TV Calibration Tool On Xbox Live - Any Good?

[admin_exported]

There is an HDTV calibration tool available in the community games section on xbox live. I have already purchased it but I am unsure about using it correctly and would also like to know how it rates against similar products.

For example it asks you to set the contrast to "normal" before you start. What level is normal? I have a KDL-40V4000 btw and all enhancers etc are switched off.

My contrast was at 93 before I started and I turned it down to 75 in order to see the different shades on the test patterns, and adjusted the brightness to 53 accordingly. But I thought contrast was supposed to be high?

Anyone else here have this tool and can help me?!

 

[ElectroMan]

I noticed that, but didn't buy it as I didn't know how good it was!

I don't know what it means by "normal" contrast level. As you say, contrast should usually be set high.

 

[Anonymous]

I thought super-high contrast (i.e. 93%) was only used in the shop demo mode? I agree some LCDs can look a bit washed out on mid contrast (say 50%) but I dont think it should be maxed out.

Of course all TVs are unique but i'd say you should never set the contrast so high that you can no longer resolve the grey shades in a scene. This is basically one of the things a calibration tool checks for.

Remember TV is not all about "how black can you go" its also about the subtleties in the middle range. I run my Panasonic LCD a TINY bit washed out to ensure I'm not loosing any detail. Blacks are still fairly dark though not pure black. Personal choice I guess.....

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I don't have it and I don't have an xbox with which to get it, but presumably it works a bit like the Digital Video Essentials and Avia discs where you're shown test patterns and offered advice on how to adjust your picture controls. It doesn't really matter what levels you start with. Just be aware that these patterns typically include below black and above white levels, which you may not see if your starting levels are off. This isn't a problem as long as you follow the instructions for setting the correct levels.

One question though. How reliable is the source of these test patterns? The DVE and Avia patterns are based on very clearly defined standards. How confident are you that the patterns are using the same standards?

 

[D.J.KRIME]

KAIS3R SOSE:

There is an HDTV calibration tool available in the community games section on xbox live. I have already purchased it but I am unsure about using it correctly and would also like to know how it rates against similar products.

For example it asks you to set the contrast to "normal" before you start. What level is normal? I have a KDL-40V4000 btw and all enhancers etc are switched off.

My contrast was at 93 before I started and I turned it down to 75 in order to see the different shades on the test patterns, and adjusted the brightness to 53 accordingly. But I thought contrast was supposed to be high?

Anyone else here have this tool and can help me?!

Slightly off topic but how did you get you XBOX tag bit on the bottom of your post?

 

[Anonymous]

Where can I find this on xbox live. Had a look but could'nt find it

 

[Anonymous]

beaverme:

One question though. How reliable is the source of these test patterns? The DVE and Avia patterns are based on very clearly defined standards. How confident are you that the patterns are using the same standards?

Thank you for your reply's everyone.

I read before I bought it that the patterns were used by the game developers who released it. I figure if its good enough for them...

 

[Anonymous]

D.J.KRIME:

Slightly off topic but how did you get you XBOX tag bit on the bottom of your post?

Go to MyGamercard.net and follow the instructions. If you get stuck, give us a shout back.

 

[Anonymous]

dodgerroger:

Where can I find this on xbox live. Had a look but could'nt find it

Go to the Community games section on Marketplace. Search either in "other" or go to "T", for TV calibration. Its only 200 points, which I think is pretty good.

After some more tinkering my settings are: contrast 80, brightness 53, colour 45, backlight is at 2 and the screen is running on reduced power. How do they sound? Anyone else got a KDL-40V4000 with similar settings?

Thanks again all!

 

[ElectroMan]

ashworth_rich:I thought super-high contrast (i.e. 93%) was only used in the shop demo mode? I agree some LCDs can look a bit washed out on mid contrast (say 50%) but I dont think it should be maxed out.

Of course all TVs are unique but i'd say you should never set the contrast so high that you can no longer resolve the grey shades in a scene. This is basically one of the things a calibration tool checks for.

Remember TV is not all about "how black can you go" its also about the subtleties in the middle range. I run my Panasonic LCD a TINY bit washed out to ensure I'm not loosing any detail. Blacks are still fairly dark though not pure black. Personal choice I guess.....

Most settings are maxed out in the default modes (that stores usually display), but I think the general advice is to have the contrast pretty high, and reduce the brightness, at least as a starting point. (See the WHF video on calibrating your TV).

 

[Anonymous]

KAIS3R SOSE:
beaverme:

One question though. How reliable is the source of these test patterns? The DVE and Avia patterns are based on very clearly defined standards. How confident are you that the patterns are using the same standards?

Thank you for your reply's everyone.

I read before I bought it that the patterns were used by the game developers who released it. I figure if its good enough for them...

Interesting. If it was written by game developers you might find that they've used RGB PC levels for black and white (0-255) rather than component video levels (16-235). That's fine for setting up your TV to play games, but it means that you'll wind up clipping near blackÿand near white for DVDs.

 

[Anonymous]

beaverme:

Interesting. If it was written by game developers you might find that they've used RGB PC levels for black and white (0-255) rather than component video levels (16-235). That's fine for setting up your TV to play games, but it means that you'll wind up clipping near black and near white for DVDs.

Well after searching the net for more info, I cant be sure what levels they have used. I can only assume (hope) they had tv's in mind!