Well we've got THX and ISF-trained staff on the test team - not a gadget, but certainly a very important factor in the calibration process!
Depending on the test/products involved they use their expertise with a range of tools at their disposal - but all devices that consumers can get hold of, including THX glasses/Optimizer, DVE disc, Spyder etc.
We don't give up on any TV until we've tried to tweak it to its ultimate - plus also assessed all the pre-set modes available on a set out-of-the-box (some of which are getting pretty good, it has to be said).
And remember, all of this is going on alongside reference sets plus other TVs in the same size/price class - nothing is being looked at in isolation.