CalMAN? HTPC Pattern Generator from SpectraCal, LLC is a free software application that allows you to generate video test patterns from your PC, to assist in calibrating any display: home theater, HDTV, television, projector, LCD, or computer monitor.

CalMAN HTPC offers the widest available collection of video test patterns, including a complete selection of brightness, contrast, Pluge, Hi/Lo, ANSI, Grayscale, SMTPE Bars, Ramps, Decoders, Square Waves, and Sine Waves, allowing you to control select frequencies, colors, and video levels.

CalMAN HTPC will serve patterns windowed or full-screen, and it contains a built-in TCP/IP interface allowing remote PCs to control and automate its operations.

Using SpectraCal's display calibration application CalMAN in conjunction with HTPC, measurement automation in CalMAN goes far beyond what has been previously available.

Entire calibration runs can be automated, often taking a complete set of grayscale measurements, for example, in well under two minutes, with the push of a single button.

HTPC will also serve as a standalone application or integrate with other packages.

Using Microsoft's Direct/X interface, CalMAN HTPC does not depend on stored patterns, but generates each pattern on the fly, allowing it to offer impressive response time and rugged reliability.

With a feature set far ahead of any other software currently available, and a price tag of free, CalMAN HTPC is an essential component in the toolbox of any professional video calibrator.

But with its simple user interface, it is also inviting to those just venturing into display calibration for the first time.

More information is available at www.spectracal.com.