Digital Video Essentials Which one?

[DLA]

When I bought my AVIA DVD I also saw the Digital Video Essentials, however one the back of the DVD it said it came in 3 versions, PAL (European?), HDTV, and (please forgive my ignorance) SMTD?, probably not the right acronym, anyway they only had the SMTD? and the PAL versions so I opted for the AVIA DVD. So which version should I get I heard the SMTD? version would have been right. Please advise.

[David Meek]

It's actually NTSC not SMTD. It stands for National Television System Committee which set the standards for North American TV that we've used for 60+ years. That's the DVE version you want for normal home set-up. PAL is the European standard.

Just recently, I found DVE to give me a superior picture on my 58" Pioneer Elite than either the original Video Essentials or AVIA. I always had a slight red-push when I finished calibrating with those, which had to be "manually" corrected. With the new version (DVE) I have no color imbalance at all - at least that I can see. YMMV.

[Chris D]

Yes, the NTSC version is correct. If you have a D-VHS player, you can get it in true high definition for better calibration.

DVE is an updated version of the original Video Essentials with information on newer digital technologies. It doesn't entirely replace the original VE, as there are some good montages and calibration signals on the original. Avia's been updated too, with Avia Pro, but it's about $400 for professionals. I've always got best results by using both DVE/VE and Avia. Using all 3 will only give you a better dialed-in result.

[aud19]

It's actually NTSC not SMTD. It stands for National Television System Committee which set the standards for North American TV that we've used for 60+ years. That's the DVE version you want for normal home set-up. PAL is the European standard.

I believe he may have been quoting SMPTE but yes NTSC is the correct version as you pointed out :T

[saurabh]

Is the DVE used primarily for Fine tuning your display or also your sound system, I mean like the HTS sound ?????.

[Shane Martin]

Both. To really take advantage of the audio section you really need an spl meter. Radio Shack sells them for about $35.

[David Meek]

Saurabh, just an FYI - SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level. The meter allows you to accurately set the volume levels for each speaker, so that the sound you hear at the primary listening position is equal from all parts of the room. It's a small but important piece of equipment that no HT owner should be without.

[Azeke]

Saurabh, just an FYI - SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level. The meter allows you to accurately set the volume levels for each speaker, so that the sound you hear at the primary listening position is equal from all parts of the room. It's a small but important piece of equipment that no HT owner should be without.

Unless of course you have auto-calibration equipment .

Regards,

Azeke

[aud19]

Unless of course you have auto-calibration equipment .

Regards,

Azeke

Aaaah... I still prefer to do it mannually :P

[Shane Martin]

Aaaah... I still prefer to do it mannually

Can't do room eq manually as good though. The setup feature is ok, but the room eq aspects are what makes it the best.

[Murunga]

SVS sells an Avia and SPL meter combo : ). I bought the combo pack.

Murunga

[Patt]

I picked up an AVIA and the meter with the purchase of my SVS.

That AVIA disc made a huge improvment in the picture.....well worth it!