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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: HD Basics delayed to 2008
Those of us anxious to get their Joe Kane-approved tweak on will have to wait a bit longer than originally planned. The originally planned October 30th release has been moved to "early next year," with no details given for the delay. While HD DVD owners can use the previously released dual-format disc, this latest "HD Basics" version was slated for release to both the blue and red camps. The new disc is also the first of the DVE offerings designed specifically for HD setup, and uses a more streamlined menu that is meant to appeal to both newcomers and prosumers. We've found the DVE series to be both practical and educational; hopefully the delay is just Joe Kane poring over the details. In the meantime, there are some good tips around for dialing in your setup.
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics coming to HD DVD and Blu-ray
It seems like the TV calibration wiz, Joe Kane, isn't going to sleep until every HDTV around is properly calibrated. In the past he has produced Video Essentials and then Digital Video Essentials (DVE) but neither one of these calibration discs properly addressed high-def basics. Hence the follow-up HD DVD and Blu-ray release titled DVE: HD Basics. This disc features six essential calibration tests that should only take a few minutes to run but if the consumer wants to dive into the vast world of calibration, the disc also includes many of the same patterns found on the professional DVE release. It would be nice to see retailers throw in this $30 disc when someone buys an HDTV set along with an HD DVD or Blu-ray drive but then they couldn't sell their in-house services. The disc is going to hit store shelves just in time for the holiday season on October 30 and we would like to point out that this disc would be a great gift for anyone receiving a high-def set from Santa this year. Just think, they could set up the HDTV themselves, leaving you, the TV guy to enjoy your holiday eggnog.
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.
DVD International announces eight HD DVD combo releases including DVE HD
Proudly proclaiming itself as the leading independent and fourth overall largest supporter of the HD DVD format, the DVD Acquisition and Development Group has announced HD DVD / DVD combo disc releases for the fourth quarter of this year. Coming from their DVD International division, the most high profile release is the high definition edition of Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials calibration disc. DVE HD will include 720p and 1080p-encoded versions on the HD DVD side, various test patterns for all manner of A/V setups, and is "HDi capable" -- hopefully this means the menus are easier to navigate, some complained about that on the DVD release (included on the flip side). The seven HDScape discs? Your basic travelogue fare, Exotic Saltwater Aquarium HD DVD, Fireplace HD DVD, Antarctica Dreaming, Visions of Sea: Explorations, Serenity: Southern Seas, HD Window: Hawaii, HD Window: The Great Southwest provide what we're sure are crystal clear looks at various landscapes if you're not already bored to death by them on INHD2 into that type of thing. DVE HD will retail for $34.95, while the HDScape discs will all go for $29.95. A sampler (pictured) is currently on sale at the website for free plus $3.95 shipping.
Ask HDBeat: HDTV calibration round-up
One of the most important The most important thing that a person can do is properly calibrate their HDTV. It is absolutely imperative that it is done to get the best picture. One of our readers, Kyle Thibaut, is as concerned as we are and wants to make sure that everyones HDTV is properly done. There are more then a few ways to have this done, with options in every budget. The best way is to have a professional do it, but there are some good do-it-yourself options out there too. Digital Video Essentials - $19.99 - HDBeat Recommended Monster/ISF HDTV Calibration Wizard DVD - $29.99 AVIA Guide to Home Theater - $39.95 SpyderTV Calibration tool - $199.99 AVS Forums does have a very good thread with tons of info for the do-it-yourselver. But in all honesty, a professional can do it best. Contact a local high-end audio/video store and they should be able to provide you with someone who can calibrate your HDTV. Just a warning though, it isn't cheap and don't be afraid to call around for the best price. Do you have your HDTV calibrated? How did you do it.
Home Theater Blog Review: Monster/ISF HDTV calibration disc
Proper calibration of your HDTV will make sure that you get the best picture possible. There are some good do-it-yourself kits out there like AVIA and Digital Video Essentials, but Monster has one too. Home Theater Blog has a nice write-up about it and they found it rather nice for first timers. He points out that while the Digital Video Essentials disc offers more options and tests, the Monster disc was nice and easy. The disc is divided up into nine chapters - well, really one five of 'em are tests. Chapter one is the intro, chapter eight is a music video and chapter nine is a sales pitch for Monster Cable by Noel Lee himself. (didn't surprise us ether) Calibration is very important if you want the best possible picture. Do yourself a favor and pick up one of these discs.
