Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [HD DVD]

Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [HD DVD]
by Joe Kane

Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [HD DVD]

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DVD details

Actor: Joe Kane
Director: Joe Kane
Brand: Ryko Distribution
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, Surround Sound, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-03-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: DVD International

DVD Reviews of Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [HD DVD]

DVD Review: did not work for me
Summary: 1 Stars

i loaded disk into two players would not play
put it in my computer dvd drive and did not see
any files on the disk. did not work for me

DVD Review: Very HD-Friendly, but Incomplete
Summary: 4 Stars

The Adjustments for Color, Sharpness, Brightness and Contrast are all superb and quite-well tailored to HD sets.

It is however missing a Tint adjustment (my set calls Tint a "Hue" adjustment). If Tint/Hue adjustment is on the disc, I haven't found it yet.

DVD Review: Someone who's actually used the product
Summary: 4 Stars

Well, this is the 5th review of this product and the first one by someone who has actually used it...go figure.

This product is very similar to design and function of the original Digital Video Essentials (DVE) for standard DVD: it has in-depth explanations of current display technologies and how they differ from each other as well as (the most important thing) video and audio test patterns to setup and calibrate your video and audio system (as well as instructions on how to do so).

The HD test patterns are encoded as VC-1 (video) at 1080p and 720p, and Dolby TrueHD (audio). The basic video test patterns are essentially the same as what can be found on the DVE disc but the advanced patterns are different and include a one-pixel-on-one-pixel-off test for 1080p displays, as well as various shades of gray boxes with PLUGE patterns. (It may be of interest to some that the Toshiba HD-A35 HD-DVD player that I have does not pass below-black information. It does not, however, seem to clip the above-white signals). Through testing, I came to the (somewhat surprising) conclusion that my HD-DVD player and Panasonic standard DVD player require essentially the same settings on the display when using the HDMI cable.

The audio test signals (and my subsequent A/V receiver settings) were very different, however, from standard Dollby Digital 5.1. Because my receiver does not have any HDMI inputs, in order to enjoy 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, I have to utilize the HD-A35's internal decoders and analog audio outputs. Standard DVD's have sounded very different with this setup so I was looking forward to the audio test signals on this disc (particularly subwoofer level adjustments). However, the audio test signals are much more limited in quantity than the DVE disc. It's by no means spartan (and it even has a few additional tests over DVE) but the number of tests is small. There is a dedicated LFE signal to set subwoofer level, but the Full-Bandwidth test for all speakers is mistakenly recorded as Limited Bandwidth (which already appears on the disc) so there is no simple way to match subwoofer level to main speaker levels. There are separate Full-Bandwidth signals for the 2 front speakers (and they indicate that they were recorded at the same level as the LFE signal) so this is what I used. I was hoping there would also be DD+ test signals, but there was only the (superior) Dolby True-HD. Ultimately, I was not left high and dry by the audio test signals, but there could have been more of them to finetune the settings.

Navigation of the disc is fairly simple but because HD-DVD works differently than DVD, you may find yourself over-shooting the test you actually want.

All in all, I think you can probably use your original DVE disc for most video setttings and the audio settings can be done fairly accurately with your HD-DVD player's test tone (if it has this feature). There are additional tests that make the disc worth getting (or if you don't already own DVE, this is a must-have) but it's (few) shortcomings drop it to an overall 4 star rating.

For first time calibration disc users: 5 stars
For owners of the original DVE for DVD: 3 stars

DVD Review: Not working on XBOX 360 HD-DVD Player
Summary: 3 Stars

To my dismay this HD-DVD (as of 31 Mar. 08) is not working with the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player add-on.

I pre-ordered this movie and was anxiously counting down the days until I received it.

I gave it 3 stars because I can't rate the HD-DVD until I use it.

Hopefully there will be an update soon.

I seem to recall reviews from the prior version of this DVD needing an update on the 360 and it eventually was released!

Lets cross our fingers and hope for an update soon.

DVD Review: Just Received Item Today. Here's my Review... AWESOME!
Summary: 5 Stars

I thought my TV was well calibrated before I bought his product (I used to sell televisions)but I was wrong. The dvd does a great job of explaining exactly what to do with each test setups which would otherwise be complicated without the great explanations. The HD-DVD version is very well set up and has very well organized menus. You can even calibrate your sound system with many different tests. The DVD provides information on everything from ambient light to even the density you should build your walls in your home theatre setup!

Whether you know nothing about home theatre setups or know everything this DVD is essential to perfect picture quality. I appreciate the value of my home theatre investment much more now that I have it properly calibrated. MUST BUY.

Description of Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [HD DVD]

Did you know that your HDTV may have a greater potential than what you are seeing now? Did you know that manufacturers adjust their sets to get you attention when you buy the set? Usually that setting won t get you the best picture once you have the new set at home.With this easy-to-use program you have the opportunity to re-adjust the set allowing it to provide a much better looking picture. In both HD DVD and Blu-ray formats Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics provides simple setup instructions for new HDTV s. The program also provides additional background information on the HD system itself. It will give you an idea of the quality level you should expect from the HD programs current available to consumers. Also included in this program are commentaries by world renowned cinematographer Allen Daviau known for his work in E.T The Color Purple Empire of the Sun and Van Helsing among others as well as commentary by Joe Kane which will help you learn to identify quality High Definition video.The program is set up so you can pick and choose the subjects you'd like to see. Genre:?MISCELLANEOUS/SPECIAL INTEREST UPC:?647715300423 Manufacturer No:?647715300423

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