I need an education on TV set up discs.

I'm sure you guys are familiar with tv set up discs that are supposed to properly set up colors, sharpness, contrast and so on. How well do these work? Do they make a major difference on large hd tvs? On 32 inch tube tvs? My own tv is a 32" Samsung that isn't exceptional but it's a pretty decent tv. Would I see any visual improvement with using one of these discs? Anyone have a disc they would recommend?

 

Video Essentials is the one I use.

Some THX-certified DVD movies have similar set-up sections, but I don't think they're packaged with a "blue filter" for accurate color set-up like VE is.

 

Yes, I think it's a worth while investment for a 32" set.

Look for a newer disc called "Digital Video Essentials". It has tons of stuff, but should walk you through basic calibrations.

You'll likely see the following benefits:

Lower overall contrast leads to more accurate white balance
Lower sharpness setting leads to less "ringing" and other introduced artifacts.
More accurate Brightness setting will give you true blacks and a more dynamic picture.
(likely) Lower color settings make skin tones look more natural and provide proper color balance.

 

I use DVE also, and I've helped a few family members calibrate their TVs using it. There hasn't been a single one that didn't have the brightness and contrast WAY off.

Don't forget to write down the initial settings before you start so you can go back and see what a DRASTIC difference the disc can make...

 

I've never used the Avia disc, but from talking with industry professionals that seems to be the one recommended for more casual users. One guy called DVE "labarynthic," and having used it I can concur.

John K.

 

DVE is very straightforward if you watch it from start to finish, which I would guess that many people would do on the first use.

Once you know what's on it, it's not TOO hard to find what you're looking for again later...

 

Where can one get a copy of DVE?

 

The first "Video Essentials" DVD was comprehensive, but the menu structure was a labyrith. "Avia" is easier to find your way around. I haven't seen the new "Video Essentials" DVD, but I do plan to buy the PAL version for use here in New Zealand.

For your TV, the first thing you should do is tweak the sharpness setting. Turn it down. Now turn it done some more. Is it at zero yet? Good, that's the optimum setting for most TVs, in my experience. Your TV may at first look a little funny, but after a couple of hours you'll realise that it looks more natural, and that adding sharpness simply over-accentuates edges and adds distortion.