The organization that made this information available to the masses is the Imaging Science Foundation. Joel Silver, is the marketing master behind the Imaging Science Foundation, and also is the founder of the ISF. He together with Joe Kane, the technical master behind the ISF, instructed the training seminars on how to properly calibrate and setup a display to the NTSC and now ATSC (HDTV) TV picture standard. Joe Kane, of Joe Kane Productions, is the creator of the test disc's "A Video Standard" which is on laser disc and "Video Essentials" which is on DVD also “Digital Video Essentials” on DVD for digital displays. Joel Silver currently runs the ISF and it's training seminars. Joe Kane is currently working on a High Definition test disc for HD displays and is working as a consultant for Samsung.

How to select an ISF calibration technician

WARNING! Not all ISF video calibrators are created equal.

Buyer beware!  Anyone can  pay and take a class to be ISF certified (electronics technician or not) but are they really qualified to calibrate a TV or display system.  Within the video calibration lie a number of precise and complex adjustments. If these adjustments are done correctly, it will present a picture so stunning that you will ask your self "how could I have thought the picture looked so great before calibration". No matter what brand, make or model of display, it still needs to be calibrated. To get the best results from a calibration, you don't just want anyone inside your TV set. To find out if a person is truly qualified you need to ask some very key questions. You should make sure the calibrator first has the multitude of expensive test equipment needed (see the list below of what equipment that a good calibrator should have.). Ask if he or she has the in-depth knowledge of how the complex set of adjustments that are unique to each display (your display) work. Ask how long they have been a calibrator and what level of electronics training have they been through (are they a certified electronic technician). Ask for some referrals to past clients they have done work for, call the Imaging Science Foundation or Joe Kane productions for an opinion of the person’s skills.

Did You Get what you paid for?

The calibrator should have a background in electronics or have certification as an electronic technician. They should have experience with calibrating many of the different brands of TV sets, and have attended multiple training classes on how to properly setup a direct view, rear projection, and front projection displays. The calibrator will now also need training on digital display technology such as, Plasma technology, DILA or LCOS and DLP digital displays. Once you have identified the person to calibrate your new set the next question is how much will it cost? This will vary anywhere from $275 to $400 for direct view sets; $400 to $750 for rear projectors; $400-750 for plasma and LCD, $500 to $1000 for front projectors. Whatever the price, a good ISF technician is worth every dollar spent. He or she will maximize your investment by bring out the full potential of your display.

List of equipment and experience

Busch Home Theater has all of the needed equipment (Optical comparator, Color analyzer, Spectral Radiometer, HD waveform monitor, HD test pattern generator, Sencore color pro for ISFccc adjustments) and over 20 years of technical experience. Robert Busch was one of the first to be trained as an ISF certified Technician and is also certified by JKP (Joe Kane Productions). Robert is currently retained by the ISF for training and setup of display systems at ISF seminars. If you would like to setup an appointment to have your set calibrated by one of the best calibration technicians period or if you have any question , please contact us. 707-573-9170