Finally, a word about Color Temperature. Without getting into the rather complicated science behind it all, Color Temperature basically refers to the peak wavelength of a light source, which affects the color tint given to images which should be “pure” white. Suffice it to say that while most video is produced to what’s called a “6500K Standard,” (6500 degrees Kelvin), not every TV comes out of the box set to display that standard properly. In fact, factory settings are very rarely are set close to 6500K.
As an example, sunlight takes on a reddish tinge at sunset, when the sun’s light is around 2000K, while “normal” average sunlight is 6500K. So what appears white in full sun will appear reddish at sunset. Similarly, your TV’s color balance will be off if the color temperature isn’t set properly. Even with professional instruments to measure the color temperature, there are few displays in any price range that can be perfectly calibrated to the 6500K standard, but your TV will have a selection that will be as close as you can get without accessing the professional service menu . The best way to tell is to use an “80% white” test image, and cycle through the Color Temperature settings on your TV until you find the achieve the most neutral gray possible. Again, names for the settings will vary, but Warm or Normal might be the best bet, with the gray tending towards reddish tones on the lower settings, and taking on a bluish or greenish cast on the High or Cool setting (“High” or “Low” refer to the color’s wavelength, not the Color Temp.). If your TV happens to have a 6500K or 6500 setting, use that.
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CALIBRATION TOOLS
Calibrating by sight alone might give you an improved picture from the factory settings, but to get the most detail and accuracy out of your LCD TV calibration, you’re going to need a set of video test patterns. A cheap, easy fix is to use the THX Optimizer included on many DVD releases: just look for a DVD in your collection with the “THX Certified” logo. The THX Optimizer provides a usable set of patterns that will give recent results, but for a more thorough and accurate calibration, a dedicated Home Theater setup disc offers more fine-tuning options and the added benefit of step-by-step instructions that walk you through the entire process. Joe Kane’s Digital Video Essentials disc and the AVIA Guide to Home Theater, published by Ovation Multimedia, are both highly-rated and effective choices. To get closer to D6500K than this, you will need to hire an ISF calibration specialist or use the settings in our reviews (if we’ve done one on your TV).
No matter which calibration disc you choose, the test patterns and adjustment process will be similar, following the five steps outlined above:
