ISF Certification

[stiletto pat]

I've seen posts from time to time about the virtues of having an ISF certified technician tweak rear projection sets to achieve maximum performance. However, I just installed my new Pioneer Elite Pro 1120 Plasma, and have been considering having an ISF certified technician to set up and calibrate the unit, as well as possibly my older Panasonic CT53WX CRT Hi-Def unit.

Can anyone with any experience advise if it's really worth the money to pay for calibraion on Plasmas and CRTs? If so, does anyone have recommendations for good ISF techs in Florida (greater Tampa Bay area) in order to avoid paying for travel for someone up north to come down? Can anyone provide estimates of reasonable and customary costs for such services?

Thanks,

Pat

 

[stiletto pat]

ISF Calibration

C'mon Audioholics readers - including Gene, Clint and the gang....

Can anyone please comment on the ISF calibration post below? 54 reads and no posts??? I'm trying to make an informed decision on the need for ISF calibration on Plasma and CRT TVs before spending fairly large money to bring down a very reputable ISF tech from the DC area. I know this topic has been bantered around quite a bit, at least 6 months ago, usually aimed at Rear Projection sets, but I need to make a decision fairly quickly. Any input would be helpful at this point. If you'd rather not comment via the forum, then send me a private message.

Thanks,

Pat

 

[Red]

Pat I have a plasma and calibrated it using the AVIA set up CD. It looks very good, but I keep wondering if a ISF certified tech could do better...at which time I ask myself how much better it could get So I may still do it, but I do suggest using a calibration DVD first and see if you are happy with the results.

As for ISF certified techs in the Tampa area here are a few links:

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_results.cfm?temp=15&Country1=none&State1=FL&dlr_status=ALL

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_results.cfm?temp=59&Country1=none&State1=FL&dlr_status=ALL

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_results.cfm?temp=76&Country1=none&State1=FL&dlr_status=ALL

I don't think you need to pay for someone to come to Tampa from the DC area.

Good luck

 

[lonwa]

Pro-1120HD

Pat,

I am about to pull the trigger on the same Pioneer unit, and wanted to get your impressions so far with the unit (even without the ISF).

Thanks

Lonwa

 

[stiletto pat]

Pioneer Elite Plasma

Lonwa,

So far, I love it. I've had it less than a month, and had problems with my cable providing a high def feed for about a week. Once the problems were resolved, it's pretty sweet. The picture is extremely accurate, and is everything I wanted in a plasma.

You'll read a lot of articles about a problem with buzzing from the actual plasma unit, which has apparently been resolved recently. Make certain that you are getting a relently manufactured unit, rather than an older unit. The problem seemed to be related to the layers of glass used on the plasma screen - something wasn't completely compatible, and the buzzing couldn't be silenced. Apparently, very annoying. Anyway, no problems with units manufactured 12/04 or later.

I debated between the Panasonic Industrial unit, the Panasonic Onyx and the Pioneer Elite. In the end, after seeing the Panny next to the Pioneer, it became clear to me which unit I wanted. I'm not really certain that I need the ISF calibration, but that's why I'm writing the this forum, hoping those members that have gone throught the process can provide good, thoughtful advice on whether or not the exercise (and money) would be wasted on such a venture.

Thanks, and good luck.

Pat

 

[lonwa]

Thanks for the reply

I just placed the order today. Its direct from pioneer so I probably should not have to worry about getting an older unit.

Glad you are enjoying it.

Take care

Lonwa

 

[[H]RedDog]

It depends on the display wether or not its going to make a huge difference. I have seen 3 displays that I calibrated useing avia and DVE and a few movies. None of them were much better after ISF calibration. It depends on how good the guy doing the calibration is. From what Ive seen ISF isnt worth 200 or 300 bucks. If you dont know the first thing about calibration then it is probably worth paying to get it done.