(Posted with permission of AVS & Alan)
As many of you know, I have been busy hacking away at my Davis projector. I've discovered how to permanently modify the color curves on the Davis, by modifying the existing firmware packages that they distribute for their projectors. You then download the firmware with Davis' sup.exe program.
The primary motivation was to fix the green shift caused by revision L on the DLX650, but you can also use it to both calibrate the projector, as well as maximize the dynamic range of its output. I've also made some baby steps towards modifying the resolution table in the firmware. I've now packaged up my discoveries into a piece of shareware, so other Davis users can take advantage of it.
Four forum members have been beta testing it. I think they generally like it. I could definitely use feedback from more users, hopefully someone will help me figure out the resolution tables.
So, without further ado:
DavisTuner
Features
See DavisTuner for more info and to download.
Caveats
You will need a Davis programming cable to use DavisTuner. News Flash! Now you can either build the cable yourself, or purchase an assembled one for about $30. See my DavisTuner link in my sig for details.
Hopefully, for those of you that don't want to bother, I will soon be providing a calibration service, using ColorFacts. Stay tuned!!
Mike
As many of you know, I have been busy hacking away at my Davis projector. I've discovered how to permanently modify the color curves on the Davis, by modifying the existing firmware packages that they distribute for their projectors. You then download the firmware with Davis' sup.exe program.
The primary motivation was to fix the green shift caused by revision L on the DLX650, but you can also use it to both calibrate the projector, as well as maximize the dynamic range of its output. I've also made some baby steps towards modifying the resolution table in the firmware. I've now packaged up my discoveries into a piece of shareware, so other Davis users can take advantage of it.
Four forum members have been beta testing it. I think they generally like it. I could definitely use feedback from more users, hopefully someone will help me figure out the resolution tables.
So, without further ado:
DavisTuner
Features
- Manually change color maps You can change the shape of the gamma curve, and separately change the color balance/gray scale.
- Copy color maps You can copy a color map from one firmware to another. For example, for the DLX650, take the color ramps from K, and put them in the L firmware. Definitely recommended!
- Automatic gamma ramps. This function will automatically generate an exponential gamma ramp, making full use of the dynamic range of the Davis' color maps. You should not assume, however, that entering a "2" would yield a measured gamma of 2. But in my opinion it does look nice!
- Test patterns. This generates a color map with non-linearities at the top and bottom of the map (i.e. 0 and 100 IRE). No need for long calibration - just put up a gray scale, and make sure that (only) absolute black is replaced with red, and absolute white is replaced by green. This will ensure that you're driving the projector in such a way that its full dynamic range is being utilized.
- Flash gamma. As was rumored, there is a utility for flashing a gamma ramp to the projector (which only lasts until the projector is power cycled). Thanks to my mystery man for providing it to me! Loading a ramp this way takes about 3 seconds. I implemented the protocol in my program, so that when you change the color map, you can flash it to the projector, to see if you like it, before making it permanent.
- Resolutions. This is still a work in progress. I have currently modified my own projector to accept 720P from the Hipix (when coupled with a Panamorph, which I own). I have previously gotten my projector to sync to a 1024x554 (1.85:1) signal from Powerstrip (whereas it used to see that signal as 800x600). More work/research needs to be done. This currently only works for revision "L" for the DLX650, but if someone gives me another firmware, theoretically I can do the calculations and build in support for it as well.
See DavisTuner for more info and to download.
Caveats
- This is not exactly polished software. Don't expect too much, so that you'll be pleasantly surprised!
- Even though I wanted there to be context sensitive help - there's not. There *is* a windows help file, however.
- Davis might not want to honor your warranty (if you have one) if it knows you downloaded a hacked firmware to your projector. Use at your own risk! Don't sue me!
- You are not allowed to use this software to calibrate other people's projectors (without talking to me about licensing).
You will need a Davis programming cable to use DavisTuner. News Flash! Now you can either build the cable yourself, or purchase an assembled one for about $30. See my DavisTuner link in my sig for details.
Hopefully, for those of you that don't want to bother, I will soon be providing a calibration service, using ColorFacts. Stay tuned!!
Mike