First off, I am very proficient when it comes to computers and tech, that being said, I am new to HDTVs :).

I have heard of the DVE, and will probably order it when I get my plasma in 2 weeks, but how hard is it REALLY to calibrate plasmas, even with the DVE?

I don't feel like paying someone $300 just to come out and calibrate. I know you need special equipment and stuff, but won't the DVE give me a sort of semi-professional calibration, or do I really have to fork out the money to get it to look amazing?

Another thing ive been confused about, for 4:3 material, do I want the right and left black bars white or black to prevent screen burn? In the manual I am reading online it says to change the bars to either Light or Dark settings, I assume meaning white or black. How come ive read in tons of places to make them grey?

How would being black be bad for screen burn? I thought if they were black it meant that the phosphors weren't lighting up at all.

Stupid double post.