How does one do CRT calibration for LD without a test disc? Are there recommended settings on some of the picture, sharpness, brightness levels etc. or is one just supposed to go by color bars? I find myself tweaking my set for any source, DVD games etc. but tweak it for virtually every LD I put in and even between LDs.

what i did before i had any test disc was get one of your discs that you know has better picture or colors
and adjust so that looks good.

other than that i guess you would just have to do trial and error to what looks good for you.

Time to pick up a copy of Video Essentials (1996) on LD.

that too, or just get it on DVD, that's what i did.
i setup the TV with the video essentials DVD and it's fine with LDs also

DVD and LaserDisc have very different color, hue and brightness/contrast levels and need seperate calibration. Just because LaserDisc looks OK with DVD calibration doesn't mean it is correct. To accurately judge LaserDisc pressings and transfers, the set must be calibrated with an LD meant for that purpose.

o.k. i guess i'll have to look for the LD to do the setup.
when i move i'll get one and setup everything at once.
i haven't done it in some time.

Proper calibration can make for a world of difference.

I calibrated my Sony WEGA KV-40XBR800 for LD with Video Essentials on the "Pro" picture setting, but I normally keep it on "Standard" with the factory presets for that setting when watching DVDs, Blu-rays or Cable TV.

I recently popped in my Sex and Zen HK LD to watch and it looked absolutely horrid. Just then remembered that the picture setting was on "Standard." Flipped over to "Pro" with the calibration, and BAM! The difference was amazing.