Backlight?

[BlueJayFan]

Hi, Mike -

I am in the process of setting up my HT room - I have a 63" Samsung 3D plasma. I read through some of the other posts by people who have had you perform calibrations and a couple mentioned they purchased a backlight from you.

I am curious what the purpose/benefits of this are? Where would I get one?

Also, any chance of you making a calibration tour through Atlantic Canada??

Thanks

[Mike Osadciw]

Hi Blue Jay fan and welcome to the forum!

There are many benefits of a using a backlight:

- to reduce eye strain while watching TV in the dark by having a constant dim light behind the TV (as TV light levels go up and down and cause eye fatigue)
- to eliminate glare off the front of your TV. Room lighting beside you, above you, etc. will reflect off the front TV glass. We are interested in watching TV, not our own reflections! Putting a lamp behind the TV solves this problem.
- colour temperature of the lamp is D65, the same white point as what I calibrate televisions to. Most room lighting tends to be too warm (orange/red) and that changes our perception of colour (just as wall colours do). Using a D65 lamp is one step closer to accuracy with light in the room.
- perception of black on screen improves. With a lamp behind, the black levels on the TV are perceived to be deeper; a great effect!

I usually stock the lamps for my clients and install them on the job.

Alternatively, you could order them directly from www.cinemaquestinc.com. They are called Ideal-Lume Standard or Panelight depending on the quantity you want to install around the TV.

In answer to your question about New Brunswick - yes. I plan to be heading out there in July! Please contact me through PM, email or phone to be added to the tour!