Digital Video Essentials teaches measured display and audio calibration. Start by watching the instructional material, warm the display for 30 minutes, and use an SPL meter for audio level and a PLUGE-type pattern for brightness. Set contrast, color/tint (with filters or a colorimeter), and reduce sharpness to avoid edge enhancement. For modern HDR and wide-gamut displays, disable dynamic processing and use patterns designed for HDR. Recheck settings with varied content or consider professional calibration for absolute accuracy.

Why this guide matters

Digital Video Essentials was created to help home users adjust display controls accurately and to provide a full set of test signals for audio setup. The core workflow - learn the patterns, then make measured adjustments - still applies. Modern displays and audio systems add new considerations (HDR, wide color gamut, digital signal processing), but the basic steps remain the same.

Start by learning, then adjust

Play the instructional material first so you understand each test pattern. The DVD version improved navigation and included clearer color filters; today many test patterns are also available in Blu-ray, Ultra HD and downloadable files for TVs and projectors . Learning the intention behind each pattern prevents accidental overcorrection.

Prepare the room and equipment

Warm a display for at least 30 minutes before final adjustments. While the display warms, use that time to set up audio. For audio level calibration you need an SPL (sound pressure level) meter or a calibrated microphone interface. Smartphone SPL apps can give a rough indication but are not as accurate as a handheld meter.

The audio section of the original program walks you through channel balancing and evaluation. Useful tests include: level tones (to balance channels), a broad low-frequency sweep to find buzzing or rattling ("Buzz and Rattle" test), and subjective material to evaluate tonal balance and dynamics.

Video adjustments: step-by-step

Brightness (black level)

Use a PLUGE-type pattern (three black bars) to set brightness so you can just distinguish the near-black reference without crushing shadow detail.

Contrast (white level)

Use the white-level steps in the reference pattern to set contrast so bright detail remains visible without clipping.

Color and Tint

Accurate color and tint require correct color patterns and either proper color filters or, preferably, a colorimeter or calibration meter. Consumer controls and eyeballing are often insufficient for precise results.

Sharpness

Set sharpness conservatively. Most displays look better with sharpness set low or off; excessive sharpness introduces artificial edge enhancement.

Modern notes: HDR and video processing

High dynamic range (HDR) and tone-mapping add complexity. When calibrating SDR signals, disable dynamic picture modes and noise-reduction. For HDR, use patterns and workflows designed for HDR mastering levels and be aware of how your display maps highlights and color volume.

Final checks

Revisit both audio and video after all adjustments. Play varied content to confirm natural-looking images and balanced sound. If you need absolute precision, consider a professional calibration or a dedicated calibration software and meter.
  1. Confirm current availability and official editions (DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra HD/download) of the title 'Digital Video Essentials'.
  2. Verify the original DVD's menu/navigation improvements and the specific claim about 'colour filters are better' in later editions.
  3. Check recommended measurement practices for smartphone SPL apps versus calibrated SPL meters with recent comparative data.

FAQs about Digital Video Essentials

Do I still need the original DVD to calibrate my TV?
No. The original DVD workflow is still valid, but test patterns are now commonly available on Blu-ray, Ultra HD discs, and downloadable files. Confirm availability for the specific title you want .
How long should I warm up my display before calibrating?
Warm your display for at least 30 minutes before making final adjustments so its electronics and backlight (if applicable) reach normal operating state.
Can a smartphone app replace an SPL meter for audio calibration?
Smartphone SPL apps can provide a rough reading but are generally less accurate than a calibrated handheld SPL meter or measurement microphone. Use a dedicated meter for reliable channel-level balancing.
What is a PLUGE pattern and why is it used?
PLUGE (Picture Line-Up Generation Equipment) is a reference pattern with three near-black bars used to set the display's black level so shadow detail is visible without crushing blacks.
Should I turn sharpness up for a clearer picture?
No. Excessive sharpness adds artificial edge enhancement. Start with sharpness low or off and increase only if the image lacks perceived detail on your specific display.