Reference Video Calibration Service is only
$199
for your Plasma or LCD!
Got a new HDTV or want to spruce up your existing set? Is it time for your annual calibration touch up? Contact us to make an appt today!
* If equipped. Displays with advanced Color Management Systems may be extra. Email for quote.
Price is for customers within 25 miles of Berkeley. Additional trip charges may apply
Email us at: info@hippotechsolutions.com to make an appointment today!
Also get 10% off our audio calibration package when purchased at the same time. Got another TV? Enjoy a $50 discount on the second calibration (same day only).
Frequently asked questions
Q: Aren’t TV’s calibrated at the factory?
A: Not exactly. TV manufacturers ship their sets in whats called “torch mode” which is designed to look bright and colorful on the showroom floor. These settings are way too bright for home use and can result in eye strain, poor color and loss of detail. The correct white point, or grayscale has been shifted to accommodate for this inaccurate picture.
Q: I already calibrated my TV using a calibration disc
A: Calibration discs are adequate for setting brightness and contrast but things like grayscale, gamma and color can only be done accurately using professional equipment and software
Q: What is grayscale and why is it important?
A: The concept is simple. All perceivable colors are derived from 3 primaries: red, green and blue. If you mixed all 3 colors in even amounts, you end up with a particular color of gray. Calibrating grayscale is all about making sure you have equal amounts of R,G,B at different luminance levels. Why is this important? Gray is the canvas by which your picture will be based on. For instance if you have too much red across your luminance range, all of your pictures will be tinted red. In essence grayscale calibration is about removing color bias.
Q: How much of a difference should I expect?
A: This is going to depend on your factory measurements which are different for every set. I’ve seen sets that are relatively accurate and others way off. In both cases a calibration improved the picture. In the end you should see balanced colors, more detail, and natural skin tones. We do a complete before and after report so you can see the changes yourself.
Q: Can all displays be improved?
A: Yes!
Q: What makes you guys different than the big box stores or a full ISF calibrator?
A: The level of expertise varies greatly with “geeks” and they often use poor quality sensors. A good calibration starts with a good meter and if the data looks good, the picture should as well. Some calibrators do not give you quantifiable proof the picture is more accurate. We calibrate to the same ISF standards, but at a much lower cost.
Q: What if I don’t like the results?
A: If you’re not satisfied with the results, don’t pay us!
Q: How long do the calibrations take?
A: Typically 2 hours. We’ll explain step by step or take a nap. Wake up to a better picture.
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Examples of our work
Note: All photos are completely untouched and taken from a Pioneer Plasma display and blu-ray player
What does a good picture look like?
- Good balance of dark and white areas with NO loss of picture detail
- Natural skin tones. People should not look sunburned
- A good image should not cause eye strain when watching movies in the dark
