Hi, I have the following system

Sony 1292
Oppo 971
DVDO Iscan HD
Pioneer DVD recorder
HD set top box
Monster ISF Calibration disc

I am trying to figure out the best way to get all my levels correct considering that some components such as Oppo and DVD recorder have facilities to adjust gamma, contrast, brightness, hue, sharpness etc.
What is the generally acceptable correct steps to take?
Is it get 1292 levels correct via inbuilt test patterns first? Or should components with no adjustment take priority over ones that do etc.

Regards

Jonathan

For this type of calibration you need to start at the head of the system your Sony 1292 and work your way backwards. If you are using your iScan HD as a video hub then I would first calibrate the Sony 1292 to the iScan HD. Then calibrate each of iScan HD's inputs for each source you will be using.

Thanks Derek that sounds logical. The problem arises when I set the levels on the 1292 with the bias pattern in the serviceman mode then I calibrate the Oppo and all looks good on there but when I look at my digital set top box it looks a bit dark but can't adjust anything on it. Kinda get in a bit of a loop as whether to set the 1292 up a bit brighter to compensate for the component that is a bit dark etc. I sed to like the good ol days when you used to have test patterns broadcast on TV stations late at night instead of informercials. Then I could check out where my set top box is at. I also find that the DVI input is a lot more consitent than the component input (from Pioneer DVD recorder).

There is also the question of test patterns. I have internal test patterns in the 1292 , test patterns in the iscan HD+ and also the monster calibration disc with the black level and white level settings. Get a bit confused on how to make them all work for me to achieve an end result.

I would use the internal patterns on the 1292 first using the 1292 adjustments. Then using the iScan HD's patterns as the source again using the 1292's adjustments as needed. Now for each source device using the iScan HD's input adjustments. Lastly if needed each source devices output adjustments.