Video Asylum

Posted by Joe Murphy Jr (A) on April 25, 2004 at 14:22:58

In Reply to: What level? posted by Joe Murphy Jr on April 24, 2004 at 19:27:57:

The Video Essentials site describes what to look for in test patterns, why they are used and has a wealth of information on the NTSC system.

http://www.videoessentials.com/glossary.htm
http://www.videoessentials.com/ve_d_faqplayer.htm
http://www.videoessentials.com/notes_on_video.htm

Michael TLV has put together a great site that provides information on calibration of displays, advice from ISF techs and how tos for calibrating displays.

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/experttips/panelofexperts.html
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/isf/isf.html
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/isf/michaeltlv/isf_m-tlv_rosettastone_calibration1.html

Accupel produces a pattern generator for professional calibration. At the site, there are explanations of test patterns and demos of their generator (you actually click on the generator to change the patterns and settings). Some of the patterns generated are similar to those on DVE and the site explains how to use the various patterns and what to look for when using them.

http://www.accupel.com/HDG2000pats.html
http://www.accupel.com/demo.2_f.html
http://www.accupel.com/Calibration_FAQ_f.html

You can also use the Search function at AVS Forum. Search for your brand or type of display in the Display Devices section and DVD player in the DVD Hardware section. For a wealth of explanations and comments on calibration advice, you can also specify the name "guy kuo" as a search parameter. He is the person behind the Avia products and posts often at AVS. You can also specify the name "gregr", who doesn't post as often but is also very informative (Greg Rogers is the Video Editor for WidescreenReview magazine). Another site that useful is HomeTheater Forum. Guy Kuo also contributes to that site in the display section. For some more fun video information, Secrets is another great site to learn about the technical details of DVD players and picture display.

http://www.avsforum.com/
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/index.php
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_3/dvd-benchmark-part-1-video-9-2000.html

The only magazine that I can recommend for general and technical information regarding video is WidescreenReview. The rest contain too much fluff, bullshit and many of their reviewers lack the expertise and knowledge to be taken seriously. Contributors of special mention are Greg Rogers (Technical Video Editor) and Joe Kane (the man behind A Video Standard, Video Essentials and Digital Video Essentials). Many of the issues have articles which refer to and explain the use of patterns on Digital Video Essentials. The magazine also maintains a website.

http://www.widescreenreview.com/