Direct-View and PTV Televisions

According to RCA, a special computer program, used at the factory, is required to do a gray-scale calibration of the Scenium HDLP50W151. In any event, because we lacked the program (not to mention any training needed to make use of it), we couldn't calibrate the set. Nor, in all likelihood, could any independent calibration technician.

The color temperature (not shown here), in the best as-delivered factory setting (Warm, not Normal), measured just under 5600K at the dark end (20 IRE) and increased gradually to just under 6200K at the bright end (100 IRE). The image looked a little warm, and a subtle green tint was also visible with careful viewing, though it might not be obvious to casual viewers. But all three primary color points were very close to the standard, suggesting that, were a proper calibration possible, the RCA might well produce a very accurate color palette.

Overscan measured commendably low: an average of just under 2.5% all around with a 480p input.

Measured at its Low bulb setting at maximum contrast, the Scenium's peak on/off contrast was 914. At a more livable Contrast setting of 35%, the contrast measured 363. In both cases, the minimum light output (video black) measured the same; the increased contrast at the higher setting was strictly a result of a near-tripling of the peak light output. With the Contrast control set to 35%, the 16-square ANSI contrast measured 121.—TJN