I want to calibrate my Panasonic CT-30WX54. I have a few questions in regard to doing this.

1. What is the best and easiest calibration disc to use?

2. I have a Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-Ray player and a Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD player. Will HDMI or Component Cables give the best calibrated picture?

3. I have Standard Definition DirecTV connected to the television using an S-Video cable. Can I calibrate this video source?

4. Is there a length of time the TV has to operate before you calibrate it?

5. Do you have to go into the service menu of the television using the calibration disc?

I can answer to the following:

4: Yes, you should run the set for at least 20 minutes before starting calibration.
5: Yes, all adjustments are done via the TV set's service menu.

5: Yes, all adjustments are done via the TV set's service menu.

I think you mean to say, "...the TV set's user menu."
The user menu being the menu accessed via the remote's ACTION button.
In North America, we refer to the service menu as the menu which is 'hidden' within the tv's internal system.

1. Avia Guide to Home Theatre is easy to use.
I believe Avia II is now available.
Digital Video Essentials was a pain in the ass. However, there is a DVE HD (high-definition) available now. Opinions vary.

2. In all likelyhood, the picture quality will be equal via component and hdmi.
Both are the highest quality connection.
HDMI, however, is often required for some equipment to achieve the highest resolutions. (check your owner's manual)
*considering the low price of cables from monoprice, you should really try both*

3.Yes you can use s-video during the calibration.
Your tv has 8 inputs? Yes?
cable/antenna, hdmi, component1, component2, video1, video2, video3, video4. Correct?
I believe the inputs video1 and video2 have an s-video connection.
If you wish to calibrate these s-video inputs using an s-video cable from your dvd player, by all means do so.
However, you will be calibrating the hdmi and component connections separately, will you not?

My Panasonic, calibrated using Avia, can display an astoundingly beautiful picture. I'm really pleased with this tv.
High definition picture quality is just wonderful.
What is really pleasing is the picture quality from a standard definition Pioneer DV-275 dvd player. Via component video connection, I receive an incredible picture.

I have a couple HDTVs in the house along with HD DVD, Blu ray,Oppo dvd players and ATSC tuners for hi-def OTA. I mention this only to let you know that I've seen some pretty fine picture quality here.
This model Panasonic is right up there.