DigitalVideoEssentials
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Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics gets reviewed
You did remember that Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics was launching today, didn't you? If not, we're here to remind you and pass along an in-depth review of the calibration disc while we're at it. The kind folks over at UltimateAVMag were able to grab hold of both the HD DVD and Blu-ray version of the disc, and put simply, it does everything you'd expect it to and possibly a bit more. Hailed as having "the most user-friendly set of test materials to date," reviewers had a difficult time finding any niggles within HD Basics. Interestingly, the HD DVD version was seen as "clearly superior, not only for its My Favorites function, but also for its speedier menu response, predictable display of text, 5.1 and 6.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtracks, and reliable performance with the 720p demo material." As for the BD flavor, the fact that bookmarking and Dolby TrueHD are "optional" on the format made it "difficult to author a robust disc for all players." Still, those hoping to make their display look its best will likely be thrilled with this one, but check out the full review in the read link below before cracking open that wallet.
Joe Kane offers upgrade pricing for forthcoming DVE: HD Basics
Not only is ESPNews HD slated to launch this month, but the long-awaited HD Basics disc from Joe Kane Productions is finally hitting shelves on March 25th. Interestingly, Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics will still be made available on Blu-ray and HD DVD, so those adamant about keeping a red player around can still get in on the calibration action. Best of all, users who purchased the original Digital Video Essentials HD DVD last year will be able to procure the forthcoming successor disc for just $14.95 on either format by ordering online and sending in the case wrap from the first DVE HD DVD. As for everyone else? You'll be coughing up $29.95.
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics set for March release
We know, the waiting isn't easy (nor enjoyable), but here's to hoping that the latest street date for Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics actually sticks. After being announced and subsequently delayed in October, the highly-anticipated calibration disc is now on track for a March 25, 2008 release, which is certainly a wait we're not looking forward to enduring. Nevertheless, the specs and features for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD version remain the same as before, and each still boasts an MSRP of $34.95.
Digital Video Essentials calibration tool launches on HD DVD
We certainly can't say that this one arrived a moment too soon, as all of you early adopters of HD DVD drives have probably been frustrating yourself with manual color calibration techniques that just never turned out quite right. Thankfully, the highly-anticipated (and perpetually delayed) HD DVD version of Digital Video Essentials is finally available for sale, and interestingly, the disc will actually be of the dual-format variety for those still keeping a vanilla DVD player around the house. Users will be graced with both 1080p and 720p VC-1 encoded material, NTSC and PAL compatibility, 6.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Digital True HD tracks, built-in color filters, and of course, widescreen / standard options. So if you've been yearning to get your HD DVD calibration on, the time has finally come, at least for those willing to shell out the $34.95 required to pick DVE up.
