better method for setting contrast on an NTSC monitor? at DVinfo.net

Josh Bass · February 25th, 2004, 06:56 PM

Ok, I've seen the video university tutorial, as well as one other one that I can't remember the name of, and they both basically have the same instructions for calibrating an NTSC monitor. Everything's pretty simple, except the contrast (for me). The instructions say something along the lines of "turn the contrast all they way up till the white blooms and flares, and then turn it down until it just starts to respond." Well, on my monitor, that's just barely backed off from the highest you can set the contrast. Does anyone else have any other methods for setting it, so that it's farely accurate?

Jeff Donald · February 26th, 2004, 04:04 PM

I know of no better way to set contrast, unless you're using hardware calibration.

Josh Bass · February 26th, 2004, 04:57 PM

Okay, then just to reiterate:

I want to turn the contrast all the way up, then back it off until the white starts to turn darken (at first it won't do anything, but as you turn your contrast knob down, it will eventually start to change). Is this right?

Jeff Donald · February 26th, 2004, 09:08 PM

Yes, it will probably not change at first, then it will start to decrease.

Jaime Valles · February 26th, 2004, 10:36 PM

I agree with Josh... It seems like a very subjective adjustment. "Until it responds" is quite vague. I have the same trouble adjusting my NTSC monitor. I think I'm doing it right, but unlike the brightness and chroma settings, it seems very hit-or-miss.

Jeff Donald · February 26th, 2004, 10:54 PM

All methods that rely on the eye to make evaluations and measurements are very subjective. Only a hardware calibrator is accurate or effective method of adjusting monitors.

February 25th, 2004, 06:56 PM	#1
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	better method for setting contrast on an NTSC monitor? Ok, I've seen the video university tutorial, as well as one other one that I can't remember the name of, and they both basically have the same instructions for calibrating an NTSC monitor. Everything's pretty simple, except the contrast (for me). The instructions say something along the lines of "turn the contrast all they way up till the white blooms and flares, and then turn it down until it just starts to respond." Well, on my monitor, that's just barely backed off from the highest you can set the contrast. Does anyone else have any other methods for setting it, so that it's farely accurate? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

February 26th, 2004, 04:04 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I know of no better way to set contrast, unless you're using hardware calibration. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 26th, 2004, 04:57 PM	#3
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Okay, then just to reiterate: I want to turn the contrast all the way up, then back it off until the white starts to turn darken (at first it won't do anything, but as you turn your contrast knob down, it will eventually start to change). Is this right? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

February 26th, 2004, 09:08 PM	#4
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Yes, it will probably not change at first, then it will start to decrease. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 26th, 2004, 10:54 PM	#6
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	All methods that rely on the eye to make evaluations and measurements are very subjective. Only a hardware calibrator is accurate or effective method of adjusting monitors. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 26th, 2004, 10:36 PM	#5
Jaime Valles Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New York City, NY Posts: 316	I agree with Josh... It seems like a very subjective adjustment. "Until it responds" is quite vague. I have the same trouble adjusting my NTSC monitor. I think I'm doing it right, but unlike the brightness and chroma settings, it seems very hit-or-miss.