Considering a Best Buy Plasma TV calibration

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: ScottFern
That's why I bought a EyeOne for myself. I can calibrate the plasma whenever I feel the need for an adjustment.

It depends on what type of plasma you have. The LT is not recommended for the Pioneer Kuros and most likely won't be that great for the new Panasonic plasmas due to the very low black levels these sets can produce. The EyeOne Pro is the recommended tool for the job.

I don't have a KURO or latest generation Panasonic. I have a 58" 2008 Panasonic plasma model and the reviews from the Panny 58" thread are extremely positive over at avsforum. They aren't perfect by any means, but I think I can skip perfection as I don't have $20,000 to spend on this type of equipment.

I will let you guys know how to turns out when it finally arrives.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: ScottFern
That's why I bought a EyeOne for myself. I can calibrate the plasma whenever I feel the need for an adjustment.

It depends on what type of plasma you have. The LT is not recommended for the Pioneer Kuros and most likely won't be that great for the new Panasonic plasmas due to the very low black levels these sets can produce. The EyeOne Pro is the recommended tool for the job.

I don't have a KURO or latest generation Panasonic. I have a 58" 2008 Panasonic plasma model and the reviews from the Panny 58" thread are extremely positive over at avsforum. They aren't perfect by any means, but I think I can skip perfection as I don't have $20,000 to spend on this type of equipment.

I will let you guys know how to turns out when it finally arrives.

Have you asked people at avs who have your TV, if the LT would be sufficient for doing a proper ISF calibration? The EyeOnePro can be had for way less than $20,000. A calibration kit including the EyeOne Pro is ~$800. Just an FYI.

If you get away with the LT, more power to you.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: ScottFern
That's why I bought a EyeOne for myself. I can calibrate the plasma whenever I feel the need for an adjustment.

It depends on what type of plasma you have. The LT is not recommended for the Pioneer Kuros and most likely won't be that great for the new Panasonic plasmas due to the very low black levels these sets can produce. The EyeOne Pro is the recommended tool for the job.

I don't have a KURO or latest generation Panasonic. I have a 58" 2008 Panasonic plasma model and the reviews from the Panny 58" thread are extremely positive over at avsforum. They aren't perfect by any means, but I think I can skip perfection as I don't have $20,000 to spend on this type of equipment.

I will let you guys know how to turns out when it finally arrives.

Have you asked people at avs who have your TV, if the LT would be sufficient for doing a proper ISF calibration? The EyeOnePro can be had for way less than $20,000. A calibration kit including the EyeOne Pro is ~$800. Just an FYI.

If you get away with the LT, more power to you.

Absolutely, I can't find one person who opted for the EyeOne Pro as I still don't plan on spending $800 on a calibration system. $139.40 is plenty......and the guys at avsforum seem to love the LT.

I see what you guys mean though as the LT model isn't the best between 0 IRE - 30 IRE and 90 IRE - 100 IRE it gets a little off track....but I assume thats a limitation of the sensor.


Doesn't bother me though.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Thanks for posting this thread. I did not know about the EyeOne. I knew about the Spyder, but had heard a lot of complaints about the results.

At under $150, this is an option worth considering, especially if you have multiple displays or intend to do multiple calibrations over time.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
Thanks for posting this thread. I did not know about the EyeOne. I knew about the Spyder, but had heard a lot of complaints about the results.

At under $150, this is an option worth considering, especially if you have multiple displays or intend to do multiple calibrations over time.

The EyeOne LT is the best under $200 calibrator on the market.

You guys interested are really going to want to take a look at this thread.....

http://www.curtpalme.com/forum...ic.php?p=118480#118480

 

[ScottFern]

UPDATE: I went into Best Buy tonight to ask the Magnolia guys how their calibration service is and how much and I was shocked to find out they are charging $199.99 flat rate to do a full television calibration. Needless to say I went ahead and ordered their service for this Sunday. For $199 I will role the dice and see what they can do. I am sorry but $400 is too much for me to spend on a calibration.

I am also going to be selling my Eye One LT calibrator as I am just not experienced enough or have the time to mess with the amateur calibration. I asked the guy why the price was so good and he said they recently dropped the price from $250 to $199 to attract more customers.

I will let you guys know how well the job is on Sunday.

Anyone interested in a Eye One LT calibrator?

 

[zerocool84]

I did the THX calibration on a DVD and it totally changed my TV and how it looked. Obviously it wasn't anything pro and I did it myself but the colors do look noticeably better than before. Menus in 360 look different and everything.

 

[Apex]

DO NOT get the Best Buy calibration. You cannot compare what they do at all to what a real ISF calibrator will do.

At the very least, get a list of exactly what the calibrator will do from Magnolia IN WRITING. Ask what colorimeter he will be bringing to do the calibration (get your money back if he's not using one, or using just a digital camera). Ask them if they will be tweaking the service menu (and watch to make sure they do that, not just the basic menu). Ask if they'll be providing a calibration report, something like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...id=125461&d=1228022426

Finally, ask if they have a moneyback guarantee if you're not satisfied.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: Apex
DO NOT get the Best Buy calibration. You cannot compare what they do at all to what a real ISF calibrator will do.

At the very least, get a list of exactly what the calibrator will do from Magnolia IN WRITING. Ask what colorimeter he will be bringing to do the calibration (get your money back if he's not using one, or using just a digital camera). Ask them if they will be tweaking the service menu (and watch to make sure they do that, not just the basic menu). Ask if they'll be providing a calibration report, something like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...id=125461&d=1228022426

Finally, ask if they have a moneyback guarantee if you're not satisfied.

Hmmm, I am a little confused as to what your specific experiences are with Best Buy calibrators? Of course I asked if they used real calibration equipment, and also I asked if their calibrator was ISF certified and they again said yes and YES they go into service menus. I have also read on the best buy site for all their customer reviews that they give you a sheet with your calibration results and even email them to you.

I am very curious to know how you know all these specific horrible things about Best Buy calibrators?

I live in one of the most active and busiest markets in Illinois and their calibrator has been doing this for some time now and survived.

He will give me a preliminary call on Saturday to discuss the appointment on Sunday and I will follow up with him with some more specific questions as well just to be sure.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: Apex
DO NOT get the Best Buy calibration. You cannot compare what they do at all to what a real ISF calibrator will do.

At the very least, get a list of exactly what the calibrator will do from Magnolia IN WRITING. Ask what colorimeter he will be bringing to do the calibration (get your money back if he's not using one, or using just a digital camera). Ask them if they will be tweaking the service menu (and watch to make sure they do that, not just the basic menu). Ask if they'll be providing a calibration report, something like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...id=125461&d=1228022426

Finally, ask if they have a moneyback guarantee if you're not satisfied.

Hmmm, I am a little confused as to what your specific experiences are with Best Buy calibrators? Of course I asked if they used real calibration equipment, and also I asked if their calibrator was ISF certified and they again said yes and YES they go into service menus. I have also read on the best buy site for all their customer reviews that they give you a sheet with your calibration results and even email them to you.

I am very curious to know how you know all these specific horrible things about Best Buy calibrators?

I live in one of the most active and busiest markets in Illinois and their calibrator has been doing this for some time now and survived.

He will give me a preliminary call on Saturday to discuss the appointment on Sunday and I will follow up with him with some more specific questions as well just to be sure.

I've spoken with some local ones (I'm on the opposite side of the nation from you), and have also spoken with people who have used them. I have yet to speak with someone who has had a really good experience with them, at least in this area.

There are also a bunch of people who have used them on AVS forums. Just do a search at the top. There are many threads like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1081919

I really do hope you have a good experience with them, and it is a good price for calibration.

However, more often than not, they're in and out in under an hour, with nothing of real substance done to truly calibrate your device. Just make sure you're protected!

 

[de8212]

Intereested in this as well. I bought a 52" Samsung LCD back in Feb. I thought about buying the BB calibration at the time but decided to research and do it on my own. AVS forums have a wealth of info but when it came down to it, I was just overwhelmed (and lazy hahah). There is a calibration DVD you can download adn the very first settings it asks you to adjust I couldn't even find in the menus on my tv.

Looking through there ISF calibrators I found a couple that do "tours" to my area. They want ~$400 for the calibration and another couple hundred for travel. I understand they have to make a living and pay for their equipment but I just don't have the $$$ for that.

I have never tried the THX optimizer thing. I thought that was just for sound??? I guess I may have to try and find it on one of my DVDs. Or do they have it on Blu Ray disc? I only have one, Ironman.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: Apex
DO NOT get the Best Buy calibration. You cannot compare what they do at all to what a real ISF calibrator will do.

At the very least, get a list of exactly what the calibrator will do from Magnolia IN WRITING. Ask what colorimeter he will be bringing to do the calibration (get your money back if he's not using one, or using just a digital camera). Ask them if they will be tweaking the service menu (and watch to make sure they do that, not just the basic menu). Ask if they'll be providing a calibration report, something like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...id=125461&d=1228022426

Finally, ask if they have a moneyback guarantee if you're not satisfied.

Hmmm, I am a little confused as to what your specific experiences are with Best Buy calibrators? Of course I asked if they used real calibration equipment, and also I asked if their calibrator was ISF certified and they again said yes and YES they go into service menus. I have also read on the best buy site for all their customer reviews that they give you a sheet with your calibration results and even email them to you.

I am very curious to know how you know all these specific horrible things about Best Buy calibrators?

I live in one of the most active and busiest markets in Illinois and their calibrator has been doing this for some time now and survived.

He will give me a preliminary call on Saturday to discuss the appointment on Sunday and I will follow up with him with some more specific questions as well just to be sure.

I've spoken with some local ones (I'm on the opposite side of the nation from you), and have also spoken with people who have used them. I have yet to speak with someone who has had a really good experience with them, at least in this area.

There are also a bunch of people who have used them on AVS forums. Just do a search at the top. There are many threads like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1081919

I really do hope you have a good experience with them, and it is a good price for calibration.

However, more often than not, they're in and out in under an hour, with nothing of real substance done to truly calibrate your device. Just make sure you're protected!

Towards the end of that AVSForum thread a guy had posted a positive experience working with Best Buy calibration. I assume based on your area that the quality of technician varies but I am confident I am in one of the highest volume areas and I expect the tech is not a green newbie.

I hope it makes a difference because I have reached the end of my break in period. I gave up on amateur TV calibration so I am selling my X-rite Eye-One LT if anyone is interested!?

 

[manimal]

BB generally uses current generation sencore calibration equipment. Go to sencore's website and look at the higher end stuff they have and you will get an idea of what the BB guys use. They are ISF certified just like the other guys in your market and are always the most experienced guys that work for the Geek Squad. The two calibration specialists I have met here in the Indianapolis market are extremely detailed and did a fantastic job. 200 dollars for a calibration is a fantastic deal and will definitely show marked improvements in black levels and shadow definition. They will give you daytime settings and nightime settings if you so desire, especially if your viewing area gets alot of light in the daytime. Just because its through best buy do not discount the quality of the service. I used to color correct content for television using Smoke hardware and various other AVID and old gen equipment and the color accuracy that they finished with was 6500k grayscale.

If you have personal experience with a real calibration then by all means add value to this thread. If using a disk and playing with your remote is your idea of a calibration then reexamine what the definition of a ISF certified calibration is. I have seen everything from a Elite Kuro to a samsung a55o calibrated by BB and they all had uniformity and balance and accurate colors. If your happy with your LCD in torch mode then by all means move along....

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: manimal
BB generally uses current generation sencore calibration equipment. Go to sencore's website and look at the higher end stuff they have and you will get an idea of what the BB guys use. They are ISF certified just like the other guys in your market and are always the most experienced guys that work for the Geek Squad. The two calibration specialists I have met here in the Indianapolis market are extremely detailed and did a fantastic job. 200 dollars for a calibration is a fantastic deal and will definitely show marked improvements in black levels and shadow definition. They will give you daytime settings and nightime settings if you so desire, especially if your viewing area gets alot of light in the daytime. Just because its through best buy do not discount the quality of the service. I used to color correct content for television using Smoke hardware and various other AVID and old gen equipment and the color accuracy that they finished with was 6500k grayscale.

If you have personal experience with a real calibration then by all means add value to this thread. If using a disk and playing with your remote is your idea of a calibration then reexamine what the definition of a ISF certified calibration is. I have seen everything from a Elite Kuro to a samsung a55o calibrated by BB and they all had uniformity and balance and accurate colors. If your happy with your LCD in torch mode then by all means move along....

That's funny, because I wouldn't let a BB tech even close to my TV. The last calibration report I saw from someone that had their Elite calibrated through BB showed they didn't even unlock the ISF modes. How can someone even call it ISF calibrated without unlocking the ISF modes? Seriously, WTF?

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: manimal
BB generally uses current generation sencore calibration equipment. Go to sencore's website and look at the higher end stuff they have and you will get an idea of what the BB guys use. They are ISF certified just like the other guys in your market and are always the most experienced guys that work for the Geek Squad. The two calibration specialists I have met here in the Indianapolis market are extremely detailed and did a fantastic job. 200 dollars for a calibration is a fantastic deal and will definitely show marked improvements in black levels and shadow definition. They will give you daytime settings and nightime settings if you so desire, especially if your viewing area gets alot of light in the daytime. Just because its through best buy do not discount the quality of the service. I used to color correct content for television using Smoke hardware and various other AVID and old gen equipment and the color accuracy that they finished with was 6500k grayscale.

If you have personal experience with a real calibration then by all means add value to this thread. If using a disk and playing with your remote is your idea of a calibration then reexamine what the definition of a ISF certified calibration is. I have seen everything from a Elite Kuro to a samsung a55o calibrated by BB and they all had uniformity and balance and accurate colors. If your happy with your LCD in torch mode then by all means move along....

That's funny, because I wouldn't let a BB tech even close to my TV. The last calibration report I saw from someone that had their Elite calibrated through BB showed they didn't even unlock the ISF modes. How can someone even call it ISF calibrated without unlocking the ISF modes? Seriously, WTF?

See thats the issue. How do you know I am getting THAT calibrator to calibrate my TV? Experiences and talent will vary by region unfortunately, but for $199 I am willing to roll the dice.

 

[manimal]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: manimal
BB generally uses current generation sencore calibration equipment. Go to sencore's website and look at the higher end stuff they have and you will get an idea of what the BB guys use. They are ISF certified just like the other guys in your market and are always the most experienced guys that work for the Geek Squad. The two calibration specialists I have met here in the Indianapolis market are extremely detailed and did a fantastic job. 200 dollars for a calibration is a fantastic deal and will definitely show marked improvements in black levels and shadow definition. They will give you daytime settings and nightime settings if you so desire, especially if your viewing area gets alot of light in the daytime. Just because its through best buy do not discount the quality of the service. I used to color correct content for television using Smoke hardware and various other AVID and old gen equipment and the color accuracy that they finished with was 6500k grayscale.

If you have personal experience with a real calibration then by all means add value to this thread. If using a disk and playing with your remote is your idea of a calibration then reexamine what the definition of a ISF certified calibration is. I have seen everything from a Elite Kuro to a samsung a55o calibrated by BB and they all had uniformity and balance and accurate colors. If your happy with your LCD in torch mode then by all means move along....

That's funny, because I wouldn't let a BB tech even close to my TV. The last calibration report I saw from someone that had their Elite calibrated through BB showed they didn't even unlock the ISF modes. How can someone even call it ISF calibrated without unlocking the ISF modes? Seriously, WTF?

I would like to see this report, have you personally seen this television are or you taking someone's word for it. People seem to dislike bestbuy and make crap up about them ad nauseum. While I would not buy any cables from them I do buy appliances and TVs from them occasionally because I like to buy B&M so I can return immediately if there is an issue. I switched out my 55 LED twice in a week because there was too much backlight bleed which they did unflinchingly. I purchased my AMX control units from them for less than I could find online from ANYONE. I cannot speak to the quality of work from techs in other markets but the two calibrators that came into my home were great. My projector looks fantastic, my LED has been great, my 58 panny 800 looks stellar and my old SXRD sony is still rocking all these years later.

I have over 1 thousand hours of television broadcast color correction experience and countless hours of editing work in tv and film so I do have an experienced and discerning eye for color. I do not expect anyone to take my experiences as a baseline for everyones experiences. The responses in this thread remind me of the vitriol being spewed about acorn......

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: manimal
I would like to see this report, have you personally seen this television are or you taking someone's word for it. People seem to dislike bestbuy and make crap up about them ad nauseum. While I would not buy any cables from them I do buy appliances and TVs from them occasionally because I like to buy B&M so I can return immediately if there is an issue. I switched out my 55 LED twice in a week because there was too much backlight bleed which they did unflinchingly. I purchased my AMX control units from them for less than I could find online from ANYONE. I cannot speak to the quality of work from techs in other markets but the two calibrators that came into my home were great. My projector looks fantastic, my LED has been great, my 58 panny 800 looks stellar and my old SXRD sony is still rocking all these years later.

I have over 1 thousand hours of television broadcast color correction experience and countless hours of editing work in tv and film so I do have an experienced and discerning eye for color. I do not expect anyone to take my experiences as a baseline for everyones experiences. The responses in this thread remind me of the vitriol being spewed about acorn......

I have no problem with BB when it comes to physical products. I actually bought my Elite 141FD and 111FD TVs from them. I also bought my Elite 09FD Blu-ray player and Elite SC-07 receiver from them too. However, when it comes to knowledge about their products, I'll pass. I'll give you a test. Go into one of their Magnolia stores and walk up to a salesman there and ask if their Pioneer Elite sets have been ISF calibrated (that is if they have any in stock). If they say yes, ask for the remote and go through the picture modes. If you don't see an ISF Night, Day or Auto mode, they didn't properly calibrate it. I'll put money you won't see those modes though.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: manimal
I would like to see this report, have you personally seen this television are or you taking someone's word for it. People seem to dislike bestbuy and make crap up about them ad nauseum. While I would not buy any cables from them I do buy appliances and TVs from them occasionally because I like to buy B&M so I can return immediately if there is an issue. I switched out my 55 LED twice in a week because there was too much backlight bleed which they did unflinchingly. I purchased my AMX control units from them for less than I could find online from ANYONE. I cannot speak to the quality of work from techs in other markets but the two calibrators that came into my home were great. My projector looks fantastic, my LED has been great, my 58 panny 800 looks stellar and my old SXRD sony is still rocking all these years later.

I have over 1 thousand hours of television broadcast color correction experience and countless hours of editing work in tv and film so I do have an experienced and discerning eye for color. I do not expect anyone to take my experiences as a baseline for everyones experiences. The responses in this thread remind me of the vitriol being spewed about acorn......

I have no problem with BB when it comes to physical products. I actually bought my Elite 141FD and 111FD TVs from them. I also bought my Elite 09FD Blu-ray player and Elite SC-07 receiver from them too. However, when it comes to knowledge about their products, I'll pass. I'll give you a test. Go into one of their Magnolia stores and walk up to a salesman there and ask if their Pioneer Elite sets have been ISF calibrated (that is if they have any in stock). If they say yes, ask for the remote and go through the picture modes. If you don't see an ISF Night, Day or Auto mode, they didn't properly calibrate it. I'll put money you won't see those modes though.

I am sorry but that absolutely nothing to do with his experience or mine. I am not some idiot. I am going to sit there and watch him and ask questions and make damn sure he goes into the service menus and gets it exactly right. I am not going to let him calibrate my TV and then I go for a walk or something and take his word for it.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: manimal
I would like to see this report, have you personally seen this television are or you taking someone's word for it. People seem to dislike bestbuy and make crap up about them ad nauseum. While I would not buy any cables from them I do buy appliances and TVs from them occasionally because I like to buy B&M so I can return immediately if there is an issue. I switched out my 55 LED twice in a week because there was too much backlight bleed which they did unflinchingly. I purchased my AMX control units from them for less than I could find online from ANYONE. I cannot speak to the quality of work from techs in other markets but the two calibrators that came into my home were great. My projector looks fantastic, my LED has been great, my 58 panny 800 looks stellar and my old SXRD sony is still rocking all these years later.

I have over 1 thousand hours of television broadcast color correction experience and countless hours of editing work in tv and film so I do have an experienced and discerning eye for color. I do not expect anyone to take my experiences as a baseline for everyones experiences. The responses in this thread remind me of the vitriol being spewed about acorn......

I have no problem with BB when it comes to physical products. I actually bought my Elite 141FD and 111FD TVs from them. I also bought my Elite 09FD Blu-ray player and Elite SC-07 receiver from them too. However, when it comes to knowledge about their products, I'll pass. I'll give you a test. Go into one of their Magnolia stores and walk up to a salesman there and ask if their Pioneer Elite sets have been ISF calibrated (that is if they have any in stock). If they say yes, ask for the remote and go through the picture modes. If you don't see an ISF Night, Day or Auto mode, they didn't properly calibrate it. I'll put money you won't see those modes though.

I am sorry but that absolutely nothing to do with his experience or mine. I am not some idiot. I am going to sit there and watch him and ask questions and make damn sure he goes into the service menus and gets it exactly right. I am not going to let him calibrate my TV and then I go for a walk or something and take his word for it.

That's the best way to go, watch to make sure he does it right. :thumbsup:

 

[Leyawiin]

http://spyder.datacolor.com/product-ht-s3tv.php

Have one of these arriving next Monday. Its seems well reviewed. I have a Spyder 2 Express for my PC monitor and have always been happy with the results.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: ScottFern
I am sorry but that absolutely nothing to do with his experience or mine. I am not some idiot. I am going to sit there and watch him and ask questions and make damn sure he goes into the service menus and gets it exactly right. I am not going to let him calibrate my TV and then I go for a walk or something and take his word for it.

I am sorry but he was lumping me into the BB bashers group which I'm definitely not a part of. I merely pointed out the experience I've had with them. I buy plenty of stuff from BB, but I just don't trust their "expertise." manimal brought up BB calibrating Elites. I'm telling you they don't know how to do it properly. Hence why I said I wouldn't let them come close to me TV when it comes to calibrations.

And it is not a matter of you being an idiot or not, you obviously want someone to do a proper calibration, that's why you're spending money on it. And in the end, if you are happy with the results, that's all that matters. I wish you luck.

 

[Spicedaddy]

IMO, either do it yourself with THX Optimizer/Avia/DVD Essentials for dirt cheap, or get it done from a pro (not Best Buy) if you think it's worth it. Everything in between is a waste of time and money.

 

[StephenViles]

Well luckily I stumbled upon this convo.


First off, just because you talked to a salesman about calibrations doesn't mean the people doing calibrations don't know how to do it. They hire 17 year olds at best buy to sell tvs that do a month of training that will just tell you anything. So you must not have met the Calibration experts that work for Best Buy because they only stop in the store for about 30 minutes a week and very minimally talk to customers, they are actually not supposed to unless we ask them to. The whole installation is apart from Best buy and is actually only loosely related to the sales part. And you just missed out last month because the Calibrations were 199.99 at Best Buy. And you should definitely look at the equipment that is used by BB too because its pretty extensive.

Also, as manimal said the two he met here in Indianapolis were extremely detailed and do a fantastic job. And some of you must know an extreme amount about calibrations because there are only 3 in Indiana that are certified by ISF to do it. There are some that work out of districts that can transfer over to Indiana however obviously South Bend/Chicago Area, or Evansville/KY area. If anyone else claims they are ask for their certification paperwork. Because I have talked to all 3.

You may have heard stories of calibrations looking badly because once you do a firmware update on some models if offsets and cancels the calibration.

And as for the ISF mode that comes in the Pioneer Elite series. You can also get those in any LG LCD you genius. Does that mean they are amazing. And if the calibration is that amazing through the menu or a disc, why would you need to pay anyone for it? And also the tvs on the wall at best buy are most certainly NOT calibrated so dont assume that either such as going through menus because they always just come out of the box that way. or with a Preset ISF expert mode.




I know all this because I worked for Best Buy and have worked in the Audio/video industry for years in multiple states.

 

[ScottFern]

I just wanted to comment and update since I had the calibration done just over 2 1/2 weeks ago. I must say I am very happy with the work he did. I originally attempted to calibrate the TV myself and ended up not doing a very good job and secondly I now realize I screwed up the picture because at the settings I had the TV calibrated at you could see these faint horizontal lines in the background whenever a persons face would be on the screen in spot for a while. It was like some circuitry or something that became visible on soft human skin tones, but I am happy to report it is now gone!

I feel the 199.99 is a very fair price for this service, and the guy was great and calibrated all the TV settings, and also went into the service menu and tweaked those values as well. At the end he popped in a dvd that showed various animated pictures with similar colors and pointed out how we could see the detail level, and the skin tones looked good. I would have them do it again and I think 199.99 is a great price point for most people getting this service!

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles
And as for the ISF mode that comes in the Pioneer Elite series. You can also get those in any LG LCD you genius. Does that mean they are amazing. And if the calibration is that amazing through the menu or a disc, why would you need to pay anyone for it? And also the tvs on the wall at best buy are most certainly NOT calibrated so dont assume that either such as going through menus because they always just come out of the box that way. or with a Preset ISF expert mode.

Are you talking to me? If so, go back and read what I wrote a few more times moron. I never said available ISF modes sets Pioneer Elites apart from other sets. I said in order to calibrate an Elite you FIRST have to enable the ISF mode/s. If you are calibrating Pure mode, you're not doing a proper ISF calibration and you're not giving the customer what he paid for. And that is what BB does. If they've started enabling those modes, I'd at least start taking them seriously. But I HIGHLY doubt they're doing that. And if you knew anything about Elites, you'd know that. But I guess you do what the typical BB employee does, stare at the products all day and refuse to learn anything about them.

I know all this because I worked for Best Buy and have worked in the Audio/video industry for years in multiple states.

That's pretty sad, because it doesn't sound like you've learned very much.