GetGray Calibration DVD

Halon451

Halon451

Audioholic Samurai
Just found this on the web, and it's linked to AVS, as a download item that you can burn to DVD, after a nominal donation. Has anyone used this over here, and if so is it worthwhile?

http://www.calibrate.tv/
 
Halon451

Halon451

Audioholic Samurai
Okay, I'll bite. Halon, I just downloaded and burned this disc to DVD-R, and used it last night. From the get-go, I was impressed with the multitude of test patterns and grey scale adjustments that were possible - my contrast and brightness settings are finally optimized! :)

The disc specifies filter lenses above and beyond what you normally get with the standard calibration discs - to include not only the blue filter, but also a red and green filter to perfect those individual adjustments. So, I was a little limited when performing the color calibrations, as I only had the blue filter from my old calibration DVD, but it was good enough to set the basic color saturation and tint levels. Yet - when all was said and done, and switched the display back to regular TV viewing, it seemed as if the color was still a little oversaturated, so I backed it off a little bit using only my eyeballs, and it did improve. I hear that my particular model of Panasonic has had some slight issues with oversaturation in the reds and greens to begin with, so this may simply be the case, and I'm sure I could fine tune that a bit once I get the other color filters.

Overall, outstanding disc, very straightforward, and comes with a 28 page Read Me file, which explains how to perform every adjustment for which there is a test pattern for. This disc does not contain the awkward "walk you through just what a HT is scenes with two goofy people who can't act to save their lives explaining", it's just a disc full of awesome test patterns. Oh, and there's no audio tests on here either, it's strictly for displays and projectors.

On the grey scale calibrations, I found a gradient scale, which was useful in determining that unfortunately my TV does exhibit a very slight amount of banding, but not enough to be bothersome. After all, it's not a Kuro, or an Elite, or top of the line Panny, it's their lowest cost 1080p plasma they have on the market at this time.

In order to make absolute full use of all the test patterns would require all three color filters (as mentioned), plus a colorimeter, a lot of patience, and an understanding wife, or significant other (if applicable :))

So, Halon, to answer your question - yes, I have used this, and I think very highly of it so far! :D
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
Okay, I'll bite. Halon, I just downloaded and burned this disc to DVD-R, and used it last night. From the get-go, I was impressed with the multitude of test patterns and grey scale adjustments that were possible - my contrast and brightness settings are finally optimized! :)

The disc specifies filter lenses above and beyond what you normally get with the standard calibration discs - to include not only the blue filter, but also a red and green filter to perfect those individual adjustments. So, I was a little limited when performing the color calibrations, as I only had the blue filter from my old calibration DVD, but it was good enough to set the basic color saturation and tint levels. Yet - when all was said and done, and switched the display back to regular TV viewing, it seemed as if the color was still a little oversaturated, so I backed it off a little bit using only my eyeballs, and it did improve. I hear that my particular model of Panasonic has had some slight issues with oversaturation in the reds and greens to begin with, so this may simply be the case, and I'm sure I could fine tune that a bit once I get the other color filters.

Overall, outstanding disc, very straightforward, and comes with a 28 page Read Me file, which explains how to perform every adjustment for which there is a test pattern for. This disc does not contain the awkward "walk you through just what a HT is scenes with two goofy people who can't act to save their lives explaining", it's just a disc full of awesome test patterns. Oh, and there's no audio tests on here either, it's strictly for displays and projectors.

On the grey scale calibrations, I found a gradient scale, which was useful in determining that unfortunately my TV does exhibit a very slight amount of banding, but not enough to be bothersome. After all, it's not a Kuro, or an Elite, or top of the line Panny, it's their lowest cost 1080p plasma they have on the market at this time.

In order to make absolute full use of all the test patterns would require all three color filters (as mentioned), plus a colorimeter, a lot of patience, and an understanding wife, or significant other (if applicable :))

So, Halon, to answer your question - yes, I have used this, and I think very highly of it so far! :D

Thanks for the hands on report:D
The patterns look impressive. Did they say where you can buy those other filters or if the ones that come with some of the calibration discs are the same filters they use?
 
Halon451

Halon451

Audioholic Samurai
Well, the disc is available with a "contribution" price, minimum of $25 donation to get the link that takes you to the download site. If you "donate" (pay) $5 more, supposedly they will send you all the required color filters as well in the mail. I only paid the minimum just to check it out, and overall I'm very impressed with it so far - I may just ante up the extra five bucks here shortly and get all the necessary filters. :)

The only filters I've seen thus far that have come with the more standard calibration DVD's are just the blue ones to set the general color saturation and tint levels.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top