How Important is HDTV Calibration?

According to experts, HDTV calibration is a must. Here’s why it's important to setup and configure your new HDTV properly before viewing.

If you’ve bought a new HDTV recently, then it’s a question you’re no doubt asking yourself: How important is calibration once I get my new set home? The second which naturally follows: Can I get good enough results on my own or should I plan on hiring someone to do the job for me? We checked in with audiovisual expert Joseph Kane, founder of JKP Productions and creator of the Digital Video Essentials video calibration discs, to get the scoop. Here’s his feedback:

“The majority of TV sets sold today are setup at the factory to compete on the showroom floor. It will therefore be necessary to make some adjustments once you get the set home. User controls may or may not get you where you need to go. If you are really lucky, all you’d have to do is pick the right display mode. You know, something like the Movie mode or Accurate mode. Unfortunately, few sets have an option that will give you a one-button accurate picture.

A larger number of sets can be adjusted to look reasonably good according to system standards if you can access the service menu and have high-quality calibration equipment for making the needed adjustments.

However, if you want to try calibrating the set on your own you’ll need test patterns to figure out what is going on. If you know how to use them, you’ll probably be able to figure out if user adjustments are enough to get a good picture. At the least, you’ll most likely make a significant improvement in the quality of the picture. If the user adjustments aren’t enough, then is when it’s time to check in with the professional calibrator.”

For do-it-yourself advice check our article How to Calibrate a TV.