Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray]

Like the other reviewers have already stated, the test pattern for contrast doesn't seem to work. I can see all the steps from black to white no matter where I set the contrast. Also the color decoder doesn't seem to be correct. The instruction say to start by setting blue levels, and then the red and green should be correct. This was not the case. Not only did my picture look better at the factory setting, but the red and green still did not match. I tried to correct this by adjusting the tint, but I was on my own since there is no instruction for setting tint.

Some quick info that I'm basing my review on: The TV I have is the Samsung LN52A750 (a very popular higher end TV right now). My HD sources are: Blu-Ray = PS3, Comcast HD cable, and an XBOX 360 for games. All of these are via HDMI.

I almost always have my TV on in a dark room which is what I wanted the calibration optimized for. I tried my naked eye, then the THX test pattern on the Terminator 2 Blu-Ray but I noticed some noise/graininess in background images sometimes.

Pros

1. Makes the THX test pattern that is available with some Blu-Rays a waste of time. I used the one that came with Terminator 2 (but they're all the same). I did not like the results. But I tried it because renting T2 on Blu-Ray was faster and cheaper than buying DVE so I thought I'd give it a try. To me, the THX patterns are next to worthless. I hate to be so critical but they really are.

2. In-depth education about HD in general, some tricks and methods used by TV manufacturers as well as movie studios, mastering firms, etc. This information is interesting, educational, and useful for optimizing your set. Even though a setting like "color" in your menu might seem obvious, this disc explains how it works within your set which does help in the calibration process.

3. Comes with a color filter that you hold up to your eye to get the red/green/blue correct.

4. If you set aside a couple of hours (yes, a couple of hours) and pay attention to the information presented on this disc (may take watching the same section a few times) you will get your set calibrated as close as you can. Skipping right to the test patterns won't do you any good because you won't know what you're trying to achieve. Spending hundreds of dollars to have someone come out is just crazy.

5. After adjusting some settings, my TV really does look even better than my own naked eye settings (which I was already in love with).

Cons

1. As I expected, there is nothing in this BD about my TV's unique settings for:
a. Backlight
b. HDMI Black Adjust
c. Dynamic Contrast
d. DNR (digital noise reduction)
e. And other menu options (flesh tone, white space, etc.) included in my LN52A750. But I think the factory options for these are fine.

2. While it does include a wealth of info, it's sometimes narrated too fast and/or not clearly enough. I had to watch the section that explains the test patterns 3 times. I didn't mind doing it but thought they could have delivered this in a better way.

Parts of this disc may seem intimidating (even for those of you that consider yourself experts because you browse A/V forums LOL) but if you watch the sections a few times until you understand, you'll be happy you did. My picture really is improved, and I got rid of the background graininess and noise. I think this disc is worth hanging onto, mainly because of future environmental changes that may occur (i.e. you move, rearrange your room, change the lighting, etc.).

I struggled with 3 or 4 stars. I'm happy with the purchase but would have given it 4 or 5 stars if it included info on other menu items in my TV.

This is probably the best way, short paying for professional calibration, to get your money's worth out of your HDTV and surround sound system. It's a bit time consuming, and can be frustrating at times as it's not exactly the easiest to follow at many points. However, if you're spending so much money on a home theater, you might as well spend an extra $15 and an hour of time to use this disc and really get the best picture and sound that you can tweak out of your system.

Found it rather disappointing. I have the original video essentials dvd and didn't find anything on the blue ray version to justify replacing it.

There is a LOT of information on this disc. They explain how surround sound works and the best setups. They discuss HD video and how to get the optimal image from your TV.

Worth the price. It really helped me configure my HD TVs to look their best.