A nice DVD bonus

[klen]

The special edition of "Ice Age" contains a special feature that many of us can actually find useful:

I has what they call a "THX Opimizer". It is like a mini version of "Sound And Vision's Home Theater Tune up", but without the irritating banter by the hosts. It has several test patterns and sound patterns, some of which aren't even on the S&V DVD.

Not a bad thing if you don't want to spring for the S&V DVD, and, with progressive scan, "Ice Age" looks damn good on my Samsung HD Monitor. To get both for around $16 is a no brainer.

-k

[57U]

There are quite a few DVDs that have this "feature". The thing to be aware of is that it optimizes your TV for that particular DVD, but I've noticed that the optimzer is different on different DVDs and is also different from S&V or AVIA setup - sometimes quite dramatically.

So, you can use it to "optimize" your TV for that DVD, but it may be "off" for other programmes, other DVDs, etc.

[Jester]

OK, now I'm really confused.

Why would I use a calibration DVD if it would optimize my set for JUST that DVD??? Isn't the point of doing a calibration to optimize the average settings for all material to be viewed on your HDTV? Are you actually implying that after running AVIA or SnV that my HDTV is now perfectly calibrated to run them again?

I've used the THX Optimizer on several of my DVD's and the result is substantially the same every time. The AVIA and SnV DVDs may have useful information in addition to more and different test patterns, but the purpose is the same. If the THX optimizer gives you satisfying results for the material you are about to view for *gosh* sakes use it!

Of course I think that everyone who invests a ton of money into their HD rig should take the extra time to calibrate it properly. Just don't fall into the trap of discounting a useful and inexpensive calibration tool just because you didn't pay $50 bones for it! EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS.

[57U]

Any Setup DVD is simply a tool to assist you in setting up your TV. I was trying to point out that the THX optimizer may not provide consistent results and may also be different from a "better" product like AVIA.

As I mention in my setup FAQ (what you need to do to your new HDTV) you use the tool and then feel free to "deviate" a little for personal tastes or differing light conditions...

Remember everyone sees things differently. What may look good to you may not look good to me, or your spouse. Remember there are no "absolutes" and life is a compromise.

[klen]

I dunno. My system is calibrated by the S&V DVD, and when I checked out the THX patterns, they were all still right on. The only thing I changed was brightness, and only very slightly.

[Jester]

You are right that calibration is not an exact science. It is not only subjective, but it is also sensitive to the subject material. It is not uncommon to find a DVD or two that does not look its best at the "optimal" AVIA/SnV calibration.

I only object to your dismissal of a handy little tool for optimizing your picture for subject material that you are about to spend ~2 hours in front of -- make the most of it. The three minutes you will spend running through the THX-optimizer will typically be followed by a scene from the movie on the same DVD. I can guarentee that tweeking a little before watching will improve the picture. Sometimes 1 or 2 bars on the calibration of contrast and brightness make a big difference in the picture quality.

If you leave your calibration at your AVIA/SnV settings and then watch a DVD that would have had an improved picture after its THX-Optimizer (based on your own subjective settings), aren't you selling the title short? Maybe I'm too sensitive to minor fluctuations of bright and contrast?

And just for the record, the THX-optimizer is not customized to the viewing material. It has improved from version to version -- that's why the results differ. The current state-of-the-art optimizer is on the Star Wars - Attack of the Clones DVD.

[57U]

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I was slagging the THX optimizer. I was trying to get two points across.

1. I've seen the optimizer be "inconstent", providing readings that are 8-10 points deviation from other setups, other optimizers and also from where "I would like to be when watching a DVD".

2. The optimzer should not be considered a substitute for a good setup DVD like AVIA or S&V.