PROBLEM :

Does my TV need to be calibrated?

SOLUTION :

-AGENT ONLY-

Q. My new Samsung HDTV looks just fine to me. Why should I have it calibrated?

Samsung HDTVs are carefully calibrated and configured at the factory with several picture settings for your convenience. Most Samsung HDTVs owners will be extremely happy with these factory settings and will have no need for additional calibration. Picture settings provide you with a selection of brightness, contrast, and color temperature levels suited to different viewing conditions. For example, Movie mode is best for nighttime viewing when room lighting levels are low, while Standard and Dynamic are best for daytime viewing when the room is filled with a mix of artificial and natural lighting.

Purchasers may elect to have their Samsung HDTVs undergo additional calibration which can optimize picture performance for their unique viewing conditions. Trained calibrators, such as those certified by THX Ltd or the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF), can compensate for differences in video signals coming from cable or satellite set-top boxes or DVD players. These calibrators will also take into account the HDTV screen size, viewing distance, and ambient lighting levels while making their adjustments.

Q. What does the calibration process require?

A certified calibrator should measure and adjust precise levels of brightness and contrast, color intensity values, and overall color temperature in both the HDTVs user menu and the factory service menu. More importantly, they should perform the calibration with a special precision test instrument known as a colorimeter. What is more, all adjustments should be made and saved in the HDTVs service menu, where they cannot be accidentally erased or altered.

Q. If I decide to have my Samsung HDTV calibrated, will I really be able to see any difference after calibration?

The certified calibrator should be able to show you the difference in measurements before and after the calibration. Depending on the level of adjustments made in your home, you may or may not see a dramatic change in picture. Adjustments can improve black levels, shadow detail, and color accuracy. Image sharpness will likely be less exaggerated, reducing picture noise while enhancing fine details. Another way to see the difference is to switch back and forth between the newly calibrated settings and a factory image preset, such as Dynamic picture mode. The calibrator may also have prepared charts or graphs to help you better understand the changes that have been made to the HDTV.

Q. Where can I find these new settings?

After the calibration, depending on the model, your Samsung HDTV Movie mode may now include a menu callout that says Calibration. The set may also show additional Day/Night picture modes that compensate for higher or lower ambient room light. These Day/Night settings are accessible to you from the user menu.