Calibration DVD Question

[rlu929s]

Ok i just got a new Sony 775 dvd player to go with my 42PWD7UY plasma. I've been told to look at getting a calibration disc to get it looked as good as possible.

I'm looking and the main ones seems to be Avia/DVE/Sound&Vision. I've looked at all of them and on ebay at least it looks like I can get DVE for the cheapest around $18.00 with shipping. Some have said it's harder to learn for newbies and I'll admit I am that but is it so hard to warrant the extra 20 dollars it takes to get Avia?

Thx for your input!

[cyrusuncc]

I guess it depends on you.

DVE is supposidly more extensive, and harder to use... so if you don't mind trying to figure things out for yourself, go for it!

If you'd rather have it a bit easier for you, i'd get Avia or Sound & Vision. Avia being the more complete calibration dvd, while Sound & Vision being more a tune up.

[rlu929s]

Of course then you see comments saying avia really does no good for someone with a plasma.

[TheSkeptiks]

Or just rent Star Wars or Finding Nemo and use the THX Optimizer that is included on the DVD.

It goes through the same basic process that all the other ones do.
Contrast, Brightness, Color, Hue and Sharpness. The extensive test patterns that you'll get with DVE or Avia may be unusuable (word?) for you. More for ISF techs to use while calibrating in the service menu.

Just spend $4.00 on renting a DVD with THX Optimizer on it. Or maybe you already own a DVD with it on it.

I have Digital Video Essentials also. My Picture settings ended up exactly the same with THX Optimizer and DVE. THX Optimizer was just easier to use. One thing though...you'll need to purchase a BLUE FILTER to use with the THX Optimizer. You can get this at most Camera shops for a few bucks.

later

[Bud-man]

What good is using avia when i only calibrates the input your using the dvd on?
You cant use to calibrate any other mode, like s-video,dvi unless you hook up the dvd player to each input separate
The settings in the service menu are for what input your on when you accessed it.

[TheSkeptiks]

A calibrator, when calibrating your DVD input may choose to use Avia Pro or DVE through YOUR dvd player while adjusting the picture settings in the service menu.

Avia or DVE will not be usefull when calibrating other inputs. The Calibrator will use his own signal generator to calibrate your other inputs.

[rlu929s]

ok i think i will stick with the THX then. I have actually used this off the Phantom Menace DVD just the other day and it seems to work pretty decently. I just didn't know how far I needed to go but I'll save my money for now.

Does anyone know if they THX is any different depending on what dvd you are using. Shoudl I use something the attack of the clones since it's newer than phantom menace?

THX

[TheSkeptiks]

They should all be the same.

Just make sure you use the BLUE FILTER. Otherwise you can't dial your color and tint(hue) settings correctly.

[rlu929s]

What kind of shop would I go for one? Don't know of any camera shops here....Radio Shack,Best Buy,Circuit City?

[TheSkeptiks]

I don't know. Where do you live?

There's not one camera store in your city? Like WOLF Camera or something?

The blue filter comes with the Video Essentials DVD. I'm not sure what other type of store would sell a Blue filter.

You could check the camera section at best buy, but I don't know if they'd have it. It looks like a film negative strip, it's just blue. Probably $2.00 or less if you could find it.

Does anyone else know where he can buy a blue filter?

[rlu929s]

I live in Springfield, MO