Search - Ultimate DVD Platinum on DVD

Good and Bad

02/08/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a mediocre "set-up" cd. The majority of the audio set-up utilities are not explained well either on the dvd itself or in the included text. There are minimal to no directions given on using the setup tools. The setup section is a waste of time. It does have some pretty cool audio demonstrations though, for DTS and Dolby Digital (5.1 & 2.0). It's a good comparison DVD for the 5.1 surround setup. You can definately determine the superior sound quality of DTS over DD. There are some interesting videos (i.e. "implosions")included as well, not anything you have to see more than once or twice though. One thing not mentioned in the stats on this title, is that it is a double disk set. Hope this helps!"

More for the professional

Robert Gallo | Colorado Springs, Colorado United States | 05/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a home theater design consultant and I frequently use "The Ultimate DVD Platinum" for calibrating my clients systems. I am writing this review due to the numerous things I've seen in other reviews here. To set the record straight, this DVD is more for the person who is familar with home theater. Although it can be useful to the novice, professionals will have an easier time navigating and using the calibration tools on disc 2 and the test material on disc 1 to their full advantage. I will note that I have encountered issues with both discs in Toshiba DVD players, but no other manufacturer's products. As to one review which stated that there was only one black bar in the "brightness" test pattern, but two in the demo, that was due to his TV not being able to display "pluge" or "blacker than black" signals, I have encountered this with a client who had a Toshiba HDTV. The blue filter supplied with disc 2 for proper color and tint alignment is useful only if the TV has adjustable red push, which most don't! If color and tint are set to the instructions on disc 2 skin tones will be unnaturally red. As for the DTS signals, I have never had an issue with them and I'm guessing that the people who've had problems may have purchased a bad pressing of the disc and should have returned it to where they aquired it from. All in all, the disc is very good and can show off what a DVD player and home theater are capable of if set up correctly, but again, this is more for the professional than the novice. For a proper calibration one should call a professional. After all, if you're willing to spend the money on the equipment, doesn't it make sense to spend a little more to have it set up properly?"

This disk is truly phenomenal...!

Robert Gallo | 03/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Review from SMR Forums....Topic: DVD Setup/Demo Disks Conf: Forum 1 - Miscellaneous A/V Discussion From: Larry- just purchased The Ultimate DVD - Platinum from Amazon ($24, including shipping). I've rented the old "Silver" version of the same disk, and have to say that they have done a really professional job getting the new release together.Actually, this is a two disk set. Disk 1 consists of the very best audio and video calibration/setup tracks I've ever seen. It begins with the phasing and levels of all your speakers and then goes through the PCM (i.e., stereo tracking), Dolby 5.1 and (real) DTS calibration. Then, it allows you to test and set up your tv/monitor settings. This is a very high level, highly detailed disk.Then, disk 2 consists of extremely well produced demos of just about every video and audio feature you can think of. However, it can drive you crazy the first time you use it, because it's not intuitive how to move from one screen (e.g., the initial copyright) to the next. Just press your next track button. (Hint - don't try to go backwards - you'll get lost.) Other than that little flaw, this disk is truly phenomenal. Well worth the investment.Larry"

A fun toy for someone new to DVD

Michael Denatale | Colorado | 05/27/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a neat DVD to play with, especially if you are new to DVD's and Dolby Digital surround. I thought the setup disk was pretty easy to use. Each test has a good description and explanation. I found it to be useful. I would have given a higher rating, but I experienced some technical problems with the setup disk. Anytime I would try to go into DTS audio setup it would kick me out for 'Parental Control Violation'. I never did figure it out, so I just used Dolby Digital 5.1.The demo disk is quite good. I really like being able to directly compare DTS, DD 5.1, and Pro Logic. The difference is quite amazing. If I could have rated the two disks separately I would have given this one 4 stars."