Considering a Best Buy Plasma TV calibration

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: 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!

I'm glad you're happy with the results. Do you mind posting the calibration report?

 

[StephenViles]

Again, those tv's they have there are not calibrated. And you don't need to use the menus they have in the isf modes. The calibration equipment I've seen used enables the installer to see the same options through a computer and change settings. It's all through service mode. You don't have to use those modes. But then again what do I know :/.


I don't know of your previous experience with Best Buy installs or what area you go to. But I can assure you the one I've worked at is nothing ,but professional.


And if you expect employees that get paid 7.25 an hour to know as much as you, I don't understand why you wouldn't call Pioneer themselves with questions. Best Buy is basically a warehouse. They are salesmen that do not work on commission. The most important thing there to them is getting you to buy accessories. They could give a rats ass whether you buy a tv from them. They are usually only a little over cost to get in store anyways.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles
Again, those tv's they have there are not calibrated. And you don't need to use the menus they have in the isf modes. The calibration equipment I've seen used enables the installer to see the same options through a computer and change settings. It's all through service mode. You don't have to use those modes. But then again what do I know :/.

Please, just say you don't know what you're talking about and move on. I'm not an uninformed BB customer you can BS. And yes, in order to do a proper calibration with an Elite you need to enable the ISF modes. If you want, I can show you how. 😉 You can calibrate using other modes other than ISF modes, but that is not a proper ISF calibration. When a calibrator is finished calibrating an Elite, you should have 3 modes to choose from ISF Day, ISF Night and ISF Auto. If you don't have those modes available after the calibration, it wasn't done properly. Period. And understand, I'm only commenting on Elites, because those are the ones I'm most familiar with.

And if you expect employees that get paid 7.25 an hour to know as much as you, I don't understand why you wouldn't call Pioneer themselves with questions. Best Buy is basically a warehouse. They are salesmen that do not work on commission. The most important thing there to them is getting you to buy accessories. They could give a rats ass whether you buy a tv from them. They are usually only a little over cost to get in store anyways.

I don't expect jack from BB employees. The only information I need from them is, where a particular product is located in their store, and how much they are willing to sell it to me for. That's it.


This is my last post in this thread regarding calibrating Elites. The OP wasn't asking about Elite calibrations, so I don't plan to derail this thread any further.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: JackBurton
And yes, in order to do a proper calibration with an Elite you need to enable the ISF modes. If you want, I can show you how. 😉 You can calibrate using other modes other than ISF modes, but that is not a proper ISF calibration. When a calibrator is finished calibrating an Elite, you should have 3 modes to choose from ISF Day, ISF Night and ISF Auto. If you don't have those modes available after the calibration, it wasn't done properly. Period. And understand, I'm only commenting on Elites, because those are the ones I'm most familiar with.

Yep, much like the Signature and KRP models.

This is what Best Buy does:

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: JackBurton
And yes, in order to do a proper calibration with an Elite you need to enable the ISF modes. If you want, I can show you how. 😉 You can calibrate using other modes other than ISF modes, but that is not a proper ISF calibration. When a calibrator is finished calibrating an Elite, you should have 3 modes to choose from ISF Day, ISF Night and ISF Auto. If you don't have those modes available after the calibration, it wasn't done properly. Period. And understand, I'm only commenting on Elites, because those are the ones I'm most familiar with.

Yep, much like the Signature and KRP models.

This is what Best Buy does:

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281

Exactly. And let me tell you, that's not the first report of BB improperly calibrating an Elite. As a matter of fact, I don't know of one Elite they've calibrated properly.

Now with the KRP models, I'd cut BB some slack if they didn't enable ISF modes on those models. They don't sell those, and the ISF "patch" for those is kind of a hack. And it is unclear if it voids your warranty with Pioneer if they (Pioneer) had to make a service call and found ISF modes enabled on a set that wasn't supposed to have ISF modes. Don't get me wrong, I'd enable the modes as soon as I got the set, but I wouldn't expect BB to do it for me. But who am I kidding though, BB can't even enable the modes on an Elite. :roll:

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: 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!

Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

 

[de8212]

Originally posted by: zerocool84


Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

I agree. I don't have an Elite or anything too fancy. Just a 52" samsung 850 series and I would get it done if it were only 200. Looking online I see 300 at the moment.

I need to find a THX calibration dvd. Or do they make Blu Ray discs with THX calibration on it?

 

[StephenViles]

Originally posted by: de8212

Originally posted by: zerocool84


Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

I agree. I don't have an Elite or anything too fancy. Just a 52" samsung 850 series and I would get it done if it were only 200. Looking online I see 300 at the moment.

I need to find a THX calibration dvd. Or do they make Blu Ray discs with THX calibration on it?

Keep an eye out ive seen them dip down around 200 every once in awhile. One of the guys I know has actually worked with controlcal too. Its not that the calibrator is misinformed or incompetent. They just arent licensed to do it. I wont get into details anymore about best buy specifics anymore because that will just lead to further arguments and like Burton said, derail this thread like we were.

Check out that controlcal thread on the pioneer elite BB calibrations looks like thats where most of the stories stem from. I don't know every calibrator out there but the ones in Indianapolis are great. If you are going to spend that kind of money out there on something do the research too. I would however not recommend walking into the store and asking the nearest 17 yr old if the pioneer sets have been calibrated, because even if he says they have...they haven't. There is only one set in the store on display that has been. And I know most of us would love to see the difference between a calibrated set and a standard tv, but most average joes that see the sets ,disagree that the uncalibrated picture looks better. Know what you are buying before you swipe that card, Theres a list of paperwork you usually have to sign and read through when you purchase installs and calibrations. No wonder there are horror stories out there.

Edit: Im just saying thats where most of the stories stem from because i found some of the very same people posting on this page too word for word on the same issues.
- http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/B...e-your-money/m-p/51374

 

[newnameman]

Originally posted by: StephenViles

Originally posted by: de8212

Originally posted by: zerocool84


Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

I agree. I don't have an Elite or anything too fancy. Just a 52" samsung 850 series and I would get it done if it were only 200. Looking online I see 300 at the moment.

I need to find a THX calibration dvd. Or do they make Blu Ray discs with THX calibration on it?

Keep an eye out ive seen them dip down around 200 every once in awhile. One of the guys I know has actually worked with controlcal too. Its not that the calibrator is misinformed or incompetent. They just arent licensed to do it. I wont get into details anymore about best buy specifics anymore because that will just lead to further arguments and like Burton said, derail this thread like we were.

Check out that controlcal thread on the pioneer elite BB calibrations looks like thats where most of the stories stem from. I don't know every calibrator out there but the ones in Indianapolis are great. If you are going to spend that kind of money out there on something do the research too. I would however not recommend walking into the store and asking the nearest 17 yr old if the pioneer sets have been calibrated, because even if he says they have...they haven't. There is only one set in the store on display that has been. And I know most of us would love to see the difference between a calibrated set and a standard tv, but most average joes that see the sets ,disagree that the uncalibrated picture looks better. Know what you are buying before you swipe that card, Theres a list of paperwork you usually have to sign and read through when you purchase installs and calibrations. No wonder there are horror stories out there.

Edit: Im just saying thats where most of the stories stem from because i found some of the very same people posting on this page too word for word on the same issues.
- http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/B...e-your-money/m-p/51374

Why do you keep bringing up the display model TVs? No one is claiming those should be used as an example of Best Buy calibration.

 

[StephenViles]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

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.

Sorry, just referring to comment above. Didn't want anyone to go in and do that.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles

Originally posted by: JackBurton

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.

Sorry, just referring to comment above. Didn't want anyone to go in and do that.

lol, Elites are only sold in Magnolias. You're saying a sales person in a Magnolia can't even answer a question if an Elite is calibrated or not? Nothing technical, just if it is calibrated. Seriously? Can the Magnolia employee ask the BB calibrator if it's calibrated? Can I ask the calibrator if it's calibrated? Do you think I can get an answer then? I'm going to give you a hint, I already know the answer. They can say, "No, it's not," or "Yes, it is," I can petty much guarantee it won't be done properly. Again, all you have to do is pick up the remote and check for the available modes (Do you think the BB employee is capable of handing me the remote?). If you have selectable ISF modes, they're at least on the right track. But again, I HIGHLY doubt you'll see those modes. HIGHLY doubt it. And if you don't see them, it's not calibrated properly. Period. With other TVs, it's not so easy to tell. I'm hoping the BB calibrator provides ALL their customers with calibration reports to validate their work. I doubt it would mean much to most of their customers, but they should do so nonetheless. And no, a calibration report is not a print out of the settings they changed in the menus.

In picking a calibrator, it's best to pick a PERSON not a company. Not all calibrators are created equal. And like I said, I DEFINITELY wouldn't use anyone at BB to calibrate my set. They've shown they're not capable of doing a proper ISF calibration (at least with my set). Maybe I'm just a perfectionist, or maybe I'm just a person that believes he should get what he pays for. But hey, maybe BB is providing $200 worth of service. In the end, if the customer is happy with the results, who am I to argue. If someone insists on getting a BB calibration, knock yourself out.


Again, this SHOULD be my last post regarding Elites. How about this, it is a fact that BB can't calibrate an Elite properly. If you have anything other than an Elite, they MAYBE capable of calibrating it. MAYBE. Flip a coin.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles

Originally posted by: de8212

Originally posted by: zerocool84


Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

I agree. I don't have an Elite or anything too fancy. Just a 52" samsung 850 series and I would get it done if it were only 200. Looking online I see 300 at the moment.

I need to find a THX calibration dvd. Or do they make Blu Ray discs with THX calibration on it?

Edit: Im just saying thats where most of the stories stem from because i found some of the very same people posting on this page too word for word on the same issues.
- http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/B...e-your-money/m-p/51374

Sorry buddy, that's not the only website. There are others that report the same thing (different stories). Most likely someone from ControlCal's website was pissed enough to copy and paste their story to BB's website since that's where they bought their set from. They're just venting their frustration because they didn't get what they paid for.

And yes, that "calibration report" was hilarious. 🙂

 

[Noubourne]

Just wanted to say that my TV still looks great.

My friends all run in torch mode, and if you don't have all the lights on in the room, it really burns on the retinas. The whites are so far overblown - it's really quite stunning.

Also, my DLP lamp is pushing 10k hrs. I am not sure how much the calibration contributed to that, but I am very happy to have it last this long. Coming up on my 3 year anniversary in January - and I have a 3rd party warranty that I'll be able to order a new lamp through - even if it is not burned out by then.

I am very interested in the calibration equipment being linked here. I could use some cash on the side. Maybe I will put that stuff on my christmas list and look for an ISF course somewhere.

 

[StephenViles]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: StephenViles

Originally posted by: de8212

Originally posted by: zerocool84


Back on topic I really think it's a good deal for $200. I did a simple THX DVD calibration on my old CRT HDTV and it made a big difference. I can only imagine how a pro calibration would look.

I agree. I don't have an Elite or anything too fancy. Just a 52" samsung 850 series and I would get it done if it were only 200. Looking online I see 300 at the moment.

I need to find a THX calibration dvd. Or do they make Blu Ray discs with THX calibration on it?

Edit: Im just saying thats where most of the stories stem from because i found some of the very same people posting on this page too word for word on the same issues.
- http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/B...e-your-money/m-p/51374

Sorry buddy, that's not the only website. There are others that report the same thing (different stories). Most likely someone from ControlCal's website was pissed enough to copy and paste their story to BB's website since that's where they bought their set from. They're just venting their frustration because they didn't get what they paid for.

And yes, that "calibration report" was hilarious. 🙂

Well when I say "where" i don't mean best buys or the other controlcal forum..."Buddy". I meant the same issue with Elites. Obviously there will be other stories as well on calibrations too. And also just because magnolia sells things doesn't mean that other best buys that don't have magnolia stores can't get them for you. They've ordered them in numerous times for people with specific needs.
We can sit here and argue all day about the issues or just agree to disagree. If not we should just take this tangent topic elsewhere.

Here is a helpful link though for people looking for techs with controlcal cert. - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058269

Originally posted by: Noubourne
Just wanted to say that my TV still looks great.

My friends all run in torch mode, and if you don't have all the lights on in the room, it really burns on the retinas. The whites are so far overblown - it's really quite stunning.

Also, my DLP lamp is pushing 10k hrs. I am not sure how much the calibration contributed to that, but I am very happy to have it last this long. Coming up on my 3 year anniversary in January - and I have a 3rd party warranty that I'll be able to order a new lamp through - even if it is not burned out by then.

I am very interested in the calibration equipment being linked here. I could use some cash on the side. Maybe I will put that stuff on my christmas list and look for an ISF course somewhere.

Awesome that you are loving it and do you mind me asking where you got your 3rd party warranty from I have a few friends with DLP televisions that might wanna look into that.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles
Well when I say "where" i don't mean best buys or the other controlcal forum..."Buddy". I meant the same issue with Elites. Obviously there will be other stories as well on calibrations too. And also just because magnolia sells things doesn't mean that other best buys that don't have magnolia stores can't get them for you. They've ordered them in numerous times for people with specific needs.
We can sit here and argue all day about the issues or just agree to disagree. If not we should just take this tangent topic elsewhere.

Here is a helpful link though for people looking for techs with controlcal cert. - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058269

What "issue"? The "issue" that BB can't calibrate them properly? Yes, I agree, that's an issue. As for buying Elites at regulars BB, I encourage people looking to buy an Elite to give that a shot. Let me know how that works out for you. It's the typical BB, VERY inconsistent. I'll give it a 90% failure rate for people looking to acquire an Elite that way. lol, and I'm curious, what was the "specific need" a person needed in order for a regular BB to order an Elite through a Magnolia? Was the "need", the need to own an Elite and the store didn't carry one? lol. That's pretty specific. 🙂

I really don't want to go any further with this. You're simply wrong, and the typical person I run into at BB. The sales guy that thinks he knows what he's talking about. Again, just let me know where the product is. It makes your jobs easier, and irritates me less. And the "helpful link" you provided is a website that also has great first hand accounts of BB calibrations. I'm sure that website will prove to be VERY helpful to those who are interested in BB's calibration service. 🙂

 

[StephenViles]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: StephenViles
Well when I say "where" i don't mean best buys or the other controlcal forum..."Buddy". I meant the same issue with Elites. Obviously there will be other stories as well on calibrations too. And also just because magnolia sells things doesn't mean that other best buys that don't have magnolia stores can't get them for you. They've ordered them in numerous times for people with specific needs.
We can sit here and argue all day about the issues or just agree to disagree. If not we should just take this tangent topic elsewhere.

Here is a helpful link though for people looking for techs with controlcal cert. - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058269

What "issue"? The "issue" that BB can't calibrate them properly? Yes, I agree, that's an issue. As for buying Elites at regulars BB, I encourage people looking to buy an Elite to give that a shot. Let me know how that works out for you. It's the typical BB, VERY inconsistent. I'll give it a 90% failure rate for people looking to acquire an Elite that way. lol, and I'm curious, what was the "specific need" a person needed in order for a regular BB to order an Elite through a Magnolia? Was the "need", the need to own an Elite and the store didn't carry one? lol. That's pretty specific. 🙂

I really don't want to go any further with this. You're simply wrong, and the typical person I run into at BB. The sales guy that thinks he knows what he's talking about. Again, just let me know where the product is. It makes your jobs easier, and irritates me less. And the "helpful link" you provided is a website that also has great first hand accounts of BB calibrations. I'm sure that website will prove to be VERY helpful to those who are interested in BB's calibration service. 🙂

🙂 If you have any further complaints about best buy, I suggest you take them corporate. Because they pay all their employees to take classes at corporate from pioneer, LG, ISF, Samsung, Panasonic, AT&T,...Take it up higher than that to those companies such as Pioneer to why their employees are not giving the correct info to the BB employees.
Id rather not ask whether or not you were ever in retail because you have no idea how it works. There are always customers who would rather not drive 40+ miles through traffic to the closest Magnolia store to get the tv they want. Obviously there is a need there. And usually there is a compensation for waiting. And as I would hope I can believe you on elites with no credentials here put forth Im sure you wont believe me even though I can guarantee Ive ordered in over 50+ tvs for customers from a Magnolia store.They would obviously do it because they want credit for the sales. And the fastest Ive seen it coming in would be a week. I'll enjoy being "wrong" on something I do on a daily basis.

 

[bobdole369]

nada, do it yourself with a spyder 2 lite, and HCFR. Or pay an actual integrator (AV technician). Best Buy droids ill muck it all up.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: StephenViles
🙂 If you have any further complaints about best buy, I suggest you take them corporate. Because they pay all their employees to take classes at corporate from pioneer, LG, ISF, Samsung, Panasonic, AT&T,...Take it up higher than that to those companies such as Pioneer to why their employees are not giving the correct info to the BB employees.
Id rather not ask whether or not you were ever in retail because you have no idea how it works. There are always customers who would rather not drive 40+ miles through traffic to the closest Magnolia store to get the tv they want. Obviously there is a need there. And usually there is a compensation for waiting. And as I would hope I can believe you on elites with no credentials here put forth Im sure you wont believe me even though I can guarantee Ive ordered in over 50+ tvs for customers from a Magnolia store.They would obviously do it because they want credit for the sales. And the fastest Ive seen it coming in would be a week. I'll enjoy being "wrong" on something I do on a daily basis.

It's not a complaint, it's pointing out a glaring problem with BB's service. Why would I take it up with BB? I was smart enough NOT to purchase the service. BB doesn't owe me anything. You are the one who should be taking it up with corporate in order to fix the problem. Unfortunately you're content with burying your head in the ground and pretending everything is fine. Well, that's not my problem, that's your problem.

As for purchasing Elites from regular BBs, like I said, it's typical BB, VERY inconsistent. It's like the morons can't agree on anything. You'll have one BB that will do it, and another one that will flat out refuse. Again, I give people a 90% failure rate when ordering an Elite through a regular BB. It's like their "price match" policy, it's all over the place. Same with negotiating in a Magnolia, it's all over the place. Hey, maybe you can take these issues up with BB corporate too. 🙂

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Noubourne
Just wanted to say that my TV still looks great.

My friends all run in torch mode, and if you don't have all the lights on in the room, it really burns on the retinas. The whites are so far overblown - it's really quite stunning.

Also, my DLP lamp is pushing 10k hrs. I am not sure how much the calibration contributed to that, but I am very happy to have it last this long. Coming up on my 3 year anniversary in January - and I have a 3rd party warranty that I'll be able to order a new lamp through - even if it is not burned out by then.

I am very interested in the calibration equipment being linked here. I could use some cash on the side. Maybe I will put that stuff on my christmas list and look for an ISF course somewhere.

Do you know if you have to get it recalibrated when you change the bulb?

 

[manimal]

Originally posted by: bobdole369
nada, do it yourself with a spyder 2 lite, and HCFR. Or pay an actual integrator (AV technician). Best Buy droids ill muck it all up.

Im actually stopping reading this thread because of comments like this.... if you have some specific knowledge you would like to share or a link that we can explore then by all means do it.

Please do not waste our time, go crap in another forum....