Has anyone heard a definitive answer to when the HD version of the AVIA II cal disc will be available for shipping.

I know you can now order the regular AVIA II disc but someone told me it will be in 4 different formats if thats correct.

Regards, ;)

i found this.

Estimated ship dates for each version:

NTSC (North American Standard) - April 30, 2007
PAL (European Standard) - May 15, 2007
HD-DVD - May 15, 2007
Blu Ray - May 15, 2007
These dates are estimates from the manufacturer (as of 4/02/07).

Where did you find this info.....an where can I order it????

just did a quick search for avia II. it was the 3rd hit . it states they are taking pre orders. i kinda think the dates listed may be wrong though. as those days have come and gone and i haven heard much buzz about avia II heres the link.
http://www.enhancedht.com/page/EHT/PROD/CALIB/AVIA2

there were lots of other sites i just didnt have time to check them out. may be more info there.

just did a quick search for avia II. it was the 3rd hit . it states they are taking pre orders. i kinda think the dates listed may be wrong though. as those days have come and gone and i haven heard much buzz about avia II heres the link.
http://www.enhancedht.com/page/EHT/PROD/CALIB/AVIA2

there were lots of other sites i just didnt have time to check them out. may be more info there.

Thanks for the help since I am specifically wanting the HD version but submitting a order now basing it on mere speculation of when the HD version will actually be stocked is not my cup of tea. It could be delayed for another 6 months since no one really knows other then the AVIA II HD versions author.

Regards, ;)

Sent a e-mail to HDTV-Supply & they sent back info that now they expect the release of the AVIA II HD version in late May or early June from the maker. Still really mere speculation I feel on their part.

Regards, ;)

I called Ovation today (7/11/07)

They are having "post production problems" with the video for Avia II (http://www.avia2.com/). They hope to ship in four to six weeks from now which would be mid to late August.

Thanks for the update though I'm not sure what that means. Whatever problems they have, I just hope that they can be resolved asap. Do you happen to know the approx. list price? Thanks.

Never mind my list price question. I was too lazy searching. Thanks.

Please, save us all some time and annoyance- don't report, repeat, or believe anything about HD calibration disc release dates! What has been proven repeatedly now for years is- the only news worth conveying is that the completed titles are actually being shipped.

Thanks for the update though I'm not sure what that means.

Alas, I expect it means just what GeorgeAB so succinctly said.

the only news worth conveying is that the completed titles are actually being shipped.

Please forgive my zeal in trying to relay comments received directly from the company on a product there is apparently a lot of interest in. From now on I shall do my best to confine myself to emotional responses devoid of any intrinsic informational content.

By the way I noticed in your profile that your company provides calibration services. How interesting.

By the way I noticed in your profile that your company provides calibration services. How interesting.

I'm also a dealer for Ovation Multimedia's products, and have been for over 7 years. Same goes for Joe Kane Productions and now ISF/Monster. Every attempt these companies have made in recent years to predict when their projects will actually be available has been fruitless. They mean well, but have been at the mercy of circumstances outside of their control.

A chronic pattern has been set and confirmed again and again. Anything you may hear from these companies about anticipated release dates is simply just wishful thinking. Don't bet anything on their reliability. I have resolved myself to just being happy when these types of products arrive at my door.

well, thanks for at least breathing some life back into this subject and moving it back to the first page.
i have been checking often to see if they have begun shipping and will post when i see that they are.

Never mind my list price question. I was too lazy searching. Thanks.

Geez, it would have been nice if you posted your search results and provided a link, it would have saved other members from searching! :p

^^^
the link in post 4 has prices for pre order. :p

I called Ovation today (7/11/07)

They are having "post production problems" with the video for Avia II (http://www.avia2.com/). They hope to ship in four to six weeks from now which would be mid to late August.


was this the email you received? i just got this today (8/16/07). Apparently 4-6 weeks is a catchphrase for "we have no frecking clue"

==============================================
Thank you for your inquiry. We are currently in the process of updating the Avia disc with both HD DVD and Blu-ray editions, as well as NTSC and PAL. Unfortunately we experienced some technical difficulty in post production and the release of Avia II has been delayed. Our goal is to have the NTSC & PAL versions available in approximately 4 - 6 weeks, and the HD versions to market shortly thereafter; however; I have not been given a firm release date for any of the discs at this time.

I have added your name and email address to our database so when the product is released we will send you a notice.

Thanks again for your interest in our products!

Kind regards,

Lisa Berendts

Ovation Multimedia

was this the email you received? i just got this today (8/16/07). Apparently 4-6 weeks is a catchphrase for "we have no frecking clue"



I think that was the information George was trying to convey,,, :D

i just received my avia ii from hdtv supply and my picture look awesome.

i think they discount and i got free shipping

Hawaiigone,

In a previous post you have indicated you are an agent of this vendor. Is that true?

Hawaiigone,

In a previous post you have indicated you are an agent of this vendor. Is that true?

A look at his previous posts make him look like a shill for that company.

Will this new Avia 2 be better than the first for calibrating my 360 w/a 720p TV? Does it matter whether it's an LCD or CRT?

Thanks.

Will this new Avia 2 be better than the first for calibrating my 360 w/a 720p TV?
Of course. It will be HD rather than SD. A hi def program will always look better on an HDTV than an NTSC program.
Does it matter whether it's an LCD or CRT?
No.

Of course. It will be HD rather than SD. A hi def program will always look better on an HDTV than an NTSC program.

No.

Thanks. It's just the 360, no HD-DVD player - so I'm assuming the NTSC version is the only thing that'll do me any good?

The standard definition games will be NTSC.

No. In fact, I found navigation in the original better.

Will this new Avia 2 be better than the first for calibrating my 360 w/a 720p TV? Does it matter whether it's an LCD or CRT?

Thanks.

Dont know guys but I just got this e-mail. Looks like the end of the year for the HD-DVD and Blu-ray version. Doug
----------

The Avia II Guide to Home Theater calibration DVD (NTSC edition) is now
available. You may order your copy by visiting our online store at
www.ovationmultimedia.com and click on the STORE link, by fax at
740-373-6331 or call us directly between 8:00am and 4:00pm (EST) at
800-572-3917 or 740-373-6212. Shipping
options available are: USPS Priority and/or Global Mail and Fed Ex.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are an owner of the original Avia Guide to Home
Theater, we are offering an upgrade program. Please check our website for
details (click on the UPGRADE PROGRAM link) if you wish to participate.

The PAL version of Avia II, along with the HD editions (HD DVD and Blu-ray
discs) should be available by the end of 2007.

Thank you for your patience and your interest in our Avia II product!

Can you believe they expect us to send our credit card information through a fax machine? I want the upgrade price, but not at that risk. I'll just wait and see if the price drops.

Well, I finally got my first shipment of the SD 'Avia II' DVDs last week. First impressions from a quick tour of the video-related material left me impressed and mostly pleased. The tutorials could have gone deeper and spent more time on the various subjects discussed, especially considering the price. I will be recommending it to my customers who know very little about audio, video and home theater. For more advanced hobbyists, I would still recommend 'Digital Video Essentials' instead.

The new 'Avia II' program is similar to the original in many ways but updated. It seems shorter, though. I have yet to check out the DVD ROM features. There may be an abundance of extra docmentation and features there. Navigation is very straightforward. There are many layers to the test pattern listings.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

I tried my AVIA II last night. I only hit the video sections as I just set up the projector and need to move some furniture around before I can finalize speaker placement. Initial observation on the video sections are that while the core adjustments are there, they are a little light on explanation of why you are making a specific adjustment and hints/tips on why you may want to go above or below the "optimum" setting. Also the advanced test/patterns are there but you have to remove the disk from your DVD player and put it in your PC to locate a pdf file that explains how to use these patterns. I guess that the holdup on this product was that they couldn't fit the pdf file info onto the DVD. In my opinion this is an incomplete product, as I expected it to be inclusive of all information needed to use all the test patterns.

Im holding out for the full HD-DVD and BluRay edition expected at the end of the year.
From the Ovation home page. http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/files/Avia_II_Manual_2007.pdf

First, let me tell you that I don't know much about TV or speakers, I only want to use them. I was told that I can use the AVIA II to calibrate the TV so to ensure that I have the best image. I have a Bravia HD TV. I thought about buying some speakers to connect to the TV, but I have not done it yet. Thus, my interest at this moment is to calibrate the HD TV. Will the AVIA II help me to do the calibration? Do I need a HD DVD to use the program? Thanks, Carlos

GeorgeAB,
Would you mind elaborating on reasons for prefering DVE or what you found lacking in AVIA II?

Any benefits of one over the other for SpyderTV Colorimeter users? BTW, you can do decent grayscale w/ the colorimeter.

TIA.

'DVE' has much more elaborate tutorials and test materials. Here's a link to Joe Kane Productions' PDF of test pattern explanations for 'DVE.' I have read a report from a calibrator who uses an $11,000.00 Minolta CS-200 color analyzer, who found some of the darker gray scale patterns on 'Avia II' to be darker than they should be. I haven't tested them myself to see if my copy has this problem, and I don't know when I'll have the time to verify it. Perhaps it will come up in another thread before then.

A major dealer for Avia II

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/aviigutohoth.html

A major dealer for Avia II

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/aviigutohoth.html

I have banned them as a buying option, b/c they appear to be schilling themselves on the forum.

'DVE' has much more elaborate tutorials and test materials. Here's a link to Joe Kane Productions' PDF of test pattern explanations for 'DVE.' I have read a report from a calibrator who uses an $11,000.00 Minolta CS-200 color analyzer, who found some of the darker gray scale patterns on 'Avia II' to be darker than they should be. I haven't tested them myself to see if my copy has this problem, and I don't know when I'll have the time to verify it. Perhaps it will come up in another thread before then.

Do you know who measured this, and where they may have explained this?

I don't know Guy's level of involvement in encoding this, but it seems that it's the same patterns from Avia PRO which at least on that disc were extremely precise. Part of my doubt of your claim here is also because Guy uses the, in my opinion, bizarre choice of labeling the patterns in IRE, which assumes 7.5IRE setup. Someone measuring who didn't know that could easily misinterpret the results, which would skew especially the lower greyscale values quite a bit darker than the IRE label provided on the disc would show, which is NOT the same as a % label.

I'm going to order a copy momentarily, and I'll check it out when I get it, but I would be extremely surprised if the patterns were not identical to what is on Avia PRO. But of course, if it's someone else other than Guy doing it, it's possible things got screwed up. My understanding is that Guy is no longer affiliated with ovation, so I have no idea about that.

I'm not making any "claims," just reporting what I read in an e-mail from a competent technician. We sell these on our web site, so I'm in no hurry to discredit its value. I'm willing to consider other perspectives. You may be right about the IRE approach.

Just because Guy Kuo may have been involved doesn't guarantee anything. We all make errors, or someone in the chain after his involvement could have made an error. Let us know what you find, please.

I decided to purchase this on ebay primarily because it seems to have a great test for contrast. I love my DVE and have been able to adjust brightness (shouldn't it really be called darkness?), color and tint. But on my direct-view HDTV, the white box doesn't really "bloom", nor does the vertical line bend like in the illustrations. So I'm excited to try the contrast test from the Avia II. May as well check the color and brightness from the disc too.

I checked out Amazon for the cost of ordering Avia II from them... it has it listed, but it will not be released for sale until Jan. 1, 2008... is this an updated NTSC disc?

Because this is my first post, it will not let me post the link, but if anyone goes to Amazon, and does a search for Avia II, it will come up for $34.99.

On the Avia package on that webpage, it says that it is an update. Does anyone know about this?

Thanks,

Jim

If you already own avia, you can get a lower "update" price for Avia II. Directions are on ovation's site.

Is there any Avia on BLU RAY ?

Not yet. Maybe by the end of the year. No one really knows, including the manufacturer. All the announced HD test discs have been fraught with repeated unexpected delays and technical complications.

thank you.

is the avia II releasead yet ? amazon says january 2008
but in ebay seems like they sellin it right now

We have inventory, I don't know who else does.

NTSC version is available just not the HD-DVD or BluRay version until the end or first of the year but may be longer the way its going. Doug

Well, I got my Avia today.


I like my DVE better. :(

Voyeur,
Could you elaborate? I keep asking this, b/c I have never used DVE, but have always been quite satisfied w/my copy of Avia. TIA.

Voyeur,
Could you elaborate? I keep asking this, b/c I have never used DVE, but have always been quite satisfied w/my copy of Avia. TIA.
My biggest problem is I should have bought the original Avia. They had a contrast test that sounded perfect for me from a website (which described a test in which you can raise contrast until a white bar disappears, etc). I thought for sure the same test would be included in the Avia II but is not. It's basically the same contrast test as in the DVE. Needless to say, that was HUGELY disappointing.

I like the newer color bar test more on the DVE (a little easier to tell the exact point where blue matches), although the red-push test pattern on the Avia is interesting.

Brightness test is the same as the DVE except the black bars move from side to side.

I do like the sharpness test more on the Avia, which reinforces the fact I should keep it at it's lowest setting.

You can pause the test patterns during the basic calibration scenes of the disc, but you CANNOT pause for their extra test patterns. So I had to keep selecting the same test a couple of times to try certain adjustments. Really annoying. This is not a problem with the DVE.

One great thing about the DVE is all the color filters are attached to a single card. On the Avia, they are separate strips. Okay, so that's not a big deal, but I can see losing one of those strips if not careful (although I'm usually pretty careful).

I'm being a little unfair to the Avia II because I was expecting something slightly different from the DVE. I was especially hoping for better help with contrast (I need it, the top white box doesn't really bloom...the black line doesn't bend, etc). Perhaps what I'm looking for is from the original Avia DVD.

Here's the link to the 50 page PDF of a detailed explanation for using the advanced test patterns and audio tones on 'Avia II': http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/files/Avia_II_Manual_2007.pdf .

There is also a 21 page PDF of a glossary of terms: http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/files/Avia_II_Glossary_2007.pdf .

The advanced test patterns offer several that would make adjusting contrast on a digital display more easy and precise. Review the 50 page PDF and pick one that you think will suit your needs.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

Thanks for the link.

Cannot wait for the HD versions now!

Mark

My biggest problem is I should have bought the original Avia. They had a contrast test that sounded perfect for me from a website (which described a test in which you can raise contrast until a white bar disappears, etc). I thought for sure the same test would be included in the Avia II but is not. It's basically the same contrast test as in the DVE. Needless to say, that was HUGELY disappointing.

I like the newer color bar test more on the DVE (a little easier to tell the exact point where blue matches), although the red-push test pattern on the Avia is interesting.

Brightness test is the same as the DVE except the black bars move from side to side.

I do like the sharpness test more on the Avia, which reinforces the fact I should keep it at it's lowest setting.

You can pause the test patterns during the basic calibration scenes of the disc, but you CANNOT pause for their extra test patterns. So I had to keep selecting the same test a couple of times to try certain adjustments. Really annoying. This is not a problem with the DVE.

One great thing about the DVE is all the color filters are attached to a single card. On the Avia, they are separate strips. Okay, so that's not a big deal, but I can see losing one of those strips if not careful (although I'm usually pretty careful).

I'm being a little unfair to the Avia II because I was expecting something slightly different from the DVE. I was especially hoping for better help with contrast (I need it, the top white box doesn't really bloom...the black line doesn't bend, etc). Perhaps what I'm looking for is from the original Avia DVD.

There are numerous iterations of the same moving white bar pattern in Avia two which are exactly like the one in Avia, except significantly improved because they include above-white bars which Avia did not. It seems to me you simply need to locate and use those patterns. I.e. read the manual.

Voyeur,
The pattern you are looking for is in the lower left of the color checkerboard according ot the pdf.

I remember using this pattern on Avia and frankly, it only helped w/ the cheapest or earliest generation fixed pixel displays. Most of the time I could max out contrast and the display would still show both bars.

I wonder sometimes if the flashing from the Avia color bars pattern does not cause an issue w/ edge enhancement or some video processing. This pattern always shows the color balance to be off on most displays.

Overall there wasn't anything to serious in your critques. Thanks.

Hey guys I just bought a Sharp LC-32D43U HDTV, I spent all day yesterday trying to search for a calibration DVD. But I have no idea with what to go with. I'm a noob, not too familiar with all the terms, but I am looking at the glossary a certain poster posted up. My TV is being used for PS3 (HDMI), 360 (Component), HD Cable Programming (Component), and sometimes my PC. The only thing I really used to get a decent picture was the THX optimizer that came with my Star Wars movie, as much as I love the color and detail I feel its a little dark for my gaming. What would you guy recommend picking up. I'm able to purchase online, so that won't be a problem. Thanks!

I feel its a little dark for my gaming. What would you guy recommend picking up
You may have to re-adjust your picture settings for many games. Many (possibly even most) game studios don't adhere to video standards, use calibrated monitors, or master their programs in reference viewing environments. Therefore, their games behave erratically when it comes to image settings. This miserable state of affairs is gradually changing. THX certified games follow imaging industry standards and should perform correctly on a calibrated monitor.

For your computer, I would recommend 'DisplayMate Multimedia Edition' from displaymate.com. For DVD, you could start with 'Avia II' or 'Digital Video Essentials.' 'DVE' is available as a combo disc with HD DVD on one side and SD DVD on the other.

You may have to re-adjust your picture settings for many games. Many (possibly even most) game studios don't adhere to video standards, use calibrated monitors, or master their programs in reference viewing environments. Therefore, their games behave erratically when it comes to image settings. This miserable state of affairs is gradually changing. THX certified games follow imaging industry standards and should perform correctly on a calibrated monitor.

For your computer, I would recommend 'DisplayMate Multimedia Edition' from displaymate.com. For DVD, you could start with 'Avia II' or 'Digital Video Essentials.' 'DVE' is available as a combo disc with HD DVD on one side and SD DVD on the other.Hey thanks for the reply, hopefully if I can get my co-worker to let my borrow his add-on HD-DVD player I could buy the HDDVD version of DVE. If not I'll just go with AVIA 2. I know there's lots to learn about, what else would you recommend looking into for a rookie/noob, lol? Thanks once again!

Subscribe to Widescreen Review magazine, get this back issue: 'Imaging Science Theatre 2000: Everything You Wanted To Know About Video But Were Afraid To Ask' http://cinemaquestinc.com/isf-mag.htm , read the Guy Kuo quotes in the calibration FAQ sticky thread in this section of the forum. Beware of personal opinions, guessing, fads, popular fashion, etc. Stick to imaging industry standards and recommended practices, logic, reason, facts, data. Remember your eyes can be easily fooled: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849430 . Image fidelity is the goal of video calibration NOT personal preference. It's all about the art.

http://www.displaymate.com/shootout.html
http://hdguru.com/
http://www.isfforum.com/
http://jkpi.net/

Subscribe to Widescreen Review magazine, get this back issue: 'Imaging Science Theatre 2000: Everything You Wanted To Know About Video But Were Afraid To Ask' http://cinemaquestinc.com/isf-mag.htm , read the Guy Kuo quotes in the calibration FAQ sticky thread in this section of the forum. Beware of personal opinions, guessing, fads, popular fashion, etc. Stick to imaging industry standards and recommended practices, logic, reason, facts, data. Remember your eyes can be easily fooled: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849430 . Image fidelity is the goal of video calibration NOT personal preference. It's all about the art.
I wish Widescreen Review would do a 2008 version. my 2000 issue is getting old.

Do you guys recommend Avia 2 II Home Theater Tune-Up Calibration Guide DVD
to calibrate my LCD samsung 1080P and my onkyo receiver ?

Thank you

Voyeur,
The pattern you are looking for is in the lower left of the color checkerboard according ot the pdf.

I remember using this pattern on Avia and frankly, it only helped w/ the cheapest or earliest generation fixed pixel displays. Most of the time I could max out contrast and the display would still show both bars.

I wonder sometimes if the flashing from the Avia color bars pattern does not cause an issue w/ edge enhancement or some video processing. This pattern always shows the color balance to be off on most displays.

Overall there wasn't anything to serious in your critques. Thanks.
I actually had seen those, but wondered if they were the same thing (frankly they're a little different because they're crammed down in a smaller white screen. But I wasn't sure because (as you mentioned) I can still see all three bars when maxed out. I guess that's it. More reason not to be overly impressed.

As far as my critiques, I was just pointing out what I like better about the DVE. There are other things I like about the DVE, such as their very extensive tutorials and background information. And the DVE has a very nice footage you can view after calibrating you television.

I would say this: If you already have the original Avia disc, I can't imagine any reason to get the Avia II, other than the fact it's in widescreen format.

PS: Don't underestimate just how annoying the inability to pause those advanced test patterns can be...You may think that's no big deal, but the patterns don't stay on there for long.

I wish Widescreen Review would do a 2008 version. my 2000 issue is getting old.
It's still is a great resource for historical perspective, imaging science fundamentals, viewing environment principles, projection screen design principles, etc. I encourage you to drop Gary Reber an e-mail to suggest another imaging science special issue with updated articles. I've done that several times in recent years. There are many articles that would be suitable to include from: Joe Kane, Lancelot Braithwaite, Dr. Raymond Soneira, etc.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

Do you guys recommend Avia 2 II Home Theater Tune-Up Calibration Guide DVD
to calibrate my LCD samsung 1080P and my onkyo receiver 7.1 ?

Thank you


Bump ..
Anyone

I'm assuming that if I pick-up the HDDVD version of DVE that I can play the HD side on the 360 add-on and then the SD side on the Panasonic BD30 (Blue-ray). Which one of those do you think would be best to calibrate my JVC Pro 1080P tv?

I would try both ways.

Bump ..
Anyone

Sure, or Digital Video Essentials, or even the original AVIA.

What is your playback device? If an HD player, then consider one of the HD calibration discs.

What is your level of comfort and expertise with test patterns a calibration? Light? Then choose one of the AVIAs. Heavy? Then choose Digital Video Essentials.

i have blu ray and regular dvd,
I am a begginer with calibration, first timer

thank you ^^^

You probably want AVIA II. You can get it on Amazon for a good discount. Digital Video Essentials will be coming out with a version on Blu Ray. It will probably be worthwhile, but go ahead and start with AVIA II.

Avia II BluRay and HD DVD version wont be out for another month (they say) the NTSC version is available. Doug

I have absolutely no idea about calibrations...

I have a Panasonic 50" Plasma that is about a month and a half old, HK 247, and toshiba HD-A2. Should I look at getting a disc and running the calibrations in HD format (read DVE) go ahead and get the NTSC version of Avia II, or wait for the HD Avia II?

Thanks,
Kevin

Avia II should be perfect for you. If you exhaust what it can do, you may then want to move on to Digital Video Essentials or AVIA in HD, but consider that a step two action, unless you are already fully geeked out on calibration.

Avia II should be perfect for you. If you exhaust what it can do, you may then want to move on to Digital Video Essentials or AVIA in HD, but consider that a step two action, unless you are already fully geeked out on calibration.

Are you suggesting the Avia II NTSC, or should I wait on the HD version?

Thanks,
Kevin

I have a mitsubishi DLP set. REally doesn't make a difference does it as to what type of set you have and what callibration product you use?

Are you suggesting the Avia II NTSC, or should I wait on the HD version?

Thanks,
Kevin

NTSC version gets you 90% of the way there.

Is there such manuals and stuff for the original AVIA? I have that, and wonder if I should get the AVIA II on DVD, or just hold out for a Blu-Ray either DVE or AVIA II.

Question about AVIA DVD vs AVIA HD-DVD. Would calibrating my 1080p LCD with AVIA DVD only set colors correctly on a DVD source and NOT on an HD-DVD disc?

I was wondering since I have the Toshiba A3 and using the standard AVIA DVD, would I still need the HD-DVD version in order to properly calibrate my set?

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. :)

Avia II, how much percent will you say is focus on video and audio ??

amazon has for pre order and shipping Jan 1 2008 Avia 2. Which version is this?

http://www.amazon.com/Avia-II-Guide-Home-Theater/dp/B000X4NJNS******pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198412987&sr=8-1

any word on updates to when the blu-ray versions are shipping? Some places have been advertising "Jan 08"...

I have a PS3 for Blu-Ray and a Toshiba A30 for HD-DVD.
Also have a SA 8300HD DVR Cablebox for TV.
All connected to my Samsung LN-T4069F LCD HDTV.

Will the standard Avia II be enough to calibrate them all? or I will still need the HD and Blu-Ray versions later on when they come out?

Here is a bump and an easy question.

As of 01/17/08 has or has not the HD version of the AVIA II calibration disc been released yet?

I see something on the Digital Video Essentials website called "DVE for HD" but is it the highly touted ever delayed AVIA II version?

The only production HD calibration DVD available is the 'DVE' HD DVD/SD Combo disc. 'Avia II' HD is not ready yet. The newly formatted 'DVE HD Basics' is still claimed by JKP to be shipping in March. It was to be available in both HD DVD and BD. I do not believe any advanced delivery announcements any more. Every producer of these items has consistently proven themselves subject to forces outside of their control and we have only seen delay, after delay, ad finitum. Do not believe any advanced release announcements, just actual shipping notices.

I see something on the Digital Video Essentials website called "DVE for HD" but is it the highly touted ever delayed AVIA II version?
Just so there is no possible misunderstanding- 'Avia II' is NOT 'DVE' and has no connection to Joe Kane Productions, producer of 'Digital Video Essentials.' 'Avia II' is produced by Ovation Multimedia. How do I know such things? I have been a reseller for both of these companies for about 8 years, and am waiting for these releases, just like everybody else.

Just so there is no possible misunderstanding- 'Avia II' is NOT 'DVE' and has no connection to Joe Kane Productions, producer of 'Digital Video Essentials.' 'Avia II' is produced by Ovation Multimedia. How do I know such things? I have been a reseller for both of these companies for about 8 years, and am waiting for these releases, just like everybody else.

Thanks George. Good info for idiots like me I thought they were one in the same.

Hey I just got a Sony XBR4, and I was wondering which calibration disc would be better for me? I am not a total noob at TVs/speakers, but this is my first calibration. Recent reviews for Avia 2 suggest that it is actually worse than Avia, so do you guys think I should get Avia or Avia 2?

Hey I just got a Sony XBR4, and I was wondering which calibration disc would be better for me? I am not a total noob at TVs/speakers, but this is my first calibration. Recent reviews for Avia 2 suggest that it is actually worse than Avia, so do you guys think I should get Avia or Avia 2?


How do you plan to calibrate? If you are willing to put the time/effort in to learn how to do basic measurements calibration then I would recommend that you download and learn how to use the free HCFR program along with the free AVS HD DVD or AVCHD (for Blu-Ray) ISO image that you can use to make your own "calibration" disc. you will of course need to buy a meter to do this, they can be had for as little as $50 or as much as $1000 but you can buy a pretty good one for <$150.

If you are looking for an SD-DVD calibration disc then "Get Gray" is another inexpensive option where you buy the material online, download the ISO image and burn your own DVD (or extra backup copies, etc).

If you aren't interested at all in doing a real calibration and are looking for a "basic" setup disc then you can get Avia or Digital Video Essentials. Having used both I much prefer Avia over DVE. DVE has one of the most confusing and annoying menu systems of any calibration disc I've ever used. I don't have any experience with Avia II but the original Avia has a lot of useful test programs, etc, for calibrating a display for SD-DVD.

It really is worth the time/money to buy a basic colorometer like the Display LT from One-Eye, and download and learn how to use the ColorHFCR software (which is free) along with the free AVS HD DVD or AVCHD disc to generate your test patterns. This type of calibration, even with the cheapest meter on the market will be vastly better than what is possible calibrating with gel panels and your eyeballs.

Here's the latest email I got from them on AVIA II status:

"Dear kinglerxt,
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, the Avia HD disc will not be
available until sometime this summer. After attending the Consumer
Electronics Show in January and meeting with members of the Blu-ray Disc
Association, the development group decided to revise the video patterns.

I will add your email address to our database and notify you once the disc
is released. I wish I had better news to share regarding its release, but
hopefully you will be hearing from us soon.

Kind regards,
Ovation Multimedia"

Has anyone heard a definitive answer to when the HD version of the AVIA II cal disc will be available for shipping.

I know you can now order the regular AVIA II disc but someone told me it will be in 4 different formats if thats correct.

Regards, ;)

The Blueray version was listed in online Blockbuster with available date 3/25/08. I put it in my queue and now it is says coming soon. No word when it should be.

Any updates on this? Can a NTSC DVD be used to calibrate an ATSC display? I would like to calibrate a 1080p projector.

Any updates on this? Can a NTSC DVD be used to calibrate an ATSC display? I would like to calibrate a 1080p projector.
None. Yes, up to a point. If you have a Blu-ray player, get the AVS download or 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics.'

I have DirecTV HD and want to calibrate my TV (Samsung LN52A750) for this. I am using HDMI for both my DirecTV HD and my Xbox 360. Can I use the Avia II DVD to calibrate my TV for both the satellite feed and the Xbox? I would be using the Xbox as the dvd player to play the disc. Thanks in advance.

If it helps at all, I have both the DVD and the BLURAY versions of DVE. I used my PS3 to checkout my TV and after using the BLURAY version, I put in the DVD version and found no significant changes were needed bewteen the two. I highly recommend the free AVSHD disk found in this forum, as I find it more immediately useful than the DVE disks

Thanks wwjd...will the AVCHD also work on the Xbox 360 even though it's not a BD player?