Avia or DVE and what version?

So theres basically two setup dvds: AVIA and Digital Video Essentials (DVE).

I've seen more than one version of AVIA, whats the newest version and where can I buy it online? What version is this? (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-KsEU6yo3hTr/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=555AVIA&search=avia)

I should have pointed out, I don't know which to buy: Avia or DVE.

What kind of display device do you have? Do you have a widescreen HDTV or a projector?

For a widescreen HDTV, most people would suggest going with DVE, because the entire DVD is mastered in anamorhpic widescreen.

However, the test tones are screwed up on that DVD. The bass level is all wrong. If you're using it to calibrate your speakers, you're going to get no bass at all from your subwoofer, because of the screwed up test tones.

For sound, you're going to want Avia, because it's the most acurate. Plus, you can use Avia to calibrate your widescreen HDTV as well, though it'll be harder, since Avia is a fullscreen DVD, but it can still be done.

If you really want the best, I suggest buying both. Avia to calibrate your speakers only and DVE to calibrate your widescreen HDTV or a projector (if you have one). I would NOT suggest calibrating your speakers with DVE. Thousands of people on the Home Theater Forum have complained endlessly about the screwed up test tones on that DVD.

If you have a THX certified dvd,,"Ice Age" I beleive,,just use the thx audio test to adjust your sound. Monsters Inc. is another one to try.

I have a samsung widescreen TV that does 480p/720p/1080i.

Thanks, I'll try the THX DVD. I remember once one of these DVD had a color and sharpness setup, is that just as good as DVE/AVIA?

Oh and is there an updated version of AVIA for widescreen?

It will work but not as comprehensive as the Avia & DVE test patterns.

I have a samsung widescreen TV that does 480p/720p/1080i.

Thanks, I'll try the THX DVD. I remember once one of these DVD had a color and sharpness setup, is that just as good as DVE/AVIA?

Oh and is there an updated version of AVIA for widescreen?

I seriously, seriously have to suggest you NOT try Ice Age or Monsters Inc. to calibrate your HDTV. Most of those THX DVDs have completely wrong calibration tools and if you calibrate your TV using them, you will have your settings all wrong. Look at the thousands of posts on the Home Theater Forum. Nobody would dare use these or any other THX discs to calibrate their HDTVs with. You simply must use a real calibration disc and that means buying either Avia or DVE or even both. Only then, will you have your TV set up correctly.

As far as I know, Avia has not updated their DVD for widescreen displays. I only know of the fullscreen version, which is why I suggested DVE for video calibrations.

If you're very serious about getting your HDTV to look its very best, you could try hiring a professional calibrator (ISF technician) to calibrate your HDTV. It costs a fortune (about $600) but they use special tools that normal people don't have access to. If you want to do it yourself, then you absolutely need to have a REAL calibration disc. Do not under any circumstances use a cheap THX DVD which always have the wrong picture settings.

I used the Lilo and Stitch THX Setup, man those were some dark settings.

I seriously, seriously have to suggest you NOT try Ice Age or Monsters Inc. to calibrate your HDTV.

Scared straight. I'll go and buy DVE. Hehe, thanks.