Tweeters tells me that certain TV's if ISF calibrated voided their warranty because the guns are factory set to work within a certain specification. Although producing a better picture with an ISF calibration that can put the guns into a working current that is out of the manufacturers specification. Is this true?

I hear Pioneer is one of those sets.

That is an EXTREMELY technical question. Whew!

I have never heard of this but can see why some manufacturers may have concerns. First of all ISF calibration nearly always INCREASES CRT life - not reduces it. The caviat is that this is only true if the calibration is performed correctly. If done incorrectly then sure, of course a problem could be created. While we calibrators are not any better than trying to find good service in any facet of a market and economy the above situation would be quite rare. We may make errors but not of this nature. It would be very difficult for a manufacturer to prove a basic calibration has been done to any unit except to say gee - sure looks better than the rest - guess we screwed up that day and did it right!

My advice as always, only those parameters that improve performance should be calibrated. Centering of customer controls, cutting SVM wires, removal of screen protectors and lining the light box are all considered modifications of the product and will void the warranty.

Please don't take this the wrong way but do the basic calibration and don't tell anybody. This isn't sneaky and the battle continues to brew between the manufacturers shipping the product properly calibrated and having to pay someone to do it after the fact. Personally I wish they would stop the games and/or slop and put me right out of the calibration business! On that note things do appear to be improving little by little as the years pass on.

Richard F. Fisher
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Certified
Factory Authorized
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, NAD

That sounds like the answer I expected to hear. As I figured some guns might be over powered from the manufacturer and that an ISF calibration could actually extend the life.

Manufacturers designs would have to expect people would want an ISF calibration and to make a product that would put its product out of spec because of this is just a poor design. What manufacturer wouldnt want a great picture and people raving about how good it looks after the calibration.

Now I agree goign to the extent of lining the cabinet and other such modification are possible to void a warranty but personally I feel they should offer the options like buying a car. Leather or Cloth interior? After all these arent you 300.00 TV's were buying.

One last thing if they are so concerened with Items being so far out of spec they should limit the programmability of the system so that it cant be adjusted out of spec. its very easy to provide limiting factors in chips and electronics outputs. Again it goes back to poor design.

Thanks Again Richard Once I finalize on my TV I will be looking forward to having it ISF calibrated. Since owning an HDTV I have become pretty hooked on getting the best picture possible.