55VT50 Color Calibration for Noobs.

2 options :

- pay for a colorimeter (like i1display 3) + a software to calibrate (free software "colorHCFR" or Chromapure or Calman)

- hire a pro for the calibration


If you have the time to learn all the calibration stuff (recommandation, tips...), a lot of time to spend to learn the calibration tools, how to change settings, to interpret the charts, learn about the interaction settings, how the VT50 work, how to calibrate in general you can buy your own gear but you will spend hundreds of hours to correctly calibrate your VT50...

otherwise, hire a pro with pro gear, knowledge, the science, to get your VT50 the most accurately calibrate

Seconded!

Greetings

Third option is to buy the DIY'er gear and software ...
Save the 100's of hours of research time by getting real video calibration training (not free)


Cost of DIYer path is $400 or so with the two pay software options. But you can do other TVs in your house too and retweak as much as you want. (Albeit with less accurate gear)

A pro calibration of the set will run $400 to $550 depending on what you ask them to do. But they do it with way better gear and experience has to be worth something.

What is the cost of your time worth?

Is the goal to have a calibrated TV sooner rather than a lot later?

Is the end goal to have a calibrated TV or actually to learn the entire process of calibration?

regards

+1 with Michael, i forgot in my 1st option real calibration training video

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/video-calibration/63136-special-video-calibration-training-videos-promotion.html

Also with Michael on this. I went with a Spectracal bundle, i1Display Pro w/ CalMAN 5 software for my Panasonic GT30. I've been reding up here on AVS and on Michael's website which is excellent. I'm considering paying for the videos to push myself further. My GT30 picture looks beautiful!

What patterns did you use on your panny?

^^^ CalMAN APL Windows from AVS Rec709 disc.

Small or Large apl patterns?

I'm sorry, large APL windows and used Custom picture mode.

guess serious calibrators won't do that, because it would not match with Your TV due to the spread for standard factory models. THX cinema mode should be quite accurate with the standard settings (at least here in the EU).

There is an application called ControlCAL that you can use to easily down load VT50 calibration settings to your VT50 posted by other members. Check this forum:
http://www.controlcal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=61

If you are interested send a PM ( Private Message) to Turbe ( he is the developer and can help you get started with this tool) ( This app can be used for North American and EU VT50 models)

In the meantime, you can also manually input these settings into your CUSTOM mode on the VT50 with your remote. Try the ISF DAY settings listed in this post and manually input into your CUSTOM mode on the VT50)
http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=896

As always, these settings may or may not appeal to you on your particular TV panel but it is fun to try.
Edited by LBJ2 - 1/25/13 at 11:08am