Summary and Solutions

As you can see from our article, projector tuning is - above all - difficult. Unlike mathematics, for example, it's an inexact science - it's more like a game involving a number of different variables. And, crucially, it has both advantages and disadvantages. But still, setting up the brightness and contrast correctly - as well as searching for other correct settings in the on-screen menu using measuring devices (calibration) - makes sense.

LCD projectors are often tuned using filters, but are now pretty good in terms of On/Off contrast. Still, they generally lie far behind DLP projectors in terms of ANSI contrast, and tuning can make this imbalance yet stronger. So you need to think carefully whether you're doing yourself a favor with filter tuning. If it's weak blacks that are bothering you, filter tuning - if done properly - can be a solution.

Pink screen instead of a filter:
In principle, you'll achieve the same effect as with a filter if you simply paint the projection area. This avoids the negative consequences for the optics and ANSI contrast, but it's almost impossible to control the color spectrum of wall paint. Certain areas will be intensified - possibly even by the infrared radiation that the projector emits. Special projection paints that combat these problems are only available in neutral colors. Our tip is therefore this: leave it well alone - the ideal projection screen is and always will be a neutral white.

Tuning and guarantees:
If the tuning process doesn't involve accessing the device's interior, then the guarantee should remain in effect. But if you send the device away for servicing, you might find that it's been returned to its factory setup. For this reason, it's best to keep a copy of the calibrated settings.

Buying directly modified devices:
There are dealers around the world that specialize in selling devices that they've modified themselves. Often, these devices will have extra filters built-in, or the series-standard filters removed. This makes the projector's area of use very specific. In general, such devices can then only be used in a fully darkened room. The advantage is that these projectors were modified by experts, and generally come with a dealer's guarantee. The disadvantage, of course, is that the manufacturer's guarantee no longer applies.

Professional calibration service:
In our opinion, calibrating a projector using measuring devices is the best type of tuning. This avoids tampering with the device's innards and can sometimes produce significant increases in quality, turning a mediocre device into a decent one. Experts in this area include professional calibrators (often freelance) trained by the isf (imaging science foundation) or ColorFacts. These professionals bring not only the relevant measuring equipment, but also a great deal of experience.