How to optimize the picture on my Sony TV?

I have a Sony 20" KV80 tv (I know it is small but my dorm room is 6x10) the TV is truely awsome, and I was wondering if I could make it look even better. I have it hooked up to a Pioneer 414 DVD player. I keep reading about Video Essentials and discs like that but where would I get a copy. And if they are expenseive are they really worth it?

Khamul

[1138]

I just got Video Essentials last week and used it on the 27" Sony TV at my house. I'm no videophile, or audio for that matter. However, Video Essentials works great for getting the right birghtness, contrast, sharpness, color, and tint setting for your TV. Even I could tell the difference. I'd recommend it if you really want to have your TV looking it's best. I still haven't gone through the audio portion of it really. I'm awaiting shipment on a receiver I bought that will be my first DD receiver. Even my family noticed the difference, especially after watching a non-tuned TV after watching the tuned one for awhile.

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Floyd is pink.
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/3924/

Khamul,
Yes, they are worth the cost. The other disc you've probably heard about is the AVIA. Both AVIA and Video Essentials have strengths and weaknesses. For your purposes I'd recommend the AVIA, due to a better user interface and easier to use test patterns.

You can get either from most online DVD "stores" or in many retail outlets that specialize in video software. Online expect to pay $25-30, retail is usually in the $40-50 range.

It will make a big difference in how well your TV displays black, and accurate color rendition. You'll also get an education on many other aspects of HT if you watch the whole disc. Regardless of the size of the monitor, if it isn't calibrated properly, your not watching a home theater display. Your only watching TV. The only type of calibration that goes further is one done by an ISF technician- and guess what one of the main DVDs is that they use for their source material? Either AVIA, VE or both.

My 2 sense,
James M.

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HT equipment: Pioneer Elite Pro-100 RPTV (ISF calibrated)
Lexicon DC-1 pre/pro, Sunfire Cinema Grand amp, Adcom GFA-555II amp, Legacy Victoria L/R speakers, Legacy CinemaII center channel speaker, M&K SS150THX side surround speakers paired with Atlantic Tech. 162PBM subs(2), Def. Tech BPX rear surround speakers, Velodyne F1800II sub., Sony HiFi VCR, Denon DCD-1500 CD player and DVD-3000 DVD player, NAD 1600 pre/tuner (used for powering up the system and radio reception only), Power Pack V line conditioner/enhancer, Adcom Ace 515 line conditioner/enhancer, LAT and Monster speaker cables, assortment of AudioQuest, Monster and XLO interconnects, various forms of component vibration isolation and room treatment

Thanks James M.

I went to DVDExpress and Reel and they havd AVIA for $35, does anyone know of a better price or not? No Biggie since I have a $10 off coupon for DVDExpress (I love their Buddy system)

Khamul

One more Question... I have a Technics Digital Decorder, and my speakers are:

2x Bose 201
1x Yamaha Center Channel (Replaced the JBL 1)
2x JBL Rear Effects Speakers
1x Yamaha 50W Sub

I know these are not top of the line equipment although I do really like the 201s... Now when I am done with School and have some space I will upgrade. My question is will VE or AVIA help me optimize the speaker volumes and such? I know my decoder can adjust the volumes and delay times on each) I really love my system and I guess I just want to make it sound as good as it can...

Khamul

Khamul,
First, your welcome.

As to do VE and/or AVIA have test tones to help calibrate your sound system- yes, they both do. They also have phase/polarity tests and AVIA has a pretty neat LFE test to help with set up of subwoofers and/or other speakers producing low frequencies.

James M.

[Chromy]

You might want to go down to your local radio shack and pick up a SPL meter to help you set levels. It's amazing how off the human ear is