TV calibration - Do I really need to.

[sinny-ma]

I hope somebody can help. I have just got any absolute bargain on a second-hand 42 inch plasma TV. I got it from a friend who has just bought an even bigger brand new one. It is less than a year old, and only cost me £450. What I am asking is do I really need to calibrate this TV? The picture as far as I can tell is superb.

So what would be the difference and the benefit to me. If I go to the time and expense to get it done? Also should I pay somebody? I have seen prices on Google for around £250! This is more than half what I paid for the TV. I am in a quandary. Should I go the whole hog and do this thing properly. Or should I just be content with what I've got already.

Thanks in advance.

[DaExpert]

Yes without a doubt!

Calibrating your TV is the ONLY way to get the best possible image quality from it. You could spend £5000 on a TV and if you didn't bother to calibrate it then somebody with a £500 TV might have a better picture than you. Also if you have plasma a calibrated TV is usually using lower brightness and contrast settings and therefor will last longer!!

Calibration has 3 options roughly:-

Do it yourself DVD. Cheap, repeatable, big improvement on out of the box settings. Google for DVE or PixelProtector.
Do it yourself kit. Fairly cheap, repeatable, Includes sensor to attach to screen to get slightly better results than above(although over £100). Google for SpyderTV.
Professional Calibration service. Perfect calibration!! At least a few hundred pounds each and every time you have it done. Search for "Calibration Service"

I would provide links but not sure if it is allowed.

[fishmonkey]

Hmm... Calibration? I have just got a Samsung 32" LCD and know I have to really find some forum posts on the best settings and go through the menus and try then.

But should I be calibrating it? Does this apply to LCDs?