Monster ISF Calibration Disc

[joshie]

I know test patterns are important when setting brightness and contrast but I am wondering if using actual material also matters. I was using the monster isf calibration disc just to see how it compares to the DVE and I noticed something.

I lose detail when I set the brightness and contrast based on DVE test patterns compared to using the actual examples used on monster disc ie when I lower my contrast I see more details (creases) on the white shirt. The same goes for brightness, I have it set based on my test pattern but when I raise it a bit I can see more detail between a man wearing a black suit with a black shirt (see the collar better)in the test pattern. I would like to know people's thoughts about this. Is the test pattern the way to go? Obviously you dont base your calibration settings on film to film but I guess compared to the monster isf examples.

[Alan Brown]

Which version of DVE are you using?

[joshie]

DVE HD Basics

[Alan Brown]

There may be differences in the way a standard DVD ('Monster/ISF' disc) is processed in your player vs. a Blu-ray Disc program ('DVE HD Basics'). It's also possible that the mastering of the two programs, or the conversion to disc was a little different between them. There are a lot of potential variables in the signal chains that we can't know about, which may be at play here. Personally, I have more inherent confidence in the precision of the Joe Kane Productions product than the Monster/ISF title. Which disc format do you critically watch the most- DVD or BD?

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
A Lion AV Consultants Affiliate

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

[joshie]

I watch more on blu-ray so basically I should stick with DVE HD Basics.

[bhampton]

Yep,

In order for the Monster disc thingie to work you have to have a Monster Power Center and Monster HDMI cables and you have to clean your screen with the Monster Screen Cleaner and you have to drink Monster energy drinks and you have to get your job from Monster dot com. If you can't do all that then DVE is going to work better for ya.

-Brian

[liquidice]

Originally Posted by bhampton

Yep,

In order for the Monster disc thingie to work you have to have a Monster Power Center and Monster HDMI cables and you have to clean your screen with the Monster Screen Cleaner and you have to drink Monster energy drinks and you have to get your job from Monster dot com. If you can't do all that then DVE is going to work better for ya.

-Brian

[pchin]

Nice one bhampton haha!

[KASR]

I had the Monster ISF disk for about 10 minutes .... and then returned it.
Avia II if you can get your hands on it.

[Alan Brown]

The Monster/ISF disc has many unique display evaluation images that are well designed and more intuitive than traditional test patterns. The ISF designed the program to be an introductory tutorial for the average consumer, who may not be technologically inclined. I find it particularly helpful in demonstrating to my clients how important and sensitive to misadjustment typical display picture controls can be. It's also less expensive than the Avia II disc. There are definitely sections of the program I don't find useful, but ten minutes is hardly enough time to evaluate the disc's many unique and worthwhile qualities.

The producer and manufacturer of Avia II is no longer in business, as best anyone can tell. Many dealers have run out of inventory and list it as no longer being available. I still have some inventory available through my web site. It is a much more elaborate, detailed, and lengthy program for more astute video hobbyists.

[KASR]

Great information Alan! I may be sending a few of my HT enthusiast/friends to your website to snag up some of your inventory! Thanks for posting!

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by pchin

Nice one bhampton haha!

Nice avatar of Max Sterling.

[RebelJeeper]

Does it cost 5x as much?

Forgive me, I couldn't resist...