take a look at the two pictures here. The top pictures I have taken of the same scene, showing on the same projector. The only difference, and admittedly it is a huge one, is that the shot on the left was taken before ISF calibration, and the one on the right was taken after ISF calibration.

Picture A: Low Temp	Picture B: Custom ISF 1

So what exactly is it that we are seeing? The greyscale and colours have been refined, so that in Image B, the skin tones and depth are greatly improved. The woman looks much more natural, much healthier, and altogether more realistic. The other interesting thing is that it is considerably easier to see her in relation to the background, and we get a much better sense of just how far away from this backdrop she is standing. Now consider the fact that the PC monitor you are using to compare them probably isn't calibrated correctly either, and imagine how much more vivid this difference is going to be when you see it for real in your own home.

How did I achieve such a dramatic difference? By using a sophisticated measurement tool called a Colour Analyser, which was developed specifically for this purpose, I first established what the pre-existing levels were for this projector.

Colour Temperature Histogram, dotted line is target. PRE CALIBRATION

(Actual measurement from Sony Bravia 40" LCD TV before calibration)

RGB Levels Pre Calibration

(Actual measurement from Sony Bravia 40" LCD TV before calibration)

Then, using a dedicated software package, I analysed where these results deviated from the optimum standards for this particular home cinema (taking into consideration not only the equipment, but ambient light sources and the colour of the wall-coverings and screen material).

Finally, I re-calibrated the entire playback chain for optimum configuration, and then re-measured the image. The real beauty of this is that, not only are the results there on the screen for the naked eye to see, they are also measurable time after time after time.

Greyscale Temperature POST CALIBRATION

(Actual measurement from Sony Bravia 40" LCD TV after calibration)

RGB Levels POST CALIBRATION

(Actual measurement from Sony Bravia 40" LCD TV after calibration)

Why should you care? Well, the unfortunate truth, as our department store array of unmatched TV pictures demonstrates, most, if not all, video displays are wrongly set up by the manufacturer and often on purpose. This is because they are trying to grab your attention by making their sets look "different" . By correctly configuring the image you are looking at, whether it is a small widescreen set or a fourteen foot wide cinema screen, you will immediately enjoy the benefits of true picture excellence, and be getting the most value for money as possible from your home cinema. In fact, in the long run, ISF calibration could wind up saving you money full stop. Because CRT front projection requires very precise geometry and convergence to achieve the best picture. This service combined with ISF greyscale calibration at the same time could make a bigger difference than buying a more expensive projector.

What's more, it's not only projector based systems which can benefit. All display devices can. Rear projection and direct view televisions often yield even bigger results.

If you are interested in vastly improving the quality of your own image, then please don't hesitate to contact me. I will be delighted to visit your home and give you results such as those you see above. In each case, I will begin with an appraisal of your current system, and using the techniques outlined, achieve a measurable improvement in your system.

Key Benefits

• More Accurate Picture
• More Enjoyment
• Longer Life for Equipment

for pricing and a list of just some of the manufacturers and products we have the ability to calibrate. If you don't see your own display mentioned then feel free to email us as it's extremely likely it's possible.