Aaron Ledger

[Aaron Ledger]

[quote=”Mast3rL33″]
I have known some people to set their reciever to a specific volume level and then use MC to control volume sent to the reciever.
[/quote]

This is a good way to get sub-optimal sound quality when using analog output. Optimal sound quality for Windows 7/Vista is setting the master volume level to 0dB and letting an amp do the volume adjustments. To see the volume in decibels, you must open up the speaker properties, click on the Levels tab and right-click to select the decibels option.

[Aaron Ledger]

[quote=”jameson_uk”]
The major issue with HTPC display calibration is that things are not static.
The choice of codec and renderer can affect what is displayed.
I have a 9400 IGP and if output is set to 16-235 for video and I play a 16-235 video then you would think that output would just be at 16-235 it does not work.   At various points the video is converted from/to 16-235 / 0-255 and what actualy happens when playing back video with the output set to 16-235 results in the renderer assuming the input is 0-255 and converting this to 16-235 (giving you washed out blacks and grey whites).  Setting the output to 0-255 means I actually get 16-235 out for a 16-235 source.

To make matters more complicated things can be different for HD (Rec 709) and SD (Rec 601) material as well as proteted path material.   In order to get correct black levels when using TMT I need to set the output to 16-235 to get 16-235 output (even though in MPC etc I need to have output set to 0-255 to achieve the same….)

This is all measured on a meter on a set calibrated to 16-235 from another source (stand alone bluray player)

I am guessing you will address some of these issues in part II?
[/quote]

The color space issue was addressed to some degree in this guide. It is unfortunate that there are sometimes inconsitencies in how different software packages, drivers and hardware deal with video levels. Fortunately, we have test patterns to allow us to identify and correct those issues.

It would be ideal to have separate calibrations for viewing Rec. 709 and Rec. 601, although if you have to choose one, choose the one for the type of content you watch most. Alternately, you could create different calibration picture modes on your display for each. You could also do this to deal with any inconsistencies you are finding in your hardare/software.

Are you also using the latest version of TMT along with current Nvidia drivers? I understand that at one point, there was a problem with levels in TMT. Last I checked on a Clarkdale GPU outputting full-range RGB, I was seeing consistent levels with MPC and TMT using AVS HD 709 pluge pattern.

[Aaron Ledger]

[quote=”jameson_uk”]
The major issue with HTPC display calibration is that things are not static.
The choice of codec and renderer can affect what is displayed.
I have a 9400 IGP and if output is set to 16-235 for video and I play a 16-235 video then you would think that output would just be at 16-235 it does not work.   At various points the video is converted from/to 16-235 / 0-255 and what actualy happens when playing back video with the output set to 16-235 results in the renderer assuming the input is 0-255 and converting this to 16-235 (giving you washed out blacks and grey whites).  Setting the output to 0-255 means I actually get 16-235 out for a 16-235 source.

To make matters more complicated things can be different for HD (Rec 709) and SD (Rec 601) material as well as proteted path material.   In order to get correct black levels when using TMT I need to set the output to 16-235 to get 16-235 output (even though in MPC etc I need to have output set to 0-255 to achieve the same….)

This is all measured on a meter on a set calibrated to 16-235 from another source (stand alone bluray player)

I am guessing you will address some of these issues in part II?
[/quote]

The color space issue was addressed to some degree in this guide. It is unfortunate that there are sometimes inconsitencies in how different software packages, drivers and hardware deal with video levels. Fortunately, we have test patterns to allow us to identify and correct those issues.

It would be ideal to have separate calibrations for viewing Rec. 709 and Rec. 601, although if you have to choose one, choose the one for the type of content you watch most. Alternately, you could create different calibration picture modes on your display for each. You could also do this to deal with any inconsistencies you are finding in your hardare/software.

Are you also using the latest version of TMT along with current Nvidia drivers? I understand that at one point, there was a problem with levels in TMT. Last I checked on a Clarkdale GPU outputting full-range RGB, I was seeing consistent levels with MPC and TMT using AVS HD 709 pluge pattern.

[Aaron Ledger]

The Nvidia driver allows for you to override the video levels which may be the reason why TMT is too dark in your configuration.

If you haven’t already, you might want to check out our new calibration guide we just published today:

http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5225&Itemid=1

[Aaron Ledger]

The Nvidia driver allows for you to override the video levels which may be the reason why TMT is too dark in your configuration.

If you haven’t already, you might want to check out our new calibration guide we just published today:

http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5225&Itemid=1

[Aaron Ledger]

I need to watch the theatrical version of Apocalypse Now. The Redux version seemed to drag out too long. The beach scene is a classic… 

[Aaron Ledger]

I need to watch the theatrical version of Apocalypse Now. The Redux version seemed to drag out too long. The beach scene is a classic… 

[Aaron Ledger]

I’m glad you all find this useful. I can’t wait to bring you part II!

[Aaron Ledger]

I’m glad you all find this useful. I can’t wait to bring you part II!

[Aaron Ledger]

Andrew, does the VT25 support DLNA, PlayTo and media files via USB?

Last night, I was copying some files over my home network and I noticed my C8000 showing up as an available network device in Win7. I “installed” the device in Win7 and then tried out PlayTo. It worked brilliantly and I may actually use it from time to time.

[Aaron Ledger]

Andrew, does the VT25 support DLNA, PlayTo and media files via USB?

Last night, I was copying some files over my home network and I noticed my C8000 showing up as an available network device in Win7. I “installed” the device in Win7 and then tried out PlayTo. It worked brilliantly and I may actually use it from time to time.

[Aaron Ledger]

Mike, my Samsung C8000 buzzes and your S2 probably does as well. It is typical for plasmas to one degree or another. On my display, I really have to be listening for it to hear it and be closer to the display than my normal viewing distance. It is actually most noticeable with a mostly dark screen and high contrast stuff like when there is no input to the display and the “No input” dialog is displayed.

I think that if I hadn’t read extensively about plasma buzzing, this is likely something I never would have given thought to or really noticed. Ignorance is bliss… Although, the characteristics that I have observed with my display do not detract at all from my enjoyment of normal content viewing.

It is also true that the ambient noise level in the room will likely affect the perception of the buzz. I should get my SPL meter out and try to measure it.

[Aaron Ledger]

Mike, my Samsung C8000 buzzes and your S2 probably does as well. It is typical for plasmas to one degree or another. On my display, I really have to be listening for it to hear it and be closer to the display than my normal viewing distance. It is actually most noticeable with a mostly dark screen and high contrast stuff like when there is no input to the display and the “No input” dialog is displayed.

I think that if I hadn’t read extensively about plasma buzzing, this is likely something I never would have given thought to or really noticed. Ignorance is bliss… Although, the characteristics that I have observed with my display do not detract at all from my enjoyment of normal content viewing.

It is also true that the ambient noise level in the room will likely affect the perception of the buzz. I should get my SPL meter out and try to measure it.

[Aaron Ledger]

FYI: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/458425-FCC_Votes_to_Change_CableCARD_Rules.php

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the entire meeting, but I didn’t hear anything about software changes. Results are mostly positive I would say and had some compromises. I was also happy to hear them talking about some new department or something to that effect that will field consumer complaints and supposedly better enforce the mandates.

[Aaron Ledger]

FYI: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/458425-FCC_Votes_to_Change_CableCARD_Rules.php

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the entire meeting, but I didn’t hear anything about software changes. Results are mostly positive I would say and had some compromises. I was also happy to hear them talking about some new department or something to that effect that will field consumer complaints and supposedly better enforce the mandates.

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