Which services do you most need to have the ISF tech do?

[Reauntc]

As everyone probably guessed by the presence of this post, I'm looking into having my set ISF calibrated. I own a Sony KDF-55WF655 (in case it matters), and I was looking at the list of services offered by my local Gramaphone store. They're ISF certified, but charge based on which servies you have them do.

As it stands right now, I don't need *THE PERFECT* picture, but I would like my television to last. I would also like an improvement in the picture quality from what I'm seeing with the bright torch mode...

Which ISF services are "required", which are "highly reccomended" and which are more for the UBER videophile? I have no outside speaker system connected to my HT at the moment (just using the stock Sony's that are on the TV) so I wouldn't need any kind of audio calibration...


I'm kind of lost on this subject. Please give me a nudge in the right direction, so I can get my television set up correctly and don't end up paying for things I don't want- or missing out on services i'd really like!!

[Ratman]

For every input you use (RF, S-Video, composite, component, HDMI or DVI) and for each resolution (480i/p, 720p, 1080i), you will generally want:

focus
convergence
greyscale
geometry


Starting prices normally begin ~$350. Each input and resolution will add cost. YMMV

For RPTV's... you can consider:
Duvetyne
Lenstriping

[57U]

There is a link in the FAQ "What you need to do to your new HDTV" on what an ISF technician does/can do.

[Reauntc]

Yeah, I saw the FAQ and read over the really helpful articles- I just am suddenly confronted with a service that from what I was told charges by the basic services performed- there isn't just a basic calibration fee, and likewise there are additional things you can pay to have done.

I was just trying to get a handle on what's most important to have done, to insure I get the most out of my $300 fee (because that's about all I plan on spending, I hope)... and I suppose I can get that list out of the article in the FAQ- but Ratman mentioned needed each resolution calibrated. Is this extra, or do most ISF techs do this when they take you out of "torch" mode? I just want to make my DVD's and TV watching more enjoyable, and make my set last longer!!!

[Ratman]

....when they take you out of "torch" mode? I just want to make my DVD's and TV watching more enjoyable, and make my set last longer!!!

You can take your TV out of torch mode by simply lowering the "contrast" (or picture) setting.

To get your settings close to 'proper'... just use the "THX Optimizer" that's included on a few DVD's.

Or... for ~$25, you can buy Avia or Video Essentials DVD for more detailed setup.

[Reauntc]

Which inputs will I need to calibrate to get the most out of my set? Is there a way for me to calibrate more then one input, or is that in the realm of ISF tech-ability only? I have one of those AVE DVD's on order now, so that I can at least get the set out of torch mode while I break the set in for it's 100 hours... Will that tell me how to adjust the different inputs?

Which inputs should I have an ISF tech look at, as it's expensive to have him look at each one!

[Ratman]

If you decide to go the ISF route, I'd suggest to calibrate the frequently used HD inputs for DVD and the STB.

And just to put your mind at rest... your TV is LCD. Burn-in should not be an issue.

The setup DVD's provide step by step explanations.

Here's an idea of what ISF should perform on your set:
http://www.avical.com/Services.DLP.htm