anyone know where i could find a isf tech to calbrate my tv? about how much do they charge and are the results much better then just using the Avia DVD?

I am having my set calibrated thursday morning by
Eliab of avical.com I am in staten island, he is in Jersey. He is supposed to be one of the best
they charge 450.00. go to there website Avical.com

Been reading on and off about calibration. How can I know if I need calibration. The TV looks good with default settings. It's a Sony SXRD type. Thanks

You ought to at least use a calibration disc to adjust the settings - TV's typically ship with default settings that range from a little off to intentionally dreadful. I'd recommend at the very least using AVIA or Digital Video Essentials. Since I only have a 32" CRT, I haven't bothered looking into ISF calibration so I don't know how much difference it makes. I would probably not worry with it for displays smaller than 42" or 46", but I'd be curious to hear what folks think of the benefits for something above 50" (particularly once you get into a front or rear projection display).