HD-Ready RPTV, ISF Calibration, Etc...
Dear Gary: I recently read the review of the Toshiba TW56X81 HD-Ready RPTV in Issue 37 of Widescreen Review, one of several recent reviews on the family that this RPTV belongs (TW40, 56, 65X81). I recently purchased the 40-inch model, and after a three-week burn-in period, had the set calibrated by an ISF-certified technician (gray scale, color balance, brightness, contrast and whatever other settings could be accessed via the service mode without opening the set). I am more than pleased with this RPTV, especially when coupled with a Toshiba progressive-scan DVD-Video player. However, I have a few questions related to the review in WSR, issues that seem to be reflected in other reviews as well. I understand that virtually every RPTV manufactured is not really calibrated as it should be when it rolls out of the factory. Every review of the Toshiba TW series RPTVs suggest an ISF calibration, and I have no regrets about the extra $$$ that I spent having it done. The WSR article mentions that to get the best possible picture from the set, it would be necessary to adjust the mechanical and electrical focus of the CRTs. Upon looking at the service manual for the TW40X81, I realized that this is not a trivial matter (the RGB lenses have to be capped, and screws adjusted to set the focus; in addition to removing the front panel to access the screen and focus VR controls). My questions: Will adjusting the mechanical focus provide a SIGNIFICANT improvement when watching HDTV or progressive DVD source material? If so, is this something that must be done by a qualified technician, or can an ISF-certified technician perform these types of adjustments without voiding my warranty? I feel sort of let down to know that when you purchase a set like the TW40X81, reviewers consistently recommend (or describe what they do) optimal solutions for the best picture that involve literally taking your set apart and fiddling with every physical and electronic adjustment that the device provides. I’ve read one article where the reviewer in question covered the entire inside of the cabinet with black velvet and also covered unused portions of the mirror to minimize internal reflections and maximize the black levels. I’m not really upset with the current picture I am getting from my RPTV; in fact, the image is quite exceptional. I just have a curiosity about the amount of improvement in resolution I can achieve by having someone open up the set and perform an optical focus adjustment on the CRTs. One last little question: Does removing the so-called protective screen cover (the one in front of the Lenti and Fresnel sheets) actually provide a brighter and sharper picture? Someone mentioned that you can remove the protective plastic shield and fill in the gap with weather stripping, but I’m not sure how safe or practical such a solution would be....
Alan Peters
Editor Gary Reber Comments:
An ISF-type calibration is essential to optimizing picture quality on EVERY display device. With CRT rear projection sets, one can further optimize black performance by draping non-reflective, light absorbent “deep black” fabric material inside the RPTV cabinet and around the lenses, leaving only the light passage of the lenses. All of this effort is customizing the performance of your display to elicit its maximum capability. In regard to the protective shield facing on an RPTV, I insist that this be dismantled and removed. Some shields are tinted; and while others are not, the shield forces the light beams to travel through yet more unnecessary plastic that has the result of smearing resolution and reducing brightness—not to mention that all shields are effectively mirrors that reflect the room the RPTV sits in. I have been an advocate for manufacturers to at least make removal of the shield an easy feature. Pioneer’s Elite line of RPTVs is a good example of a manufacturer who adheres to this recommendation, and even ships the shield as a screw-on accessory with their Elite RPTVs.
You can E-mail Widescreen Review @ mailto:editorgary@widescreenreview.com