Can you use HQV Benchmark before you buy an HDTV?
HQV Benchmark is a test DVD that's supposed to help you evaluate the picture quality of an HDTV or DVD player. That's all well and good; it's a great idea and is probably worth the $30 retail price. Too many people spend big bucks on the latest and greatest HDTV set only to find that they aren't happy with the picture quality. Proper calibration and testing tends to help.
The real value of such a DVD, however, is before you actually purchase your set and I'm not sure how realistic of a situation that is. With HDTVs flying off the shelves these days, most retail sales associates are willing to help a little, but if you don't want to purchase a set, chances are someone else will. You absolutely should view the set or sets you're interested in and compare the quality. I just don't see many folks asking a salesperson, "Can you pop this DVD in, please?" and getting a favorable response.
Even if you get the OK to use a test DVD like HQV Benchmark, make sure you're viewing it with the best (and same) cables that you plan to use in your home. DVI or HDMI cables provide the most pure, digital connection on the market today, so aim for those. Chances are, if you're lucky enough to have your retailer pop in a test DVD, it won't be on a high-end DVD player to begin with, but aim for the best test to get the best in-home experience. After all, you shelling out plenty of money for your HDTV set; make sure you're happy with your purchase!
