Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray]

After reading some of the reviews I actually thought I might be in over my head purchasing this disc. But it really isn't that bad. It's best if you take in in short spurts to make sure you're processing all of th information. It's very interesting to understand all of the functions of your expensive hdtv, it really makes you feel as though you are getting your money's worth. I definitely noticed a picture difference after calibrating a 32" Samsung LCD and a 56" Samsung DLP.

...then this disc might be for you! Much of the narration on this disc deals with what is wrong with current HDTVs. Frankly, I didn't buy this to educate myself about how current technology is lacking; I bought this so I could optimize my TV to it's fullest potential.

If you are interested in optimizing the following settings on your HDTV, you might be interested in knowing this disc either NEVER mentions them at all, or never explains HOW to adjust them: HDMI black level, Gamma, Tint, White Balance, Color Space, Saturation, Temperature, xvYCC, Black Adjust, Backlight (no, not even backlight!) and more.

Also, after struggling to be patient throughout the vague, repetitive narration, waiting for it to prompt me to perform an adjustment for the current calibration topic, the disc would more often than not move right on to the next topic, never specifying which of the quick screens that flashed by throughout the narrative was the one to use, much less when.

As another reviewer mentioned, there might be something wrong with the Contrast test screens. Even at a setting value of 100, I could still see a very definitive lineation between the highest two white bars.

The publishers of this disc clearly have an agenda, speaking long and often about how current HDTV's are lacking. I just wish that agenda included a complete optimization of my HDTV.

This is a great DVD for getting you Home Theater setup, but it is complex, compared to the Avia DVD. There are many more test patterns though, and a good explanation of how to use them, if you spend the time to watch all the provided material.

i definitely see a difference in my picture quality on Blu-ray and when watching HD channels. The only thing is that it's not as easy as it says. there was some unnecessary info given that could be left out to make the process quicker. The instructions are not for someone that doesn't have experience/knowledge with electronics. Overall, if you don't want to pay $400-$600 for professional calibration this is the way to go.

This product performs as advertised and is a good buy if your looking to learn how to set up your HD TV.