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AVS HD 709 - Blu-ray & MP4 Calibration

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#1 · (Edited)


INTRODUCTION
This project aims to provide a free set of calibration patterns for high definition (HD) video players. You will find downloads here to create discs for Blu-ray and AVCHD players, a version with MP4 video for computers or other compatible devices, and a Patterns Manual with some basic instructions. Users can burn the downloads to DVD media for some applications, but all of the download versions are intended only for HD players. These calibration patterns will not play on standard DVD players, and they are not expected to calibrate for Rec. 601 video used in commercial DVDs. The AVS HD 709 patterns are meant only to calibrate for Rec. 709 encoded HD video, such as commercial Blu-rays.

Primarily we intend to offer HD video patterns for calibrating digital displays, such as current LCD, LED, Plasma, and DLP models. This project does not address analog display (CRT) or audio calibration, which can be found on other sources such as Digital Video Essentials or Avia. The patterns provided have been divided into sections for different tasks. The Blu-ray related discs allow you to select sections from menus, and you can navigate the video clips in each section by chapter skipping. The Basic Settings and Miscellaneous Patterns primarily focus on setting user controls for your electronics with no test equipment, except possibly a color filter. The HDTV Calibration video by HD Nation in the HDMV and AVCHD versions can give new users some information on the most common display settings, or the Related Links can take MP4 users to the online episodes. The remaining sections are meant for taking measurements from the display, with a colorimeter or spectroradiometer, using software like ColorHCFR, CalMAN, or ChromaPure. Further details for using the downloads to calibrate your digital display are covered in the Patterns Manual, and everyone is encouraged to download a copy of the basic instructions for using the patterns.



DOWNLOADS Updated November 30, 2010
Directly below you will find the project downloads. The HDMV and AVCHD versions are intended for playback on Blu-ray players, the MP4 version is compatible with many HD media players, and a Patterns Manual is included with recommendations for using the patterns. Following the downloads an area titled Steps To Use The Downloads explains the general process to create a playable disc. A more specific procedure is given under Example For Windows Computers to create a disc for Blu-ray players. The Download Notes area simply includes some additional details, such as general system requirements and troubleshooting information. For anyone that wants to create a disc for a Blu-ray player, you may want to start with the Blu-ray Players List at the end of this post, to determine if you should download the HDMV or AVCHD version.

HDMV (.exe) or HDMV (.7z) - See Download Note A
Iso MD5: ad5006398671a54f96c314a3425621b0 - See Download Note D
Plays on: Most Blu-ray players from BD-RE or BD-R media. See the Blu-ray Players List at the end of this post for more information on compatibility.
Burn to: BD-RE or BD-R media with a Blu-ray burner.
Note: This is a Blu-ray format, and it is primarily intended for BD-RE or BD-R media. If you only have access to a DVD burner, please check your player for AVCHD compatibility first. Some Blu-ray players do not support AVCHD and can play this version if burned to DVD media with a DVD burner, which will be listed as the DVDM option in the Blu-ray Players List.
Includes: All content and features available from AVS HD 709, as shown in the Patterns Manual.

AVCHD (.exe) or AVCHD (.7z) - See Download Note A
Iso MD5: 654920d1f3f1182423ecfbb75ff52263 - See Download Note D
Plays on: Many AVCHD compatible Blu-ray players. The Blu-ray Players List at the end of this post includes more information to determine if your Blu-ray player supports this download.
Burn to: DVD writable media with a DVD burner.
Note: When using DVD media some players will only be able to play either the AVCHD or HDMV, and the other version will not work from DVD media. For example the PS3 can only play the AVCHD from DVD media, and some Samsung models also only play one version version from DVD media. Technically the AVCHD includes extended information and omits the AUXDATA, BDJO, JAR, and CERTIFICATE folders, which can affect playback from DVD media on some players.
Includes: Most content available from AVS HD 709. Refer to the Patterns Manual for more information.
Not Included: Some Misc. Patterns, such as the Mpeg2 video from dr1394, and the top navigation selections from the HDMV menus.

MP4 (.exe) or MP4 (.7z)
Plays on: Many MPEG-4 AVC or H.264 video players. For example computer video players, or the Xbox 360 after an online update. See the player specifications for types of video supported.
Media: Depends on player, for example the Xbox 360 can play files from DVD media.
Includes: Individual AVC video test clips in an MP4 container. Limitations are listed in the next line, and the Patterns Manual includes further details.
Not Included: Menus and navigation features, the HDTV Calibration video from HD Nation (see Related Links), or Misc. Patterns Mpeg2 video from dr1394.

PATTERNS MANUAL (.pdf)
Note: Regardless which of the above versions you choose, please download the PDF document for general information about the patterns and recommendations on how to use the video sections. If you require further information about taking measurements, please see the documentation for the software you are using or refer to the Related Links area of this post. The pictures included in the Patterns Manual come from the HDMV version, and the AVCHD or MP4 version will not include a few features as commented above with the downloads.

ALTERNATE DOWNLOAD LINKS
Note: If you happen to encounter any issues downloading from the prior links, the files are also available at http://W6RZ.net/



STEPS TO USE THE DOWNLOADS
1) Choose a version: Decide on either the HDMV, AVCHD, or MP4 version depending on what HD player you want to use. HDMV will be compatible with the largest number of Blu-ray players if burned to BD-RE or BD-R media, so if you have access to a Blu-ray burner typically you would choose the HDMV version. There are many Blu-ray players today that are AVCHD compatible, so for people that want to calibrate from a Blu-ray player and only have a DVD burner the AVCHD would often be the version to choose. Burning HDMV to DVD media will not be as widely compatible as either of the prior choices, but if you only have access to a DVD burner it may work for a few Blu-ray players that are not AVCHD compatible. The Blu-ray Players List at the end of this post gives more information on how to select a version for your Blu-ray player. The MP4 version is intended for applications other than calibration with a Blu-ray player, such as some digital media players that can play AVC video. In any case your player must be able to play true high definition video, such as a Blu-ray or HD media player. None of the versions will work on standard DVD players, or upconverting DVD players, because those players cannot play actual HD video.

2) Download a compressed file and manual: Select either the .exe or .7z file to download, according to the computer operating system you are using. The .exe will work on Windows. The .7z is not system-specific, so it will work with Windows, Linux, or Mac with additional software. The HDMV or AVCHD can usually be downloaded with web browsers. Using a download manager that supports resuming (like Orbit Downloader) is another option to make sure you receive a complete file, and a download manager may also provide the fastest possible download speed. The downloads will take some time to finish, especially the HDMV or AVCHD version. How long the downloads take will depend on various factors, but a 6 Mbps connection might take at least 15 minutes. At this time, please also download the Patterns Manual, for some basic details on how to use the patterns.

3) Decompress the download: If you downloaded the .exe, Windows should decompress the file by double-clicking on it. There have been a few reports of the .exe failing to work, so if the .exe happens to fail on your Windows system you might instead try the .7z version. For the .7z, you will also need the free 7-zip software to decompress or extract the file. Here is a description for Mac, or Rucksack was also suggested for .7z decompression on Mac. The decompressed HDMV or AVCHD file requires approximately 4.4 GB of free space on a modern file system (See Download Note A). The MP4 download will decompress to video files and folders. If you happen to run into issues with this step, it could be due to an incomplete download, so please refer to Download Note B.

4) Burn a disc: The HDMV or AVCHD requires you to burn a disc after decompressing the downloaded file. This step does not necessarily apply to the MP4 version, but for the Xbox 360 you can simply burn the files to a writable DVD. The AVCHD version is intended to be burned to DVD media with a DVD burner. HDMV is intended to be burned to BD-RE or BD-R with a Blu-ray burner, but there are a few players that are not AVCHD compatible and can play HDMV if burned to DVD media with a DVD burner (DVDM option). Our recommendation is to use ImgBurn as shown below in the Example For Windows Computers for burning .iso files to disc. Windows Vista Service Pack 2 and Windows 7 or 8 also allow you to burn an .iso file to disc by right-clicking on the file from Windows Explorer, or this link gives step by step instructions for burning an .iso image with a number of Windows programs. On Mac an .iso can be burned directly from the disc utility application.



EXAMPLE FOR WINDOWS COMPUTERS
The following procedure shows how to apply the prior steps for a computer running Windows. You can follow this example to create any of the HDMV, AVCHD, or DVDM options shown in the Blu-ray Players List.

1) Choosing a version: You may want to refer to the Blu-ray Players List at the end of this post to find which version your player likely supports. Consulting the specifications or manual for the Blu-ray player is another way to determine what version the device may play. Many newer Blu-ray players will list AVCHD support in their manual or specifications, and HDMV compatibility would generally be indicated if the player lists BD-RE or BD-R playback. For the AVCHD version you will need writable DVD media and a DVD burner. The HDMV version is primarily intended to be burned to BD-RE or BD-R media with a Blu-ray burner, but some players can play HDMV burned to DVD media with a DVD burner (DVDM option). For this example, let's say you own a PS3 and only have access to a DVD burner. Judging by the Blu-ray Players List the PS3 supports the AVCHD version, so in this example we will show how to create an AVCHD version disc that will play on the PS3.

2) Downloading a compressed file and manual: If your computer is running Windows, you can likely use the .exe download. Since the AVCHD version has been selected for this example, the AVCHD (.exe) link above in the Downloads area would allow you to begin downloading the compressed file. Usually a web browser will work for downloading, but if you encounter issues you may need to use software intended for downloading large files. Using a download manager that supports resuming (like Orbit Downloader) is one option to make sure you receive a complete file, and a download manager may also provide the fastest possible download speed. The downloads will take some time to finish, for example a 6 Mbps connection might take at least 15 minutes. At this time you should also download the Patterns Manual, to have some basic instructions for the disc.

3) Decompressing the download: Once you have downloaded the file for the option you selected, just double-click on it and you should get a window asking where to extract the file. Choose a location by clicking on the "..." button at the right, or using the written path displayed in the window (such as C:\\ in the image below). The location you choose requires a modern file system and must have about 4.4 GB of free space (See Download Note A). Once you have chosen a location, click the extract button. When the program is done decompressing, you will have a large .iso file in the directory you selected. If you are not presented with the following window after double-clicking on the .exe file, refer to Download Note B.


4) Burning a disc: We will use ImgBurn to create a disc in this example. On opening the program choose the Tools menu and go to Settings.


Switch to Page 2 and add check marks to Calculate MD5 Hash Values and Compare MD5 Hash Values.


Press ok after making the settings changes to return to the main screen, and select the Write image file to disc option.


Next under Source, click on the left yellow folder, and then select the .iso file from step 3.


Once you insert writable media in your burner, the program is ready to create the disc. Click the button in the bottom left, and the program will burn the image to disc. This will take some time to complete.


When ImgBurn finishes burning and checking the disc, review the ImgBurn Log for the Device MD5 and Image MD5. If the values match with the Iso MD5 listed for the version you downloaded, then the download, decompression, and burn were all successful. If the values from ImgBurn do not match those listed for the download files, then some part of the process may have encountered issues and you might want to try downloading again. If you plan to use ImgBurn for other tasks, you may want to uncheck the Calculate MD5 Hash Values and Compare MD5 Hash Values settings.




DOWNLOAD NOTES
A) The HDMV or AVCHD download will decompress to a file about 4.4 GB in size. Recent versions of Windows, Linux, and Mac all use default file systems that will work for decompression. FAT32 formatted hard disks do not work for decompression, because FAT32 has a smaller file size limit. In Windows Explorer you can right-click on a hard disk and select properties to see the file system. If your hard disks have been formatted as FAT32 you will need another location for the decompressed file. Flash media drives of 8 GB or larger will work for decompression, when formatted to a modern file system such as NTFS, HFS+, or ext2. If you have more than one optical disc drive, another option would be decompressing to DVD media.

B) In order for the .exe or .7z decompression to work, you must download the entire file. Using software intended for large file downloads may help, if you have issues using a web browser. One of the many download managers that support resuming downloads is a way to make sure you receive the complete file, and a download manager may also provide the fastest speed available for your current connection. If you live in the United States many public libraries provide high speed internet access suitable for downloading. Directly below the file sizes for the HDMV and AVCHD downloads are listed. You can use these sizes to check if you have downloaded the entire file. For example, in Windows Explorer if you right-click on a file and go to properties the size listed in bytes should match the following values.
- HDMV-2d.exe (498,619,363 bytes)
- HDMV-2d.7z (498,456,547 bytes)
- AVCHD-2d.exe (625,325,484 bytes)
- AVCHD-2d.7z (625,162,668 bytes)

C) If a disc would happen to be unable to play on an HD player that other people are able to use, our typical method of troubleshooting would be first to check that the player's firmware is current, make sure you have selected an appropriate version for your player, and then to try to eliminate disc or computer problems. Common suggestions would be to try a different disc type or brand, burn at a slower speed, or try burning from a different computer. You might also want to check the MD5 hash from the uncompressed .iso file or burned disc. If none of this helps and you would like further feedback on playback problems please list which version you downloaded, the software you are using for burning, and your HD player model.

D) MD5 Hashes can be used to check the integrity of the decompressed .iso file for HDMV and AVCHD versions. MD5summer is an example of a Windows program that can be used to create an MD5 sum. Some software solutions, such as ImgBurn, will also be able to provide an MD5 comparison for a burned disc. A description for using ImgBurn to check MD5 Hashes on a newly burned disc is included in the Example For Windows Computers.

E) Because of the UDF format used for HDMV and AVCHD versions, some computer operating systems like Windows XP will not be able to read a burned disc. The only thing that matters is if a compatible HD player can read the disc. Please do not consider a disc unplayable unless a Blu-ray player can not play it. Even if a computer cannot read the HDMV, AVCHD, or DVDM disc, a Blu-ray player may still be able to read the disc.

F) BD-R LTH Type media is not recommended for HDMV burning, unless you know that the equipment you use supports the discs. This Wikipedia entry reports the PS3 as able to read the discs, but generally BD-R LTH Type discs are not recommended due to possible compatibility issues with some Blu-ray players or burners.

G) LZMA (7-zip) compression is used instead of a more common format like .zip due to efficiency. During testing the download files have been substantially smaller using 7-zip for compression.



KNOWN ISSUES
1) While the majority of recent Blu-ray players can play at least one version, not every Blu-ray player will be able to play the downloads. The only way to support all Blu-ray players would be through Blu-ray replication, and the fees are prohibitive for the original purpose of this project.

2) No patterns are included for items such as audio synchronization, motion resolution, noise reduction, or 50% and 25% colors. At this time no further revisions are planned, yet users may contribute items to the project they consider possibly useful additions.

3) Panasonic players using the AVCHD version may find that the HDTV Calibration video lacks chapter skips and a popup menu. The top menu button on the remote should still return to the main menu, and fast forward or rewind should be able to move through the HDTV Calibration video. Some Panasonic players have been reported to be unable to output the AVCHD as 24p video. At the current time we are not aware of an alternate AVCHD authoring method to solve these reported issues on Panasonic players. The HDMV version burned to BD-RE or BD-R with a Blu-ray burner should include the chapter skips and a popup menu and be able to output 24p on the same Panasonic players.

4) TotalMedia Theatre 5.0.1.80 (November 17, 2010) cannot play the HDMV or AVCHD discs. TotalMedia Theatre 5.0.1.86 has been reported to correct the issue, and it can play the HDMV or AVCHD discs. TotalMedia Theatre 6.0.1.119 was able to play the AVCHD or HDMV from disc, but it was unable to play virtually mounted discs. TotalMeida Theatre has generally been capable of playing the HDMV image mounted with the latest version of Virtual CloneDrive, and some versions of the program can also play the HDMV folders from a hard disk.



REPLIES TO QUESTIONS
- Will AVS HD 709 play on the Xbox 360?
- How do I set a Playstation 3 to output standard video levels?
- Can I use this disc for adjusting controls that affect the shade of gray, such as white balance, gain, offset, or bias?
- Why might other calibration patterns, like Digital Video Essentials, result in a different brightness setting on some displays?
- How does video usually play back on a computer?
- Plasma: pattern size for measurements
- Will there be a future version with small windows for plasma measurements?
- I would like some different patterns. How do I create my own calibration disc?



RELATED LINKS
- Display Calibration - Part I - Basic Settings Guide
- Greyscale & Colour Calibration For Dummies - Measurements Guide
- Basic Guide to Color Calibration using a CMS - Measurements Guide
- HDTV Calibration 101: Part 1 - Segment from HD Nation
- HDTV Calibration Part 2: Brightness and Contrast - Segment from HD Nation
- HDTV Calibration Part 3: Color and Tint - Segment from HD Nation
- HDTV Calibration Part 4: Sharpness - Segment from HD Nation



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The AVS HD 709 patterns are offered free for personal use. As the authors, hwjohn and myself request any redistribution to retain the credits, which are included in the menus or as a text file in the MP4 version. This project started from input by dr1394 (W6RZ.net), including the program used to convert images. We would like to thank 3no, dr1394, GetGray (calibrate.tv), Imatest.com, J. Vincent, and WalVisions.com for allowing us to include their patterns. We appreciate Mathias Mahling (chokemaniac.net) for providing the original logo design. Thank you to Revision3 and HD Nation for allowing us to include the HDTV Calibration video. Thanks to Hank315 (HC Encoder) for the help, including a special build that was used for HD DVD Mpeg-2 encoding. Credit also goes to kchung for the original disc label layout. Some software that proved valuable includes 7-Zip, AVIsynth, BDedit, ImgBurn, MeGUI, multiAVCHD, and x264. Caramella font from dafont.com has been used in the project. Also thank you to the creators of ColorHCFR for the free calibration program that got the project started, CalMAN and ChromaPure for incentive to continue making changes, the AVS Forum for making the project possible, everyone that supplied feedback, and certainly the numerous others we tried to learn from in the process. If you would like to contribute to AVS HD 709, please support one of the projects that have helped us.



BLU-RAY PLAYERS LIST
Information specific to different Blu-ray player models will be listed below. Any players not listed simply indicates no one has replied about the player, and it is newer than the models available when the list was first compiled. Newer Blu-ray players can usually play HDMV burned to BD-RE or BD-R with a Blu-ray burner, and many current models are compatible with AVCHD. Only a few older model players are known to be unable to play any version, and the models are noted in the list. It is common for brands to often support similar playback across different models. If you purchase a newer player than the ones listed, you might first check to see what previous models have supported. For example we would expect newer Panasonic and Sony models to play HDMV or AVCHD based on support in previous models.

If you have access to a Blu-ray burner, the first choice is typically to download the HDMV version and burn it to BD-RE or BD-R media. The choice of HDMV on BD-RE or BD-R will have the best compatibility with the largest number of players, and it includes all the features available from this project. You may want to avoid BD-R LTH Type media when burning the HDMV version, because BD-R LTH Type media could be incompatible with some Blu-ray burners or players. For anyone with access to a Blu-ray burner, most often the recommendation is to burn the HDMV to BD-RE or BD-R media, but you may want to check the list below first for further information.

If you only have access to a DVD burner the choice becomes more complicated, because manufacturers do not all agree on a common format for HD video on DVD media. Many current players are AVCHD compatible and will play the AVCHD download, while other players do not support AVCHD and they may play HDMV from DVD media (DVDM listing). Typically players that support AVCHD will list compatibility somewhere in the manual, specifications, or they may even show the AVCHD logo on the player. The AVCHD version burned to DVD media is widely accepted by many newer players, and it will generally be compatible with the largest number of Blu-ray players when using DVD media. Primarily the DVDM option listed below is intended for DVD media playback when AVCHD is not supported by the player, such as some Denon and Magnavox models. For anyone that only has access to a DVD burner, the typical recommendation is to first check if the player can play AVCHD, yet the list below also includes an option for HDMV on DVD media (DVDM listing) and feedback from other users.

BLU-RAY BURNER:
HDMV - Indicates the HDMV version burned to BD-RE or BD-R media with a Blu-ray burner should play. Typically HDMV on BD-RE or BD-R will be compatible with more players than any other version.

DVD BURNER:
AVCHD - Indicates the AVCHD version burned to DVD media with a DVD burner should play. Overall AVCHD will be compatible with the largest number of players when using DVD media.
DVDM - Indicates the HDMV version burned to DVD media with a DVD burner should play. Some players lacking AVCHD support can use HDMV on DVD media, such as certain Denon, Magnavox, and Insignia models.

A question mark (?) below indicates the version might play, but currently no one has tested the player and replied. If a version name is missing for the model number, then the player has been reported as unable to play the version. Notes are provided for any additional comments about the player. If you test a Blu-ray player and have information to add, please reply so the list can be updated for other users.

ArcSoft TotalMedia
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM?
- See Known Issue #4

Corel WinDVD Pro 2010
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Cyberlink PowerDVD
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM?
- HDMV will also play with latest Virtual CloneDrive

Denon DBP-2010
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Denon DVD-1800BDCI
- HDMV?, DVDM?

Denon DVD-2500BTCI
- HDMV, DVDM

Denon DVD-3800BD
- HDMV?, DVDM?

Dune BD Prime
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM

Insignia NS-BRDVD
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

Insignia NS-2BRDVD
- HDMV?, DVDM?

Insignia NS-BDLIVE01
- HDMV, DVDM

Insignia NS-WBRDVD
- HDMV?

JVC XV-BP1
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

LG BH100
- Not expected to play any version

LG BH200
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM

LG BD270
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

LG BD300
- HDMV, AVCHD

LG BD370
- HDMV?, DVDM?

LG BD390
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM

LG BD550
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

LG BP530
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Loewe BluTech Vision
- Not expected to play any version

Magnavox NB500MG9
- HDMV, DVDM

Magnavox NB530MGX
- HDMV, DVDM

Memorex MVBD-2510
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

Memorex MVBD-2511
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

Microsoft Xbox One
- AVCHD

Olevia BDP-110
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

OPPO BDP-83
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM
- AVCHD will also play from USB thumb drive

OPPO BDP-93
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM
- AVCHD will also play from USB thumb drive

Panasonic DMP-BD10K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD30K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD35K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD50K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD55K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD60K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD65K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD80K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BD85K
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BDT100
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BDT210
- HDMV, AVCHD

Panasonic DMP-BDT310
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Panasonic DMP-BDT350
- HDMV, AVCHD
- See Known Issue #3

Philips BDP3020/F7
- HDMV, DVDM
- DVDM does not work with 1.026 firmware

Philips BDP7200
- HDMV?, DVDM?

Philips BDP7500B2
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM

Philips BDP9000
- HDMV, AVCHD?, DVDM

Pioneer BDP-05FD
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-51FD
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-LX70A
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-LX71
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-LX80
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-LX91
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-94HD
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Pioneer BDP-320
- AVCHD, DVDM?

Samsung BD-C5900
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Samsung BD-C5500
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Samsung BD-C6500
- HDMV, DVDM

Samsung BD-C6800
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Samsung BD-C6900
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Samsung BD-P1000
- Not expected to play any version

Samsung BD-P1200
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

Samsung BD-P1400
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Samsung BD-P1500
- HDMV?, AVCHD

Samsung BD-P1600
- HDMV, AVCHD

Samsung BD-P2500
- HDMV?, AVCHD

Samsung BD-P2550
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM
- Playback issue reported with movie frames and DVD media

Samsung BD-P3600
- HDMV, AVCHD

Samsung BD-P4600
- HDMV?, AVCHD?, DVDM?

Samsung BD-UP5000
- HDMV?
- May not play any version

Sharp BD-HP20U
- Not expected to play any version

Sharp BD-HP21U
- Not expected to play any version

Sharp BD-HP24U
- HDMV?, AVCHD, DVDM?

Sony BDP-BX1
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S1
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S270
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S300
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S301
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S350
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S360
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S370
- HDMV, AVCHD

Sony BDP-S500
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S550
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S570
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S590
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM?

Sony BDP-S1000ES
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S5000ES
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-CX7000ES
- HDMV, AVCHD, DVDM

Sony BDP-S6200
- HDVM, AVCHD, DVDM?

Sony PlayStation 3
- HDMV, AVCHD
- Use Square button for popups with the AVCHD

Splash PRO
- AVCHD
- Playback supported with version 1.4.1
 
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#1,703 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovswr /forum/post/16896868


My Sony SXRD has Grayscale adjustments for each primary color. May I use those settings and this wonderful AVS HD 709 disc to obtain accurate results with only the aid of color filters, or are those settings best reserved for equipment calibration only? They are all set to factory default, which is 0, now.

In case you haven't seen this it is really worth checking out: GREYSCALE & COLOUR CALIBRATION FOR DUMMIES .


You can pick up an inexpensive EyeOne DisplayLt meter from Amazon and calibrate your grayscale. You'll be very pleased with the results and you'll learn so much in the process.
 
#1,704 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by daMaster /forum/post/16898095


In case you haven't seen this it is really worth checking out: GREYSCALE & COLOUR CALIBRATION FOR DUMMIES .


You can pick up an inexpensive EyeOne DisplayLt meter from Amazon and calibrate your grayscale. You'll be very pleased with the results and you'll learn so much in the process.

Good advice. I've done just that myself and couldn't be happier with the results on my Plasma TV.
 
#1,705 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by daMaster /forum/post/16898095


In case you haven't seen this it is really worth checking out: GREYSCALE & COLOUR CALIBRATION FOR DUMMIES .


You can pick up an inexpensive EyeOne DisplayLt meter from Amazon and calibrate your grayscale. You'll be very pleased with the results and you'll learn so much in the process.


Thanks, I will check it out. However I am a idiot. Indeed it was not Grayscale settings, but gamma settings (two each for the 3 primary colors) that are in the Advanced menu on my set. I will check into the Grayscale too though.




where is the Homer Simpson "D,oh!", smiley
 
#1,706 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovswr /forum/post/16900662


Thanks, I will check it out. However I am a idiot. Indeed it was not Grayscale settings, but gamma settings (two each for the 3 primary colors) that are in the Advanced menu on my set. I will check into the Grayscale too though.

Actually, in setting the correct grayscale using the techniques in that "dummies" guide, you will be going a long way towards getting an appropriate gamma value for your set. Read the guide; it's excellent. I knew nothing about this stuff at first--didn't know what gamma was, afraid to go into my service menu, never cared to go beyond the Brightness and Picture settings on my set--and after slowly and carefully reading that guide, this thread, and specific reports from fellow AVS'ers who have a set like mine (like daMaster), I feel confident that I know what's going on. Be patient, go slow, and it will be worth it.
 
#1,707 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovswr /forum/post/16900662


Indeed it was not Grayscale settings, but gamma settings (two each for the 3 primary colors) that are in the Advanced menu on my set.

On the SXRD TVs the White Balance area is grayscale. There is also a gamma setting that when not off will raise the light output for the middle range, effectively lowering the average gamma. I would generally suggest leaving the gamma and black corrector items set to off, based on how they change on-screen gamma.
 
#1,708 ·
Purchase or borrow an Eye One meter and install Color HCFR software (free), follow the instructions from the link, and you will not be disappointed. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find yourself calibrating all your displays. Once your friends see the results, expect requests.


If going into the service menu makes you the slightest bit nervous, do not enter it.


Good luck and have fun,


Bob.
 
#1,710 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by alluringreality /forum/post/16904272


On the SXRD TVs the White Balance area is grayscale. There is also a gamma setting that when not off will raise the light output for the middle range, effectively lowering the average gamma. I would generally suggest leaving the gamma and black corrector items set to off, based on how they change on-screen gamma.


The wealth of information here at AVS is almost overwhelming. Having said that...



I am completely & totally amazed! I vaguely knew of this thread, but did not participate until last night.


I have a Sony 60A2020, which is to say a 60" rear projection LcOS set. It is on its second bulb.


As I was going through the AVCHD (PS3) I was a little disappointed as it was seeming that all my settings were going to match what I got from DVE. Lo & behold, it was when I got to the Color/Tint section that I was blow away.


Sony sets, as a design choice, have a noticable red push, since the 70's. For whatever reason, Sony engineers just do it this way. Once I found this out, however, I went on a never ending quest to make Red, well Red. Sadly I had resigned myself to never getting a good deep red on this set, as I could never get the settings just right. Until last night. Using this wonderful resource, I was able (IMHO) to successfully tame my red push while maintaining the other primary colors fidelity.



Now as happy as I was with getting good reds, what I was not prepared for was the clarity. Apparently having well adjusted colors is crucial to over all resolution. I was astounded when watching Anderson Cooper to see (I mean really see) all of the cake white makeup he had on, yet I could still make out the subtle pink hues of his cheeks. Also the Hispanic reporter that he was talking to, had very fine blond hairs that I had never been able to see before. This experience was repeated on several other HD channesl. It was almost like getting my first HDTV 4 years ago.


Special thanks to alluringreality & whoever else participated in the creation of this wonderful tool.





In my most humblest of ways, I would like to give a little back to this thread. I have created a disc logo from the graphic in the OP. I did not attempt to change the fromat to match the 'roundness' of DVD's because a: I don't know how & b: I think it is a pleasing effect. Again thanks.






 
#1,711 ·
Above is just a picture. The actual file was created using SureThing ( demo here ).


Since attachments here have to be in a certain format, I have changed the extension to .txt. Change it back to .std & use the SureThing demo to print.

 

AVS HD.txt 47.3466796875k . file
 

Attachments

#1,712 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodosom /forum/post/16905319


The titles on the Black Clipping Pattern are bright enough to mask the bars. Particularly 17 from the vertical text on 16. Has thought been given to dimming that text?

No one had ever commented on the text being an issue. Most of the time I use that pattern while being closer to the screen than typical viewing distance, in order to clearly see just how low I can set brightness before cutting off above black.
 
#1,713 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by alluringreality /forum/post/16912748


No one had ever commented on the text being an issue. Most of the time I use that pattern while being closer to the screen than typical viewing distance, in order to clearly see just how low I can set brightness before cutting off above black.

Well yeah I've done that too although if you set your black level for six inches from the screen is it meaningful at eight feet? Anyway that pattern wasn't a problem until I got a 9G Pioneer monitor. The degree of contrast is now uncomfortable since I'm in the habit of setting white level first.


Just a thought.
 
#1,714 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodosom /forum/post/16913348


if you set your black level for six inches from the screen is it meaningful at eight feet?

My display doesn't have gamma controls, so brightness at the lowest setting where 17 just flashes tends to maximize gamma. I suppose it's possible that perception due to lighting could change at different distances, but generally I watch in a dim room and haven't noticed a change with distance.

Quote:
Anyway that pattern wasn't a problem until I got a 9G Pioneer monitor.

Here is a test video that should play on AVCHD compatible players from DVD media. It's just the Basic Settings section. The text has been changed from white to around 40%, and the APL Clipping Pattern flashes 235 (white) at the top and bottom of the screen instead of 254. http://www.sendspace.com/file/pv6tib
 
#1,717 ·
I got a new Samsung 63" a couple of days ago. At first I was very pleased, but the more I used it the more some small things started to bother me. Started to notice some color banding, as well as low detail in blacks. So I found this calibration thread.


Turns out, for instance, with the black level test that I couldn't see any flashing bars. The only way I can get it to flash at "17", as is recommended, is by turning up the brightness to almost the maximum. However, with that setting, in actual video, it looks entirely washed out. I tried setting the HDMI black level from "low" to "normal", and I don't have to boost the brightness quite as much to get the "17" to flash, but I still think actual video looks washed out and bad. There will be noticeably more detail in black levels but it's too bright where there will be some noise in some blacks, and the picture overall will be washed out.


I went back (mostly) to the settings I used before, only slightly brighter, because even though some black detail is lost it's still better than a very washed out picture.


I'm kind of annoyed. I suppose this means my Plasma is pretty poor? I read that the latest Samsung panels were supposed to be really good.


Honestly, the picture quality can be really good at times, say, well lit scenes. However whenever there's dark scenes there will be a lot of detail lost and color banding can get very noticeable. Especially dark scenes with some sort of brightly colored light, the picture can start to look quite posterized.


The color banding isn't really noticeable in games, but the poor black level details are. I just tried Wipeout on the PS3, and one particular vehicle was green with black highlights, and I thought it was overly dark, so I pushed up the brightness to the maximum. At that point I could tell some detail in the black highlights, where it had some texture, however this was only noticeable at nearly the maximum level of brightness. However at this point any other blacks in the screen (for instance the black bars) were very noticeably bright (greyish).


Not sure what's going on exactly, but I find it really annoying. A little bit bummed out I didn't lay down a couple hundred more to get a Kuro. Or maybe a projector.


Please tell me I'm doing something wrong here and I can fix it to a point...
(The exact model I have is the Samsung PS63B680)
 
#1,718 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaSal /forum/post/16938912


Started to notice some color banding, as well as low detail in blacks. So I found this calibration thread.

Welcome to AVS.


Did you check the owner's thread? The PS3 video settings FAQ might also provide some tips.


Gross brightness problems are often caused by mismatched levels if you're using RGB. Minor problems in black detail are often caused by gamma problems.
 
#1,719 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaSal /forum/post/16938912


I got a new Samsung 63" a couple of days ago.

Like commented above an owners thread may help with the different settings the TV offers, or you may want to take at look at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post16870005 which concerns a Samsung display and PS3. Brightness generally doesn't change how dark the TV can get, it just controls where that darkest part happens.

Quote:
There will be noticeably more detail in black levels but it's too bright where there will be some noise in some blacks, and the picture overall will be washed out.

I thought that at least some Samsungs offered gamma controls. I don't have any idea if your display has a gamma control, but if it does then there may be setting(s) that will come out of black slower. A higher gamma will better mimic the impression of brightness set too low, but without the loss of information above black.
 
#1,720 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by alluringreality /forum/post/16940032


Like commented above an owners thread may help with the different settings the TV offers, or you may want to take at look at which concerns a Samsung display and PS3. Brightness generally doesn't change how dark the TV can get, it just controls where that darkest part happens.


I thought that at least some Samsungs offered gamma controls. I don't have any idea if your display has a gamma control, but if it does then there may be setting(s) that will come out of black slower. A higher gamma will better mimic the impression of brightness set too low, but without the loss of information above black.

I have a gamma setting that lets me add +3 or -3 to the gamma. I'm not sure what gamma does exactly, it just looks like it dims or boosts the brightness slightly. Are you saying I should be setting it lower or higher?


Thanks for the PS3 link, I will try that out soon. Besides the PS3 though, I watch my movies using an HTPC. A Mac Mini to be precise. Using a DVI to HDMI plug. On my last panel (an LCD) I never had a problem with detail loss in black levels (just greyish blacks...). Is there anything I will have to look out for/configure using an HTPC?


I'm not quite as worried about the whites as about the blacks, mostly because I don't seem to notice any problems with whites while watching actual video, but it might be important to note that I'm having similar problems with the white levels test. I can't get anywhere near 230-234 to flash, no matter how much I play with the brightness/contrast settings. I can get 230-231 to flash, and 232 VERY dimly if I turn the brightness all the way down and the contrast all the way up, but there's no way I can get 233-234 to flash. Not sure what to do about that either.
(This is running the test on my HTPC, by the way)
 
#1,721 ·
still sounds like PC vs video levels.


if both devices (PS3 and Mac) are sending PC levels and the display is expecting video levels you could easily see the beahvior you describe. i think. i'll let a real expert confirm this. but that would be my first guess.


so your choices are 1) find the setting on the display that tells it to expect PC levels or 2) change your sources to output video levels.


not sure what settings are available to you on the mac mini but the conventional wisdom says use video levels for watching movies. this might make the desktop etc look a little odd during non-movie-playback computer use, but it helps a little with video processing for movies (and other video content) supposedly.


there are many threads in this forum devoted just to PS3 settings. if you are goping to attempt using video levels on the mac, then you'll want to use the same strategy on the PS3: search those threads for information on the best way to use video levels on the PS3.
 
#1,722 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by stretch437 /forum/post/16941854


still sounds like PC vs video levels.


if both devices (PS3 and Mac) are sending PC levels and the display is expecting video levels you could easily see the beahvior you describe. i think. i'll let a real expert confirm this. but that would be my first guess.


so your choices are 1) find the setting on the display that tells it to expect PC levels or 2) change your sources to output video levels.


not sure what settings are available to you on the mac mini but the conventional wisdom says use video levels for watching movies. this might make the desktop etc look a little odd during non-movie-playback computer use, but it helps a little with video processing for movies (and other video content) supposedly.


there are many threads in this forum devoted just to PS3 settings. if you are goping to attempt using video levels on the mac, then search those threads for information on the best way to use video levels on the PS3.

I just tried and the PS3 limited setting does indeed work. I haven't tried it extensively, so it might still be washed out on some games, but Wipeout seemed to look fine. I suppose I'll have to do something similar with my HTPC. I've asked on a Mac Mini forum for help, maybe they will know more. I'm hoping a similar setting on the Mac Mini will fix it. Of course with videogames the picture being too bright/washed out is harder to notice than with movies, so I'm not entirely sure if a similar setting on the HTPC will work, but here's to hoping.


Thanks a bunch for the help
 
#1,723 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaSal /forum/post/16941271


I'm not sure what gamma does exactly, it just looks like it dims or boosts the brightness slightly. Are you saying I should be setting it lower or higher?

I've only messed with Samsungs in the store a bit, so I can't say how exactly your display's control works. A thread about your TV in the flat panels area would have more information. In general gamma is how the display increases in light output between black and white. One of the settings will probably produce less light output near black, which should help with your objections to a correct brightness setting.


Quote:
Is there anything I will have to look out for/configure using an HTPC?

You may want to look at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post16890581 which touches on a few issues regarding computers. I'm not familiar with the details of your display, so for example I don't know if the HDMI setting is all that's necessary to switch between a video or computer input. I'm also not familiar with Mac to comment if they output levels differently.


Quote:
I'm having similar problems with the white levels test. I can't get anywhere near 230-234 to flash, no matter how much I play with the brightness/contrast settings. I can get 230-231 to flash, and 232 VERY dimly if I turn the brightness all the way down and the contrast all the way up, but there's no way I can get 233-234 to flash. Not sure what to do about that either.
(This is running the test on my HTPC, by the way)

I have to expect that your computer is expanding levels so that the bar marked white is likely the brightest level reaching the display. Even if you were to send the entire video signal from the PS3, and if your display could show the bars numbered higher than white, you would probably find that the last bar or two of flashing white can be difficult to spot. Really the pattern is easier to use when sending the entire video signal, that way you can see the bars disappear as contrast is increased, assuming the display allows contrast to go high enough to begin clipping above whites.


I allowed my computer to expand as typically expected, and the last couple bars below white were rather difficult to spot. I could see 233 flash more easily by covering the flashing from 230-232. The bar marked 234 was almost indistinguishable from 235. Generally telling two adjacent levels apart is rather difficult, if not impossible. Really the main point of the pattern is to confirm that the information is making it on-screen in the first place, so you might see if going up to the screen and covering the adjacent bars makes 233 easier to see.
 
#1,725 ·
Thanks for these downloads!


Some completely noob questions I have if I may?


Since I don't have a blu ray burner, I guess I should use AVCHD or PATCHED.

Is one easier or better to use than the other, avchd or patched? And they're very small files under 60mb compared to DVE which I think is about 6gb. What am I missing if anything that DVE does?



When I calibrate, does it matter which picture mode the tv is currently set to, ie, standard, movie or dynamic? And once it's calibrated, I presume you're not meant to change the picture mode?


My settings are below for when the tv source is switched to HDMI. What do you think of these? I've always left the sharpness at zero. These settings are all default from the factory. The only setting here that looks too high is the contrast at 95 out of a 100. I find it hard to imagine how much better the bluray PQ would be after calibration since these settings don't, to my eyes, look blown out, washed out, too dark, too bright or too much colour. But I'm happy to give it a go.



When I calibrate, is it meant to be one setting for all sources, SD and HD?


From what you can see, would you think other settings will need to be greatly changed?


Also, backlight, where exactly should it be? I mean it looks good to me anywhere between 7 and 10.


Does the calibration tool take backlight into consideration?


Do I need to go into a service menu?


Do I need to buy a colour meter tool?


Are there any settings below you would say I should immediately change or turn on or off, such as black tone, colour tone, etc?


Samsung LE32B530 (1080p)

Mode: Standard

Backlight: 8

Contrast: 95

Brightness: 45

Sharpness: 0

Colour: 50

Tint (G/R): G50/R50


Advanced Settings

Black Tone: Off

Dynamic Control: Medium (options are off, low, medium and high)

Gamma: 0

Colour Space: Native (options are auto or native)

White Balance: All settings centred at 25 out of 50

Flesh Tone: Greyed out

Edge Enhancement: Off


Picture Options

Colour Tone: Normal (options are cool, normal, warm 1 and warm 2)

Size: 16:9

Digital NR: Off

HDMI Black Level: Low (options are low or normal)

Film mode: greyed out.



Some that are greyed out are not when the tv source is SD TV.
 
#1,726 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serotonin /forum/post/16952721


Hey guys long time reader... I have been reading threads on calibration the last 3 nights and i'm still stumped. I was just wondering if there is a professional you guys can recommend in Australia/sydney that i can pay to calibrate my hdtv for me. Cheers

You might want to try a new thread in the main forum, or else try in the "where are you located" thread.
 
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