Possible CraigM Mitsubishi calibration tour

[Matt Heebner]

As with just about anything in the audio/video world, it's all a matter of perception. Calibration does indeed bring out the absolute best that your TV can perform, but the question you have to ask yourself is...Is it worth it to me?
I had Craig Miller calibrate my Mits last summer, and I would definitely say that it worth every single penny I paid. Even my wife noticed the increased performance (and that is saying alot!). I would not hesitate to have it done again (as a matter of fact I am having Craig give me a tune-up when he comes this summer) and I would consider it essential to have this done on any high end video monitor.

Here is an analogy that I've used in the past to help explain what a calibration means:

A calibration is basically getting the maximum performance that just isn't possible out of the box. A good analogy is a sports car...say a Corvette. A corvette direct off the factory floor is nice looking, goes fast, has decent performace, etc. A calibration is like having a specialty company, like Hammerstein or Calloway modify that same corvette for MAXIMUM performance....a completely tumed engine, exhaust, suspension as well as ground effects, etc. The result is even though it's still a corvette, it is completely a different car than the factory spec'ed one.
For me a calibration was completely worth what I paid. I thought it was going to be subtle, the differences, but in fact it was quite dramatic. I immediatly saw the improvement . I would suggest to anyone with any TV to get a calibration, even if you can only do 1 or 2 inputs (like the 1080i and 480p inputs). The end result is maximum performance !

It all depends on what you consider important in the A/V world. I figured that I've spent the money on the HDTV, I want the absolute best quality picture that this HDTV can give me...unfortunately you are not going to get that off the factory floor.  Getting a calibration will ensure this performance.

Also a note about Craig Miller, the calibrationist coming to Milwaukee this summer. Craig is considered to be the best calibrationists of Mitsubishi TV's both by his peers, and by his customers. ISF guys often seek his advice regarding Mit TV's, and he has consulted with a number of  high end video professionals. He also an excellent guy who is super nice, and always welcomes the many questions that his customers often pose time after time after time. I really can't say enough good things about him.
Definitely give some thought to having this done, and I would be more than welcome to show you my TV, and kinda explain some of the things that are very noticeable and then you can compare to how your's looks. Might help to see a comparison.

Matt

[cgardnl]

Matt  --

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my request for first-hand calibration experience.  Although I won't be able to see the difference in my set until after I've committed the money and had it done, this forum provides the vehicle for me to make my decision with the benefit input like yours.

I also appreciate your background info on Craig Miller, his qualifications and reputation.  I think I'll email him directly to inquire about the longevity of his calibration, as well as whether or not I'll have enough burn-in time when he comes to town.

As I negotiate Clearance from the Tower (read spouse consensus) to commit to this, I may take you up on your generous offer to take a look at your set and see for myself.

[bigcheeshead]

I would love to have the cailbration done to my MITS. Thanks to everyone here I am now convinced that the $700 spent would be worthwhile.
I only have one burning question. I will be moving in the next 5 months and I would like to know if I loose the calibration benefits after I move the TV and have it unplugged for couple of days.
Also does the calibration takes the room setup into effect?
Thx.

[Matt Heebner]

You will not lose any of the calibrated settings when unplugged because Craig saves his settings (the correct ones) as the factory default. Even if you press the "return to factory default settings" button, it really returns you the saved calibrated settings. This works really great with convergence. If your convergence gets out of whack, just hit "factory default" and it goes back to perfect calibrated convergence. Have no fear.
Calibration does not really take into account the room. Basically he is adjusting the TV to the correct standards based upon NTSC and ATSC guidlines. Actually he will ask you when you do most of your movie watching (in light or dark) cause he will adjust the greyscale according to that.
I would highly suggest you email him with any questions regarding his calibrations. He is more than happy to answer any you would have. It might take him afew days to get back to you, but he can answer these questions sooooo much better than I can.

Matt

[bigcheeshead]

In that case please count me in borghe. I won't be single for much longer and I don't think I will have the option of spending $750 on a working TV once I'm married

[Gregg Lengling]

Geez....you sure you are marrying the right women...my wife bought me the set I have 2 years ago........guess I'm lucky.
:p

[borghe]

From this forum it seems we have:

torgo
Greg Oman
MarkS
bigcheesehead

jrlenz - I still have to check on your location
cgardnl - are you interested? you said maybe so I am just checking.
Matt Heebner - Are you still interested in a tune up?

Icluding myself that is 5 definites, 2 possibles, and one tune-up. I also am sorting through emails and the HTSpot post and am looking to start finalizing things with Craig. So I need confirmation from all of the names in this post. Thanks.

[MarkS]

I'm still in.  Just waiting for the details.  Thanks.

Mark

[Matt Heebner]

I am still interested as well, but I am going to contact Craig to see if a tune-up is even required at exactly a year from the original calibration. One guy I read about had his done about 1.5 years after the original, and Craig said there was nothing to tune up...everything looked great. I guess all Craig did was clean off the lense assemblies, and behind the screen.
I will get in touch with him and see what he suggests.

Matt

[Greg Oman]

Yes-- Still in.  If I can help in any way, let me know.

Greg O.

[cgardnl]

Although I would love to see the improvement from the calibration that Matt and others have described, it looks as if it's not in the financial plan for this year.  I won't be a stop on the 2003 tour, but maybe next year...

[Matt Heebner]

I have emailed Craig  to ask him what he thought about a tune-up. He told me that if the convergence was still good, that there wasn't really any reason to get the tune-up. I am going to pass on this tour, but I will definitely will be geting the tune-up in 2004.

Matt

[borghe]

Ok guys, I have been working on things for a bit and I have some bad news and some maybe not so bad news. The bad news is that I have to drop out. There are some things that have come up around the house that HAVE to be worked on and will cost some money that this would certainly take away from. The other bad news is that even with me in, we have only had three responses on here, not enough to bring him here. Sorry but it looks like the stop is cancelled.

So what's the good news? Well, for one, it looks like their are openings on the Eliab tour coming up within the next couple of weeks. He is another very reputable calibrator and I would definitely consider it. The other option is to possibly come aboard CraigM's Chicago tour. Contact Bob Albano [hectic1@hotmail.com] to find out if this is possible.

I am sorry of the last minuteness of this. Well, last minute on my part although only two have responded with confirmations. I was going to email Craig this info within the next day or two, so if anything here is incorrect (i.e. more people are interested and just haven't confirmed) please let me know by tomorrow evening. If there are in fact enough people interested I will still be glad to organize everything, but as it stands now we just don't have enough interested parties.

Thanks.

[Greg Oman]

Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

[torgo]

I just got a promotion at work, good news for the wallet, but bad news for this. Becuase of my new position, I am going to be travelling a LOT this summer, including New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Toronto. Unless he's coming through at the end or after August, I'm probably going to have to pass. I really want this to work out though, so please keep us posted. I apologize to everyone here.