ISFccc vs. Pure Mode on Pioneer 9G plasma panels
Introduction
With the advent of the ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Configuration) menu found on a select few high-end video displays, calibration technicians no longer have to sift through a plethora of sub-menus and parameters in search of specific picture controls. Instead, all that are needed to fine-tune a display are conveniently stored in one or two locations. The ISFccc menu also affords more flexibility and finer adjustments, which can be beneficial for certain video systems.
The client also benefits, as they would be left with an ISF Day viewing mode, which is intended for a brightened environment, and an ISF Night mode for when it is darkened. This is more intuitive over say, “Dynamic” for Daytime and “Movie” for nighttime. Plus, the Day/Night modes cannot be altered by the end-user, thus ensuring that the calibration remains intact even during a power failure or if the reset button is pressed.
Some displays offering the ISFccc option also include an advanced user-menu that affords significant control as well – perhaps enough to negate the need to utilize the ISFccc menu. Such is the case with Pioneer’s Elite 8 & 9 generation plasma panels (PRO-110/150FD and PRO-101/111/141/151FD).
The goal of this article is establish which calibration method is best. Does one really need to have their Pioneer 8 or 9G panel calibrated within the ISFccc menu to attain the best picture, or will doing so within the advanced menu suffice?
Measurements
After approximately 325 hours of break-in/usage, the display was calibrated in a completely dark room. Patterns were supplied via the AccuPel HDG-4000 test pattern generator outputting via DVI/HDMI @ 1080p/60 & 1080p/24 as well as from the Digital Video Essentials HD Basics Blu-ray DVD. Measurements were taken from a Photo Research PR-655 Spectroradiometer at a straight angle and at a distance of 7 feet from the center of the screen. The ISF modes were accessed using ControlCal. Please click here for more information regarding the rest of the system and viewing environment.
The first graph represents window-box patterns from 10-100% amplitude in 10-step increments. These were performed after the display was calibrated within the ISF Day, ISF Night, Pure, as well as Movie modes (the latter relegated to a 5400k .335/.343 setting that many of our clients prefer for B&W material).
The second graph represents readings using full-field raster patterns at 25, 50, 75, and 100% amplitude. This was done mostly to show the difference in peak light output between window and raster patterns. And finally, we also took window-box readings of red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow to see if any shifts beyond our initial break-in report occurred.
Calibrated window-box grayscale readings within ISF Day, ISF Night, Pure, and Movie modes
Calibrated raster-pattern grayscale readings within ISF Day, ISF Night, Pure, and Movie modes
Calibrated primary/secondary color readings within ISF Day, ISF Night, Pure, and Movie modes
Assessment
The Pure mode calibrated with the same accuracy as the ISF modes in terms of its grayscale linearity. Color readings were essentially identical as well. As a side note, it appears that color space has become slightly more accurate over time despite making no adjustments to the Color Management system, which we feel often does more bad than good on these particular displays. The latest readings take us a step closer to SMPTE HD coordinates.
ISFccc - Pros/Cons
On top of the flexibility mentioned at the start of this article, the ISF modes offer more overall light output – particularly the Day mode which afforded an impressive 55.97 fl @ 100% amplitude on a window-box pattern with Energy Save Off. While most people would never require (or want) that kind of overall brightness in a critical viewing environment, it can be beneficial in a brightly lit room. Used sparingly for those daytime sporting events, this extra light output can be a big plus for many.
The only cons that we can think of are that driving the display harder will be less energy efficient and will technically increase the chances of burn-in and perhaps even shorten its life. But again, used occasionally, it shouldn’t be a big concern. One entering the ISFccc mode must also be more careful since one wrong click can have serious consequences to picture quality. The procedure is also more time-consuming and technically challenging.
Pure Mode - Pros/Cons
The biggest benefit regarding the Pure Mode calibration approach is that a quantifiably accurate picture can be achieved without the added complexity or risk associated with entering the ISFccc menu. As such, any end-user can begin tweaking their display immediately after the break-in period. For those located in areas not serviced by a reputable calibration technician or one that doesn’t get visited often, this method affords a next-best-thing solution until a more precise adjustment can be performed. Some technicians (including us at Avical) also charge less for this procedure.
There are several limitations with the Pure Mode calibration approach that depending on one’s system may or may not be important. The first has to do with light output. If an overly bright image were required to compete with a bright environment, one would likely be better served with an ISF Day mode. The other limitation is that Pure mode settings carry through all inputs. For basic systems that may only consist of two sources (i.e., DVD, STB), this may suffice. But, for those with many sources going into multiple inputs, the ISFccc has the added flexibility of having independent settings per input.
Conclusion
The Pioneer 9G plasma panels are truly outstanding in almost every respect and represent the crème de la crème of what is currently available to the consumer in flat panel technology of this size. The inclusion of a highly sophisticated user-menu as well as an even more flexible ISFccc menu is enough to make any videophile salivate. Which method is best depends greatly on one’s system, viewing style, and environment.
In short, a Pure mode calibration that may suffice for someone may be inadequate for someone else. Conversly, an ISFccc calibration needed for a particular setup may be overkill for another. For this reason, we suggest that you consult with your video calibration technician to determine which method is best for your particular system and personal needs.
