Page 1 of Digital Video Essentials - Dvdsoon

Digital Video Essentials - PAL - £11.30 before discount
Nick

"I always told myself size wasn`t important - `til I wanted a new telly"

Excuse my ignorance. What is Digital Video Essentials? The sub-text reads "Optimise your Home Entertainment experience (PAL) "

At first I thought this was a film or a music DVD. Is it this, but as it has a run-time of 114 mins perhaps it is, or not ???

It`s a calibration disc akin to the THX stuff you find as extras on some DVDs. Basically, it`s a set of patterns that test various aspects of your display (brightness, contrast, colour, etc) that you can tweak by adjusting your TV controls. There are also sound tests for your home theatre set-up. Plus there are a couple of demonstration films that help show off your system. And if that`s not enough, there are also commentaries taking you through what the various terms and illustrations of various technical concepts such as how composite video etc work.

This all sounds very techno-geek but the end result is that you should end up with an optimum picture and sound for your system. I`ve used DVE and I`ve found it invaluable.

Thanks for that - I wondered if it might be something like that from the description, but have never heard of anything like that, which is why I wondered if it was some music/film.

Many thanks for your informative help, Kang.

Notice when you zoom the pic it says "PAL Component" ?

I fancy getting meself a copy of this, but I`ve heard special specs etc. are needed for proper callibration.
also heard that the disc was substantially more expensive than 20 to 30 quid, let alone this cheap!

Thoughts please Gentlemen/Ladies ;)

Jimbo : oÞ

"Making Teenagers depressed is like shooting fish inna barrel"

Rented this through my online DVD club.
Thought the interface etc. was TERRIBLE...
Could be worth a `try before you buy` for some of the more basic settings though??..If you can find `em..

Ste

This item was edited on Tuesday, 4th January 2005, 12:50

Get your self a dvd with THX optimiser on it. If fact you will have at least one in your collection. Look for the THX logo on the back. The only test you wont be abel to do is the "color" (bloody Americans) as you will not have the blue filter. I used to use a posh set up disc with red, green and blue filters. Now I tend to do it by eye. For most people the THX would be fine. Do the tests, then do them again, and once more for luck. 10 mins of your time.

All the best,

The 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Quote:
For most people the THX would be fine.

Depends how exacting you are and how `forgiving` the set, I think. I personally found the THX stuff not detailed enough. Admittedly, I wouldn`t pay thirty quid for the disc (I think I paid about 14 for mine) but at 11 pounds it`s a steal.

Quote:
Depends how exacting you are

Thats why I said

Quote:
For most people the THX would be fine

When alot of people are using £50 or less players I think the THX one is a very good start. Save the money and put it to a beter player or scart lead imho.

£11 is good though for those who want to go the next stage.

All the best,

The 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....