Sony DVP-NS999ES - Manual (Page 16)

ES Series DVD-Video/CD/SA-CD Players; Version 3.0 Page 16
"Below Black" reproduction (all models)
The DVD format dictates specific quantization for specific brightness
levels. For example, full black corresponds to a quantization of 16 while full
white corresponds to 235. However, direct-view CRTs, plasma panels, CRT
projectors and LCD projectors each have specific needs. For example, LCD
projectors are subject to "black float" and can benefit from a calibration "below
black." CRT direct view televisions tend to loose dark detail when viewed in
brightly-lit rooms.
Historically, gamma adjustment has matched the grayscale of a video
camera to the general transfer characteristics of CRTs. Sony's Graphical
Gamma Adjustment matches the grayscale performance of ES Series DVD
players to the specific transfer characteristics of your display. Used with a
commercially available calibration disc, the Graphical Gamma Adjustment can
achieve ideal reproduction.
The system enables you to make adjustments to gamma much like a
graphic equalizer adjusts audio frequency response. As with an audio equalizer,
aggressive adjustment can yield unnatural results. The controls are best used to
make gamma curves that are smooth and subtle. Sony's control offers eight
points of correction, each with 8-bit precision. And you can always return the
gamma controls to the industry-standard "flat" state at the touch of a button.
Graphical Gamma adjustment is like an eight-band graphic equalizer for
grayscale and black level.
Video Equalizer (all models)
Sony's Video Equalizer enables you to fine-tune the picture quality of each
disc you watch. You can adjust Picture, Brightness, Color, Hue and Chroma
Delay in addition to Graphical Gamma Adjustment. And once you've optimized
the picture for a particular disc, Sony ES Series DVD players can commit your