Documentation
Our isf Calibrations include complete documentation.  This is provided both in hard copy form (via "snail mail") as well as in electronic (pdf) form via e-mail.  The documents shown here are from an actual calibration - only the customer name has been changed. (NOTE: click on the thumbnail to see the complete example document).
  1. Cover Letter.  This provides an overview of the calibration.  Included is a discussion of the importance of the characteristics adjusted.  It also provides an summary of other things adjusted. 







  2. CIE x-y Charts.  As explained in Color Basics, the critical adjustments for the proper reproduction of grays and whites are to get the CIE "x" and "y" coordinate measurements to the correct values (x = 0.313, y = 0.329) throughout the gray scale range - from IRE 10 (dark gray) to IRE 100 (peak white).  These two plots show these values before and after the calibration.  The size of the bubble represents the IRE level (smallest is IRE 10).  Note: that it is not always possible to get all values within the target (green square), but a good calibrator understands where to make the best compromises.
     
  3. Color Temperature Chart.  Proper gray scale reproduction is often referred to in terms of "Color Temperature" (again, see Color Basics).  While this is a bit simpler to understand (and plot) than "x" and "y" coordinates, it does not tell the whole story.  It is entirely possible to have the desired 6500K color temperature yet have the image be too green!    

    The color temperature chart does provide a convenient form to show the relative gray scale performance of several different display "Color Temperature" settings.  In the case of this example, I plotted the color temp of the display the way the user had it set (Normal) as well as the closest "Color Temperature" setting (Warm2 on this particular set - but on other Sony sets Warm1 may be closer) and the color temperature after calibration was complete.

  4. Luminance-Gamma Charts.  Another, often overlooked but critical, performance characteristic is Gamma.  This is basically (very basically!) a measure of contrast.  While the standard is 2.2, many displays can't achieve it, or can't achieve it throughout the gray scale range (oddly, typically a higher gamma user setting actually reduces the displays gamma).  When the display provides the ability to adjust gamma (which is the case about 50% of the time), I do provide this curve.  (More recently we have been providing before/after luminance and gamma charts).  

  5. Recommended Settings.  While many of the critical adjustments are made in the secret hidden service menu (and are not normally accessible to the user) it is important for the customer to know what the best user meny settings are.  The final portion of the calibration process is determining what the optimum user settings are.  As these settings may be changed accidentally (or intentionally to compensate for poor material) it is important that the customer be able to return the set to the calibrated condition.  Thus a handy "Recommended Settings" card is provided to the customer.  We usually note the adjustments that are critical for calibrated operation, and those that may be adjusted to suit preferences, changes in viewing conditions or program material.