

High Definition Benchmark aims to do the same for Blu-ray players, A/V receivers, and high-definition displays, in addition to offering patterns for display setup. The test suite they developed there redefined the performance standards for progressive-scan DVD playback. You may even remem-ber them as the founders of the “Progressive Scan Shootout” and “DVD Benchmark” over at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, the Website where I cut my teeth as a video reviewer.

Both work at Microsoft in various video groups, and both have been in the video business for quite some time. Stacey Spears and Don Munsil designed the High Definition Benchmark disc.
#Spears and munsil setup settings full#
And now with Blu-ray in full swing, the selections are even smaller. Unfortunately, the tools you need to correctly set up your components have been pretty sparse. A proper setup can often provide even more improvement than component upgrades. You wouldn’t believe how often I visit someone’s home theater to find that their equipment is set up improperly, crippling their experience. One of the questions I hear most from readers and enthusiasts alike is, “How can I make my video better?” Most of the time, they’re looking for advice on upgrading their Blu-ray player, DVD player, or display, but more often than not, you can make a lot of worthwhile improvements by simply tweaking your existing setup.
