Precision Cinema

Home Cinema Consulting and ISF calibration

Certified by the Imaging Science Foundation and Home Acoustics Alliance

Please be aware that I am now only doing calibrations for friends & family. It was simply taking too much time for what I got out of it.

Many Thanks, William

I will leave the information below for people interested in information about ISF calibration.

ISF Calibration. What's it all about?

There is a very good article published in the US based Sound&Vision magazine and online: TV Tweaks - Part One : House Calls

You can also look at a flier briefly explaining the reasons for having your display calibrated. Precision Cinema ISF Flier - MS Word format

If you would like to see some actual displays that I have calibrated, you can stop in at Radfords HiFi in Bristol. http://www.radfords.co.uk/ A few of the calibration reports for devices I have calibrated in Radfords Bristol showroom can be accessed below.

Calibration Reports for displays at Radfords HiFi Bristol Showroom

Yamaha LPX-500  LCD front projector

Sharp Z91E  DLP, Low Res, 4:3, front projector

Infocus Screenplay 5700 DLP, Native 16:9 PAL res, 1024 x 576

ISF calibration of display devices

An "ISF calibration" is a service that involves the use of a spectroradiometer or colorimeter (colour/light analyser) connected to a computer. An ISF calibration involves a very intensive set of measurements and adjustments, usually made in the display's service menu which is not accessible to the user. A standard calibration as set out by the Imaging Science Foundation focuses on obtaining accurate colour and light output reproduction based on SMPTE and EBU standards. Some calibrators also perform separate services such as convergence, but this is dependant on the device in question. A calibration can take several hours depending on the the individual device. Calibration is ideally done with no ambient light in the room and should be in the environment in which it will be viewed.

A basic calibration as laid out by the ISF should include:

• Pre-Calibration documentation of Display (see calibration reports above)
• Basic focus and convergence to allow the rest of the "greyscale"  white point chromaticity calibration.
• Basic Geometry, & overscan(4-5%) on desired aspect ratios & input format
• Initial setting of brightness, contrast, color, tint, sharpness
• Calibration of "Grayscale" to desired white point, ie D65 for both PAL and NTSC DVD
• Final setting of black level (brightness), white level (contrast), color, tint, & sharpness.
• Post Calibration Documentation (see calibration reports above)

Pricing may vary with the model of display device and service required, but the pricing has been revised in order to be easier to understand.

Fees for ISF calibration

In the U.S., there are guidelines for a basics components of what might be considered to be an ISF calibration. However, many calibrators go beyond what is actually taught in the ISF classes. Price will obviously vary globally.

Additional fees may apply for extensive convergence, mechanical focus, etc for RPTVs and CRT front projectors.

A travel expense of some sort is typically charged as well.

Display Calibration Equipment that might be used

• Colorfacts© Software and GretagMacbeth Spectroradiometer
• Sencore CP5000
• Progressive Labs Colorimeter

        The Spectroradiometer is the most accurate tool.

Display Test Patterns that might be used

• Avia for NTSC D65, etc
• Sound & Vision Tune Up disc for NTSC D65, etc
• Peter Finzel Test Disc SE for PAL D65, convergence, overscan
• Burosch Referenz-DVD for PAL contrast, brightness, sharpness
• Colorfacts Test pattern generation for HCPC