Optoma HD20 Projector Calibration and Settings

Optoma HD20 Color Temperature

We used Movie 1 mode as the basis for calibration. Results were then saved in User 1, which was used for all photo sessions unless otherwise noted. We refer to User 1 as Movie 1). Pre-calibration, the color temperature measurements came out like this:

As you can see, all grayscale readings are actually very good, very close to the ideal 6500K, though, overall, just the slightest bit warm (stronger reds – weaker blues).

Unfortunately, the grayscale color temperature doesn’t tell everything. Turns out that the third component – green – is well off of where it needs to be. Green is too low, and while that has little effect on the temp reading, it can have significant impact on the actual image. In this case, green isn’t off much, but it’s enough that what looks like a rather excellent grayscale right out of the box doesn’t put an image quite that excellent on the screen.

Optoma HD20 Basic Settings

In addition to calibrating Red Green and Blue for a correct grayscale balance (6500K), there are a number of other settings that come into play. Typically Contrast and Brightness (white balance and black balance), need to be done first. Color saturation and gamma also need adjustment.

Optoma HD20 Post Calibration Grayscale: User mode

Post calibration, we ended up with excellent grayscale balance which was evident, when watching the HD20. User mode allows more control than the similar Cinema mode, but when Mike got done calibrating, the two were very, very close. Both are very tight, and stick close to the ideal 6500K.

Gamma: The gamma for both Cinema and User, overall, measured about the same 2.15 and 2.16. That’s only a tad below the ideal 2.2. That said, Cinema starts with the Film gamma, and User, with Standard. The end result is that the gammas, while averaging essentially the same, look a little different. Bright mode uses the Graphics gamma, and has lots of extra punch (helpful with ambient light).

Interestingly, the gamma choices all provide some basic controls – with a gamma curve setting and an offset. I didn’t play much with those controls, but they do allow some flexibility, far more than many projectors, that have no adjustments whatsover. At the other extreme, some projectors (Epson brand for one), offer extensive gamma controls. All considered, it’s a very nice gamma setup.