Photo Research PR-650 SpectrScan Colorimeter
The PR-650 is the premier spectroradiometer available to video calibrators today. It is the most accurate portable spectroradiometer in the world and is capable of reading both low and high light levels with precision. This meter sells for over $13,000.00 and is worth every penny.
Primarily the PR-650 is used by CIR Engineering to calibrate grayscale, gamma, brightness, contrast, and to set primary colors on digital displays that allow for this. Typically, this meter is employed when either the CP5000 colorimeter can not be relied upon for accurate readings (non CRT displays), or when the EyeOne spectroradiometer is not up to the challenge of reading low light levels.
One caveat of the PR-650 is that the room in which the calibration is performed requires that there be absolutely no ambient light. Because of this, it can not be used for all calibrations.
The PR-650 will however be used for all front projection calibrations as typically ambient light can be controlled easily. Also, whenever a Lumagen video processor is installed the PR-650 will be employed. This is because of the meter's ability to accurately read low light levels in coordination with the Lumagen's ability to calibrate grayscale parametrically for low IRE windows.
Sencore CP5000
Sencore has been a premier name in test equipment for decades with their specialty in video related test gear. This ColorPro 5000 is the latest color analyzer from Sencore and uses filter technology to accurately measure chromacity. This meter lists for $5000 and is used extensively throughout many calibrations, especially rear projection CRT calibration. The CP5000's primary function is to measure and calibrate grayscale, but its uses and capability are extensive.
For CRT, and some other display type calibrations, theCP5000 is used to accurately set brightness, to measure and maintain contrast, and to calibrate grayscale. With its accompanying software suit, the CP5000 can also calculate and plot gamma response for the entire luminance range. In fact, the CP5000 is the most accurate instrument at CIR Engineering for calculation of gamma response over the entire luminance range because it relays gamma response at 10 IRE increments instead of only supplying an average readout.
This meter can also be used to measure the chromacity of primary and secondary colors directly from the screen. Measuring the chromacity of color can be especially important when calibrating some high end front projection CRTs and some DLP displays.
Accupel HDG-4000 L2
The HDG-4000 is the latest calibration generator from Accupel. Accupel is a relative new comer to this arena, but has quickly established its self as an industry leader. The Accupel generators are engineered by Greg Rogers of the popular Widescreen Review publication.
The HDG-4000 is the most accurate portable pattern generators on the market today. This is due to its unique use of integrated circuits specifically designed to generate its patterns. Discreet IC's for pattern generation are more accurate then relying on software rendering as in the Sencore and other generators. The result is crisp and sold test patterns with no distortion or noise. Frequency response is ideal and there is no video noise introduced from the Accupel.
Because of its accuracy, the HDG-4000 L2 will be used whenever possible. The 4000 L2 supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i at 60Hz, 50Hz, and 24Hz refresh rates. The Accupel 4000 also supports Digital RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, analog componet, analog RGB, and poth video and PC luma levels.
Sencore VP403
Sencore's VP403 is arguably one of the most diverse portable pattern generators on the market. With an MSSRP of around $5000 is should do a lot. The VP403 is capable of generating any type of video feed required. It can produce ATSC, NTSC, DVI, HDMI, RGB, component, s-video, and composite. The 403 can also generate custom resolutions as well as any of the standard TV rates including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
The VP403 boasts an impressive array of test patterns. Just about any pattern you could possibly need from a video generator is provided. Because of its versatility, the VP403 ensures that the right pattern for any job will always be available. Truly, the uses of a good pattern generator are limitless.
Datacolor ColorFacts Professional Software
ColorFacts is the premier software package available for video calibration today. It can measure virtually any parameter that might be important for any given video calibration. This includes measuring grayscale, black level, white level, calculating and displaying gamma, measuring and calculating contrast ratio, measures and displaying color gamut (device primaries), providing a spectral scan, and much more.
The CF software also integrates and controls other calibration tools such as the Accupel or Sencore pattern generators, and also any of the color analyzers used at CIR Engineering (PR-650, CP5000, GretagMacbeth). This is accomplished by plugging all equipment into the notebook PC to allow direct communication of all tools and software. Any and all of the equipment used for calibration can be instructed remotely through the PC allowing for a faster and more accurate calibration.
The ColorFacts software is also C3 compliant to allow integration with Pioneer C3 capable devices. C3 is required to properly calibrate many of the newer Pioneer Elite PLASMA displays.
The CF software also will generate calibration reports which may include data on before and after results. These reports are printed and provided to the client at the end of the calibration procedure.
Sencore ACP6500 Auto CalPro
This software suit provides more functions when required. It can be used to connect and integrate a PC with the VP403 pattern generator and CP5000 color analyzer. The VP403 can then be controlled through the PC and the CP5000's measurements can be coordinated automatically with the pattern generator's output signal.
The ACP6500 can also link up with C3 compliant displays including the newer Runco designs. This automates parts of the calibration process on C3 compliant displays from Runco and Pioneer. The ACP6500 can also generate different, and sometimes better plots of calibration parameters when compared to the standard Sencore software or ColorFacts suits.
With the ACP6500 software, extensive calibration reports are generated and printed out for the client once the calibration is complete.
Tektronix 465B 100 MHz Oscilloscope
Tektronix has been one of the most highly regarded names in test equipment for decades. An oscilloscope is one of the most diverse pieces of test equipment in existence. When performing video calibrations, the scope may be used to help set and test many parameters.
On CRT, the 465B can be used to determine the most exact settings for the displays color decoder. This is preferable to simply trusting the human eye with test patterns. Using an oscilloscope makes certain that every aspect of the color decoder is right on.
The scope is also often used to set sharpness. Setting sharpness with an oscilloscope takes the guess work out and ensures that the exact technically correct level can be found.
Fluke Model 111 Digital Multi Meter
Fluke is another company who has been well regarded for the quality of their test equipment. The Fluke 111can be used for many measurments, but on CRT calibrations it is always employed to set the variable resistors that establish the CRT cutoff voltage.
DVE BD, AVIAPro, AVIA, DVE DVD, and DVE LaserDisc Test Discs
The AVIA and DVE test discs will be used to see how well a DVD player conforms to standard. If the DVD player is of good quality it will follow industry guide lines and should perform well when combined with a calibrated display. However, not all DVD players are so great. These test DVD's will help expose problems coming from the DVD player. If possible, the DVD player itself can then be adjusted.