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12-30-2003, 04:33 PM
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#1 of 10 
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Local Time: 06:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 65
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Having set up my new HT, and not having a freakin' clue as to what I am really doing, it has been suggested to me that I look into purchasing an SPL Meter, and a calibration disc. Even though my Yamaha RX V 2400 has the YPAO feature, it is suggested the discs are better. True?
My setup features Axiom M22's/QS8's/VP150 Stryke Sub.
Now I have seen three diff calibration discs:
1) Avia Calibration CD
2) Sound and Vision HT Tune Up
3) Digital Video Essentials
A)Which is a better disc?
B)Easiest to use?
C)Better Buy?
D)Do I now need an SPL Meter?
E)If so, what type and where to purchase, and how much am
I looking at?
F)Is it worth the investment for such a short term use?
I am willing to learn, and have a passion for getting things right, yet my patience never seems to last when I confront such an assuming task as this HT world.
Believe me both computers and my new HT are both comparable when giving me agita!
Thanks for the info, have a safe healthy happy New Year!!:b
What would the offset cost be to have someone come into my home and calibrate my system and perhaps go thru the features of my receiver. Based on anyones experience or field of expertise. I live in the NYC area
The World is Full of Kings and Queens who Blind your Eyes and Steal your Dreams
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12-30-2003, 08:12 PM
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#2 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Jan 1999
Local Time: 06:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 9,593
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Quote:
| A)Which is a better disc? |
Digital Video Essentials is the most recent and most complete (meaning a ton of tests you might never use or understand, although it has all the basics).
Avia is the middle ground, good number of tests, a little older, relatively easy to use and navigate.
S&V is a "Avia lite" done by the same people who did Avia-- less tests, more basics.
I only own AVIA of the three- but based upon previous version of VE and the market target od S&V, I'd assume S&V is the easiest... although all offer instructions... S&V might win just because it cuts out half the extra advanced tests...
Don't know the going prices, but i wouldnt be too concerned as I'm sure the diff is $10 or less.
Quote:
| D)Do I now need an SPL Meter? |
Yep, best investment in HT enjoyment you man make, period.
Quote:
E)If so, what type and where to purchase, and how much am
I looking at? |
Radio Shack, figure $30-$40.
Quote:
| F)Is it worth the investment for such a short term use? |
This question is asked by everyone who ever faced the reality of buying one, and every single one has come back ot say it was the best investment they made. YOu won't use it once, you will use it every 3 months, when your decide to move your speakers a hair, or when the power goes out, or when someone accidentally mucks with your settings, or when your friends get addicted too and ask for you help.
I use mine all the time.
Quote:
| What would the offset cost be to have someone come into my home and calibrate my system and perhaps go thru the features of my receiver. Based on anyones experience or field of expertise. I live in the NYC area |
You buy my plane ticket, i'll be there 
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12-30-2003, 09:23 PM
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#3 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Local Time: 06:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 65
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I don't know Vince. You get the better of a deal, flyin' out to the big city. But thanks for the offer.
Seriously, appreciate the info. I'll look for the Digital Video essential cd. And an SPL meter.
I guess it will be a learning experience, but that's what seperates the drivers from the auto owners. One just gets in and turns the key, while the other cannot even change a tire. Hey, I can at minimum change a tire, now dismantling an engine? Anyway I'll give it a shot, and will start looking around. Any good spots for the cd, anyone? Anyone? Bueller?, Bueller?
Thanks again, and a Happy Healthy Safe New Year to All!!!!!!:b
The World is Full of Kings and Queens who Blind your Eyes and Steal your Dreams
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12-30-2003, 09:59 PM
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#4 of 10
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Administrator
Join Date: May 1999
Local Time: 04:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 6,609
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Dave: most of the disks contain a tutoral that takes you through the whole calibration step.
It's not hard. You can do it under about 90 seconds when you get familar with the steps.
The disks also contain video test-patterns that can help 'rough in' your video display.
A better use of your money (if you have a good sized or HDTV television) is to hire a ISF Certified Calibrationist to come to your house and spend 2-3 hours bringing your television to professional video image quality. These run $300-$500 but I have not heard of anybody who has had it done that has regreted it.
Search the "Display Devices" fourm for more information.
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12-31-2003, 08:09 AM
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#5 of 10
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For a noob, I might stay away from DVE.
The navigation is at best tedious and cumbersome, and there are some issues with the audio tones (The sub level is high, resulting in low sub settings. JK has offered an explanation, but I am not sure I buy into it).
And FWIW, Roger Dressler of Dolby Labs, and John Kotches (WSR reviewer) both have suggested that using the internal tones is almost always the way to go.
That said, I do like the new DVE video test patterns. Just search HTF for DVE...there is a long review thread that you can read.
But as for what disc to buy, for a noob, I would go for the S&V Set-up disc, as it can be had for <$20.
And I am 100% in agreement on the RS SPL meter. An essential piece of gear.
Having said all that, I know ZERO about the calibration capabilities of your Yammy. It quite possibly will outperform any 3rd party disc/meter you choose to buy.
But you do still need video patterns, so again, I would opt for the S&V disc.
BGL
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12-31-2003, 09:13 AM
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#6 of 10
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Member
Location: Michigan
Join Date: Dec 1998
Local Time: 07:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 9,667
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Quote:
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Even though my Yamaha RX V 2400 has the YPAO feature, it is suggested the discs are better. True?
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I am not familiar with Yamaha's feature, but if it's anything like Pioneer's MCACC auto-cablibration feature, then it should be accurate. I checked the levels with a SPL meter after running MCACC on my setup, and they were right on target.
I would still recommend a calibration disc for adjusting the video settings on your television, regardless of whether you use it or your Yamaha's auto calibration for audio.
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01-02-2004, 11:19 AM
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#7 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Local Time: 07:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 219
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Yes, I also agree... if anything get the disk just for video patterns and if you feel you want to check your levels then pick up an SPL meter later. The video patterns are worth the price of the calibration disk alone.
I am Jacks complete lack of surprise.
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01-04-2004, 11:24 PM
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#8 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Local Time: 06:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 23
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Dave, if you have not had an ISF Technician in to calibrate your television have it done. If you have tried to calibrate it using one of the mentioned disks great but I am sure you do not understand all that is going on. The tech will perform the tests on the video essentials or Avia disk plus he will access the tv's service menu which you cannot do to change the colors to there correct temp all of this will be done using a probe and laptop hooked up to the monitors screen. The cost ranges from $225 to $400, I think (direct view tvs are $225 with projection being more). The process takes anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. To find a ISF tech in your area go to the ISF website.
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01-08-2004, 11:44 PM
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#9 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Local Time: 11:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 147
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Best Buy has their own sort of disc.
Has anyone used it, and if so, is it any good?
Beau
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01-16-2004, 09:03 PM
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#10 of 10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Local Time: 11:27 AM
Local Date: 10-14-2008
Posts: 24
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