Balancing out manufacturing variations

Costing 1,500 GBP, this Panasonic PT-AE2000 delivers Full HD resolution. But at such a low price, you can't help but wonder how much fine tuning the device will need.

You could argue whether this point even falls under tuning. But it's an important and relatively uncomplicated step towards optimization and therefore makes absolute sense - especially with certain projectors. These are primarily the cheaper LCD projectors, which now also appear with Full HD resolution; particularly in terms of the homogeneity and transparency of the built-in LCD panel, these projectors can vary significantly from one model to the other. Also responsible for this strong variation is the devices' dependence on precise assembly during manufacture.

With SXRD and D-ILA projectors, these problems cannot generally be resolved via tuning, but DLP projectors are totally unproblematic; in our experience, their projection chips exhibit no perceptible manufacturing variations. In addition, DLP chips are generally present as a single chip, rather than as a three-chip variety, at least if you're paying less than 10,000 GBP.

Given the amount of manufacturing variation, Televisions.com has often considered whether it's sensible to publish "ideal settings" for projectors. Experts speak of settings varying by up to 20 percent within a series. With such significant differences between devices, the values quoted by Televisions.com can only serve as guidelines or recommendations. This inconvenient truth is especially valid for cheaper models.

The biggest problems are the deviations in terms of color and gamma characteristic, or how the brightness varies across the full range of grayscales. In general, you need professional measurement devices to derive the optimum setting. But professional equipment costs at least a four-figure sum - it makes little sense for private users to get hold of such devices, since they're only likely to be used once and can be very hard to operate. One much cheaper solution is the SpyderTV colorimeter from Datacolor (www.datacolor.eu). This allows you to achieve results that are, at least, satisfactory - but obviously the system has its limits. The correct setup for contrast and brightness can be found using test patterns, and the relevant test DVDs or Blu-ray discs are available from around 10 GBP.

It can work to your advantage if you get on well with your supplier. Stores are often prepared, if asked, to set up a device correctly for the customer. This is good for both you and them: You get a professionally adjusted device, and the store can profile itself as an expert dealership, as well as receiving positive recommendations from its customers.

Of course, the dealer should be technically adept and know which players and which signals you'll be working with. Certain aspects of fine-tuning will depend on these factors. The dealer might even carry out the setup process in your home - this would be absolutely ideal, since the specific conditions in your living room or home theater can also affect the fine-tuning.