The VideoEq -- A low cost external grayscale/gamma/cms tool - Page 15

New build out.
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Axel

I've programmed a tool for the VideoEq that enabling touch RGB Levels and luma for 11/21 points of the grayscale with the possibility of extending to the WTW (105% and 109%) and with control of the parameters of the CMS.

I leave the link in case anyone does not usually visit the forum Calman:

http://www.spectracal.com/forum/view...hp?f=46&t=1982

Best regards.

I posted my results calibrating my JVC DLA RS2 projector. The Video EQ Pro rocks.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post18566590

Dave

They look good Dave, I'd recommend trying to create an offset for the sensor so that you face it towards the projector. I did this with my HD350, Chromapure (I'm sure Calman allows this too) and i1-LT, so that I can get good readings down to 5 IRE and use the VEQ controls to get these IREs spot on too. It will help to get the best shadow detail (though of course it might be spot on anyway, you just don't know for sure).

Not sure if this has been already covered..

Will the videoeq flatten out a greyscale curve? after calibrating my Panasonic Plasma, the greyscale shows a hump in the 80% range.. the only way I have found to flatten out the gamma was to reduce contrast resulting in very low light output (about 24ftl) .. This is not ideal..

If the videoeq can flatten out the curve, will I need the Pro version? or can the basic version do the job?

Thanks for any answers..

For grayscale and gamma adjustments you can get away with the basic version. However if you have a non-THX Panasonic plasma you'll benefit from the CMS controls in the Pro as well.

The new "Basic" version of the Video EQ now comes with a 6-axis CMS and is on sale through May for only $699. I think the only difference now is that the Pro has remote control capability and more memories.

I have to say that this change in both the functionality and price of the Basic model stings after paying almost twice this much a few weeks ago for the Pro version when I could have gotten by with the new "Basic" version.

That being said, the VideoEQ is the perfect tool for correcting anomalous bumps in grayscale tracking.

Yeah that is quite a change! I didn't realize they added CMS functionality to the basic version. I would expect a massive price drop on the Pro version as this will more than likely cannibalize sales.

Wow this is huge news for me. Now I think I can actually afford one to pair with my non-Elite Kuro.

Yes with a firmware update the VideoEq Basic now has CMS with its single custom table. We rewrote the firmware to fix some HDCP issues and found in doing so had just enough room left to wedge in CMS. We are just finishing up firmware updates for the Basic and Pro. For the VEQ Basic we added CMS and better handling HDCP, for the VEQ Pro better handling HDCP. Expect to see the firmware updates out early next week with updated VEQ tools.

BTW, the price quoted above for the VEQ Basic is a May special only so don't expect any price drop in the Pro.

I've had nothing but good results with my NE Kuro. Once you go REC709 there's no going back

no money yet!!! and I just dropped $300 on the SpectraCal Summer Training Tour, that and I'm needing to save $1500 to replace panels on my MartinLogan speakers and I also want to take either ISF or THX certification classes at some point.

Minor details

From what I've gathered about the Basic version was that it had 4 preset gamma adjustments, rather than the pro version that had 4 programable luminance tables .. would I assume then that unless I had access to the programable tables, I would not be able to flatten out the gamma and woud simply just bump the curve, hump and all up or down to get a higher/lower average gamma?

VideoEq Tools and firmware updates: Build 32

Adds CMS support to the VideoEq Basic
Improves HCDP handshake for all VEQ models

Derek,

If I were to order one (non-Pro) now before the May 31st deadline on the sale will it come with the latest firmware with CMS adjustments or will I have to update it once I receive it? Any possible free shipping discounts from frequent shoppers?

which version of Calman is required to use this device?

All VEQ's have the latest firmware installed before they ship from us.

No version of CalMAN is required. The VEQ has its own tools so you can use any software for taking measurements. But CalMAN v4 Enthusiast and Pro can also talk directly to the VEQ via our interactive chart interface making the process much simpler.

A few more questions:
1. Is there an answer yet on whether or not 1080p@72 signals will be passed by VEQ?

2. I also like to know, since I can only add or subtract 0.2 gamma with the VEQ non-pro, will 2.3 yield better results for night viewing over my Kuro's unadjustable 2.1? Also is the only way to toggle between the different gamma modes via a laptop hooked up to the device through USB?

3. The signal chain shows an example of: Blu-ray player -> HDMI cable -> VideoEq -> HDMI cable -> Display. For those of us with receivers I'm guessing swap Blu-ray player with Receiver?

I have not tested it, I will have to find out


All VEQ's have gamma adjustments from +/- 100% I'm not sure where you got 0.2?


Yes the VEQ is the last in the chain just before the display.

FAQ here: http://www.curtpalme.com/VideoEq.shtm

In the comparison chart at Gamma Adjustment it says VEQ's is fixed and VEQ Pro's is adjustable.

I have Chroma 5 with CalMAN Home. I guess I'd have to upgrade this to CalMAN v4 Enthusiast if that is even possible.

Look on their website. They have an upgrade for that. They even have a special on it.

I currently just have one display I care about - 60" Pio.

Sounds like the major difference between using the CalMAN Home and the
Enthusiast with the VEQ relates to improved integration.
Louis

I am also unhappy that the CMS functionality I needed is now included in the cheaper VEQ Basic model. I didn't need the additional Custom memories, IR control or anything like that, but I needed CMS and the Pro model was the only model to fit the bill. I think the Pro model early adopters to date should get complimentary Calman 4 Enthusiast upgrades to properly differentiate the models, as I feel a bit cheated at the moment.