I can't find an answer....

I have a Samsung LCD model LN-S4051D if that helps....

I was leaning toward AVIA but it's from 1999...and its not even in widescreen....

I can't find an answer....

I have a Samsung LCD model LN-S4051D if that helps....

I was leaning toward AVIA but it's from 1999...and its not even in widescreen....


Both AVIA and DVE could be considered "outdated" and have several elements that are more geared to calibrating CRT based sets.

However, I have both and have used elements of each. AVIA has a beter menu navigation system than DVE. Both can be used to properly set up color, brightness, contrast, etc on any TV type.

AVIA's "Widescreen Enhanced" patterns are still displayed in 4:3 mode. However, the patterns are vertically "stretched". By setting your DVD player's 4:3 output to "full" or "fill" (ie--no player-produced 4:3 pillarbox bars), the widescreen AVIA patterns wil fill the TV screen properly.

Either would be a good choice. I think AVIA is the more user-friendly of the 2, but they both cover esentially the same ground.

I do know that AVIA is available for rental from Netflix, although you won't get the color filters that are normally supplied with it @ purchase. Still a good way to check it out.

Both AVIA and DVE could be considered "outdated" and have several elements that are more geared to calibrating CRT based sets.

However, I have both and have used elements of each. AVIA has a beter menu navigation system than DVE. Both can be used to properly set up color, brightness, contrast, etc on any TV type.

AVIA's "Widescreen Enhanced" patterns are still displayed in 4:3 mode. However, the patterns are vertically "stretched". By setting your DVD player's 4:3 output to "full" or "fill" (ie--no player-produced 4:3 pillarbox bars), the widescreen AVIA patterns wil fill the TV screen properly.

Either would be a good choice. I think AVIA is the more user-friendly of the 2, but they both cover esentially the same ground.

I do know that AVIA is available for rental from Netflix, although you won't get the color filters that are normally supplied with it @ purchase. Still a good way to check it out.what exactly are the color filters?

Both AVIA and DVE could be considered "outdated" and have several elements that are more geared to calibrating CRT based sets.

However, I have both and have used elements of each. AVIA has a beter menu navigation system than DVE. Both can be used to properly set up color, brightness, contrast, etc on any TV type.

AVIA's "Widescreen Enhanced" patterns are still displayed in 4:3 mode. However, the patterns are vertically "stretched". By setting your DVD player's 4:3 output to "full" or "fill" (ie--no player-produced 4:3 pillarbox bars), the widescreen AVIA patterns wil fill the TV screen properly.

Either would be a good choice. I think AVIA is the more user-friendly of the 2, but they both cover esentially the same ground.

I do know that AVIA is available for rental from Netflix, although you won't get the color filters that are normally supplied with it @ purchase. Still a good way to check it out.
I agree, I just rented the AVIA. It's pretty easy to navigate and understand, but a bit outdated. They should come up with a new tune up dvd for HDTV's with a 16:9 format.

I agree, I just rented the AVIA. It's pretty easy to navigate and understand, but a bit outdated. They should come up with a new tune up dvd for HDTV's with a 16:9 format.

Apparently there's been talk of an HD-DVD/BluRay DVE for some time. Have seen mention of it here before, but foggy on any specifics.

what exactly are the color filters?

what exactly are the color filters?

red, blue and green filters that you look thru while certain color bar patterns are displayed. Helps to properly dial in color and tint levels.

Not completely neccessary for using AVIA, but needed if wanting to fully dial in color/tint w/o just "eyebaling" it.

The THX Optimizer found on many commercial DVDs also feature a color/tint test requiring the THX "Blue Filter" glasses (available cheap from thx.com). AVIA just takes this further by also utilizing red and green filters.

New copies of AVIA have these packaged with them. Not available (obviously) when renting from Netflix.

I too own both Avia and DVE, as has been said AVIA is easier to navigate (but it's really not that hard to navigate through DVE, just kind of a pain).

I like AVIA for both Video and Audio calibration, the features are petty good for both, but since I do not do bass management (I run straight audio outs from DVD player to reciever), I can't use Avia's subwoofer tuning. The LFE signal on the Avia disc does not go through the DVD players x.1 connection. This is where DVE's audio sweep comes in and I can balance my subs that way.

If I were to choose one and if you have a typical HT set up (reciever does all the processing and bass management), then I would buy Avia because it's easier to use and has nice test patterns and audio test signals.

Both calibration discs will explain how to use the color filters and they aren't expensive at all - which is why I have both.

Don't forget to buy the Radio Shack SPL meter.

Is it possible to get the filters if you plan on renting it from Netflix?

I'd imagine if you can get a hold of "3D" glasses (red/blue glasses) this may work. The majority of the simple color calibration is done w/ the "blue" filter, a small portion is performed w/ the "red" filter. Since a smaller color calibration (more like test) is performed w/ the "green" filter, the "green" filter is not really necessary.

With that said, the price of the Avia disc (may be $15 max) and the Radioshack SPL meter (may be $25) really isn't that much. It would be better to go ahead and just purchase them.

As you learn more, tweak your system, buy new equipment, you can always go back to your simple calibration equipment. I do not regret my purchases in the least.

A better option is the GetGray disc.

Check the following thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586139

The HD-DVD version of DVE is comming out the on the 24th: http://www.videoessentials.com

It's dual sided, the HD side has 720p and 1080p versions and the SD side has the 480p version. It includes the color filter.

A AVS member got to watch the beta version in use by a calibrater they said the menus are better.

A better option is the GetGray disc.

Check the following thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586139

Yeah I got the getgray disc but I figured you would need the filters with that as well. Not to mention I don't think I really understand how to use it. lol It seems like a great tool though.

If you read through the thread and the manual, which is posted online, you should get a pretty good idea of what to do.

The thread is long, but worth the read.

The HD-DVD version of DVE is comming out the on the 24th: http://www.videoessentials.com

It's dual sided, the HD side has 720p and 1080p versions and the SD side has the 480p version. It includes the color filter.

A AVS member got to watch the beta version in use by a calibrater they said the menus are better.

Good news!

Ideally I would like to have a two sided HD-DVD/Blu-ray version! As I already have SD. :)

If you read through the thread and the manual, which is posted online, you should get a pretty good idea of what to do.

The thread is long, but worth the read.
I have...just confuses me. lol

I just got my HD DVE in from amazon.com. its a dual sided disc, one side has HD-DVD, and the other just has regular NTSC.

So a question about calibration DVD's in general----do they help you get the most possible detail out of your TV, or do they only help to get colors/brightness/contrast etc. accurate?

I just got my HD DVE in from amazon.com. its a dual sided disc, one side has HD-DVD, and the other just has regular NTSC.

So a question about calibration DVD's in general----do they help you get the most possible detail out of your TV, or do they only help to get colors/brightness/contrast etc. accurate?

From what I understand it helps you get the most out of your HDTV.

The new DVE on combo DVD/ HD-DVD works just great for LCD and plasma displays. And they tell you how to use specific test patterns for flat panel digital displays like plasma and LCD. Setting black level(brightness), color saturation,color decoding are the same as you would with a CRT. But contrast needs to be set different, for that they give you a nice 22 point greyscale ramp for contrast setting and show you how to do it.

BTW the new DVE disc comes with a RGB color filter to look through. Yes you do use the blue filter to set color saturation, but the red and green filters are just as important as they allow you to dial in the other 2 primary colors accurately when adjusting tint or contrast(yes contrast affects the tint of the primary and secondary colors)to make sure your primary colors are as accurate as possible. Without the red/green filters its possible that your primary colors are off significantly, even though blue might be fine, red and green can be way off. If red and green are off, then your secondary colors will be off as well.

So pick up a copy of the new DVE. Its worth the $25 and then some.

The new DVE on combo DVD/ HD-DVD works just great for LCD and plasma displays. And they tell you how to use specific test patterns for flat panel digital displays like plasma and LCD. Setting black level(brightness), color saturation,color decoding are the same as you would with a CRT. But contrast needs to be set different, for that they give you a nice 22 point greyscale ramp for contrast setting and show you how to do it.

BTW the new DVE disc comes with a RGB color filter to look through. Yes you do use the blue filter to set color saturation, but the red and green filters are just as important as they allow you to dial in the other 2 primary colors accurately when adjusting tint or contrast(yes contrast affects the tint of the primary and secondary colors)to make sure your primary colors are as accurate as possible. Without the red/green filters its possible that your primary colors are off significantly, even though blue might be fine, red and green can be way off. If red and green are off, then your secondary colors will be off as well.

So pick up a copy of the new DVE. Its worth the $25 and then some.

Do you need an HD-DVD player to use the new disc? If not, does it still help calibrate the TV for HD viewing even if you use it in standard DVD format.

Do you need an HD-DVD player to use the new disc? If not, does it still help calibrate the TV for HD viewing even if you use it in standard DVD format.

It's a flip disc I beleive. HD-DVD on one side, DVD on the other. You'd need to calibrate the HDTV input for it to be effective with that, but yes it should help.

I just picked mine up from buy.com for $6.95 shipped! it was 16.95 with a $10 off google checkout discount.

I only use DVE.

So is this new HD-DVE the same thing as the old DVE (except for the HD-DVD side)? Or is it a completely new revamped/updated calibration DVD?

It's a flip disc I beleive. HD-DVD on one side, DVD on the other. You'd need to calibrate the HDTV input for it to be effective with that, but yes it should help.

I just picked mine up from buy.com for $6.95 shipped! it was 16.95 with a $10 off google checkout discount.

From where? I checked buy.com and it's $42.35.... subtract $30 if you apply for the buy.com CC... but..


I bought mine new from eBay for $21 shipped.. thought that was a good deal. :)

From where? I checked buy.com and it's $42.35.... subtract $30 if you apply for the buy.com CC... but..


I bought mine new from eBay for $21 shipped.. thought that was a good deal. :)


Not sure where you checked on Buy.com. That's where I ordered mine from for $14.99. Are talking about the HD-DVD DVE disc, right?

http://www.buy.com/prod/digital-video-essentials-hd/q/loc/322/203043835.html
(Their sku is 203043835 for that item)

Not sure where you checked on Buy.com. That's where I ordered mine from for $14.99. Are talking about the HD-DVD DVE disc, right?

http://www.buy.com/prod/digital-video-essentials-hd/q/loc/322/203043835.html
(Their sku is 203043835 for that item)

Regular DVD.. sorry, wasn't sure if it was the HD disk.

Isnt that link for the HDDVD only, and not the combo one with both HDDVD and DVD???????????????

Isnt that link for the HDDVD only, and not the combo one with both HDDVD and DVD???????????????

Don't think such an animal exists. Check out DVE's product site: http://www.videoessentials.com/products_main.php

The only HD-DVD they seem to make has SD on the flip side.

The suggested retail price matched up on Buy.com's site too ($34.95). Guess the only way I'll know for sure is when it gets here in a few days (I'll post an update).

Guess the only way I'll know for sure is when it gets here in a few days (I'll post an update).

Got it today. It's the HDDVD/NTSC

I have...just confuses me. lolDid you download and read the "Readme" file (available on www.calibrate.tv)? That gives you the steps in using the GetGray disc. If that still confuses you, then you heed to read more about basic calibration (see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=585527). You will get more hand-holding with the AVIA calibration discs.

neilher -- Both the HD versions of DVE and AVIA include the HD and SD versions in their packages.

Not sure where you checked on Buy.com. That's where I ordered mine from for $14.99. http://www.buy.com/prod/digital-video-essentials-hd/q/loc/322/203043835.html
(Their sku is 203043835 for that item)
This is definitely the way to go if someone wants a great calibration disc! Thank you so much Lordkenyon for the link :) This is a much better deal than the mandatory 25.00 "donation" for the GetGray disc. At only 6.95 (using the Google checkout option) for this professional HD DVE dual sided disc, it looks like Christmas has come early! Thanks again :D

This is definitely the way to go if someone wants a great calibration disc! Thank you so much Lordkenyon for the link :) This is a much better deal than the mandatory 25.00 "donation" for the GetGray disc. At only 6.95 (using the Google checkout option) for this professional HD DVE dual sided disc, it looks like Christmas has come early! Thanks again :D

Just ordered mine now for $6.89 shipped. It's hard to believe it could get any cheaper.

Avia has no values outside 16-235 represented on the disc. this makes it near useless for setting up things like HTPCs . I don't use my copy of Avia at all these days. The strange burnished plastic leather face of the presenter and his hideous pullovers also give me "the fear".

DVE is useful for the gray ramps , apart from that I frankly hate the navigation system.

I use Getgrey for most things. I actually prefer the original VE over DVE for some things and general checking even though its not as accurate as it could be. I also prefer the mixed cadence sequence on VE over DVE . What is up with that looney dressed as the statue of liberty ?