So, I've been looking at all the forums and noticed a lot of people asking how or where can you get your set calibrated. The only place I know of that is ISF certified is Best Buy. Others claim they can calibrate your TV using a disc, going into service menus or hell Ive even heard someone say that there is a channel on most Cablevision cable boxes that can calibrate your set.

These are not bad ideas to test, however I've never seen them work to be honest. Not to mention that if you go into the service menu that they log that in the TV's memory. The reason for this is to ensure that YOU stay out of them, because the service menu is the nervous system of your TV. Altering these settings WILL void your manufacture warrenty and store bought warrenty aswell. Basically making it tamper proof.

I purchased my Samsung LNT4081 about 3 months and was introduced to the idea of calibrating. The process generally would cost 300 dollars however, because I bought the service with the TV through Best Buy I got it for 200. And since Ive had it done, I havent looked back. Best thing I spent 200 bucks on.

Keep in mind what I said, ISF certified. No one else that I know in retail has been trained by the people that tell you what color is what. So when your considering spending 150 bucks on a disc to do something that cant measure light think about spending another 150 and get it done right the first time.

I'm sure you mean well, but some of your logic eludes me. If they log going into your service menu and it voids the warranty, then having anyone professionally calibrate your TV (even Best Buy) likely voids your warranty. A good ISF tech will most likely have to go into the service menu on most models of HDTV.

Greetings

Even if it gets logged, no service person is going to really care about that since another service person could be responsible. add to that, service guys would actually like to get paid for their time so voiding warranties means no one pays them for that trip.

This part is a red herring and a non-issue. Scare tactic.

Calibration is a good idea, but we shouldn't be scaring people into this.

It isn't rocket science and many an enthusiast can teach themselves how to do it. As long as people act responsibly, no harm is done to the TV. Many sets today, particularly Samsungs have all the necessary controls in the user menu anyway.

Regards

So when your considering spending 150 bucks on a disc to do something that cant measure light think about spending another 150 and get it done right the first time.

I've never spent a 150 bucks on a calibration disc, I've spent 150 bucks on a probe that takes light measurements off the set and using the proper software (CalMan or HCFR) to break those readings down along with a 25 dollar calibration disc (ie DVE HD) or AVS 709 HD disc that is free is a great way for any home enthusiast to be a DIYer, granted pro's will have all the right tools for the job but that's why they call them pro's.

also based on your logic I guess I shouldn't play football anymore since I'm not a pro at it, I know how to play it but since a pro is obviously better I guess I should leave it up to them.

You are correct about the service menu and how a "good" calibration should take advantage of it. I never said they wouldnt. But because they are certifies they are licensed to be there. Where YOU are not. It was merely suggestion for those that want it done right. Go flame someone else asshat.

You are correct about the service menu and how a "good" calibration should take advantage of it. I never said they wouldnt. But because they are certifies they are licensed to be there. Where YOU are not. It was merely suggestion for those that want it done right. Go flame someone else asshat.

2 posts and already cursing people. Classy.

The people you are cursing are only pointing out that there is a lot of incorrect stuff in your posts. Don't get your panties in a wad when you post incorrect info and someone on this forum corrects it. That is just how it is around here (thank goodness).

Goo,

Your orientation in calibration has a ways to go. You might start by getting some of the basics of video calibration at the link below, and then read more of the specific information posted here at AVS.

http://www.isfforum.com/FAQs/.html

You are correct about the service menu and how a "good" calibration should take advantage of it. I never said they wouldnt. But because they are certifies they are licensed to be there. Where YOU are not. It was merely suggestion for those that want it done right. Go flame someone else asshat.

You don't understand what "ISF certified" means. All you have to do to become "ISF certified" is pay the ISF's fee, attend a 2 day seminar and pass a test. You then get a certificate stating that you attended the seminar and passed their test. They are not authorized to be in the service menu of your TV any more then you are. As has been stated numerous times in other threads there are good ISF techs and bad ISF techs much like any other profession. There are certainly many people that frequent this forum that aren't "ISF certified", but are very knowledgable about and capable of calibrating.

It's nice that you joined just to give a testimonial to the ISF and Best Buy, but you don't really understand enough about this subject.

And since nobody else mentioned it, why do you care AT ALL if a retail store has ISF Certified calibrators or not? The most experienced calibrators in the world are INDEPENDENT calibrators who operate their own business. These people have experience with many brands and some own hardware and software that is far more capable than that owned/used by big-box retailers. There are plenty of ways to find these independent calibrators, including here on AVS, through ISF, and at the ISF Forum link posted in another message.

And ISF is not the only source for calibration expertise these days. THX now trains and certifies video calibrators.

Greetings

Argh!!!!

When one considers that since 1994, over 5000+ people have been through the ISF program and a very large number of these same people still have not acquired test equipment, (and a bunch more with equipment didn't even know that the test gear needed to be rechecked every so often for accuracy.) it's probably not a good idea to place just the "idea" of an ISF calibrator on a pedestal. Plenty more places that are still listed and they haven't done this stuff in years and years ... or the guy that took the course left the company years ago, but yet the company remains listed.

A BB/Magnolia calibrator would have an advantage over the many "real" ISF guys that don't have gear or have outdated gear that simply doesn't work anymore. You'd really want to think twice and three times before going with such a person.

An ISF via Magnolia is still an ISF, but it is up to the individual to determine if the guy coming over to do the work was actually trained to do this. BB uses the ISF train the trainer program. As long as the ISF has sanctioned this, it is just as legit as anyone else flying the banner.

I regret that this just makes things harder for everyone, but that's just the way it is.

Regards

Michael is exactly right. The title "ISF certified" is absolutely meaningless. It does not in any way guarantee any level of quality to the work the calibrator will perform.

I know plenty of "ISF certified" people who's knowledge is extremely limited in that they have zero experience. I know even more non-ISF certified people who do a much better job as they've got the experience, good equipment, and know how to use it.

An ISF via Magnolia is still an ISF, but it is up to the individual to determine if the guy coming over to do the work was actually trained to do this. I recently put together an extensive guide (22,000 words, 100 pictures) that walks you step by step to do greyscale and colour calibration with a $150 probe:

GREYSCALE & COLOUR CALIBRATION FOR DUMMIES » (http://www.curtpalme.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10457)

If anyone's thinking of hiring someone who's "ISF certified" by all means read the guide and get familiar with the terms and steps so that you can ask some intelligent questions before spending your money first (even if you don't decide to do it yourself). Being a smart consumer is a good thing!

Kal

2 posts and already cursing people. Classy.

The people you are cursing are only pointing out that there is a lot of incorrect stuff in your posts. Don't get your panties in a wad when you post incorrect info and someone on this forum corrects it. That is just how it is around here (thank goodness).

Still you have to wonder though - what IS an a#&hat?? AVS is but one of many forums I've spotted this on.

The disturbing image of one staggering down the street doubled over with a 10-gallon Stetson over their back-side cannot escape my mind. :eek:

The IMUS of the Calibration area,

All I can say is thank god that GooDOlTom joined AVS & posted this warning.

BTW do you work for Best Buy selling extended warranties & calibrations?

http://www.imagingscience.com/

you can find more isf certified independent dealers on the link above and clicking on > Dealer/Tech Locator Services for Consumers