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![Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FMBadQJeL._SL75_.jpg)
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| Disappointed by poor explanation, but no better choiceI still have the original Avia DVD, but it's totally geared toward the old CRT TV sets, so I rented DVE: HD Basics on Blu-ray from Netflix. Overall, I find this HDTV calibration program quite disappointing.
My main gripe is the calibration part -- the stuff you bought or rented the program for -- is very poorly explained. The narrator races through the poorly written script, leaving you scratching your head even after two or three passes. One thing that Avia, otherwise also a user-unfriendly calibration proram, gets it right is telling you clearly what you should expect to see. HD Basics does tell you what you should see for a test, but that part is covered in like 2 seconds, and if you blinked, you would have missed it, while the narrator continues stuffing your head with lots of techno talk that adds no value to the program.
An additional problem is, only the basic tests are explained in the video, and so-called advanced tests are only briefly described in the test navigation menu, in a font so small that it's very difficult and eye-straining to read even on a big screen.
One thing that would have really helped is subtitles, or at least showing us the technical keywords the narrator is using, but there're none here. The introduction and HD in details sections are padded with useless materials, and sitting through them is an exercise in frustration -- but you have to watch most of them in order to truly understand, and properly use, the tests later!
Another problem is the menu navigation on this disc is counter-intuitive. When you press the up arrow, for instance, you'd expect to see the previous menu item highlighted; instead, it's reversed: the list scrolls up. I feel like I'm playing with one of those flight simulators from the 80s that got the pitch control wrong.
Anyway, one piece of advice I'd like to offer, regardless of what calibration program you use, is: after you calibrate, you should feel free to make slight adjustments so the picture looks right *to you*. In other words, use the calibrated settings as a starting point for finetuning. For example, using both Avia and HD Essentials gives me contrast that's a bit too low for my taste; also, the color is still a bit too saturated for me, too. So I change those settings a little bit, using what I consider ideal scenes from two high-quality Blu-ray discs: Kung Fu Panda (animation) and Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow (real-person film). The last thing you want is having a gorgeous HDTV display, calibrating it carefully, only to be wondering why you don't quite think the picture quality is right. This advice goes against what the calibration program creators tell you, but it comes from my experience of helping many people set up their TV displays, and I hope you'll agree that it's what's right to you that ultimately matters. (For the same reason, many audiophiles like to play with EQ settings, even though the "flat" setting is in theory the ideal setting because it brings out what the sound engineers had intended in the mastering studios.)
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Release Date: 1997-03-25
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| In the ModePotential purchasers of Kind of Blue will find (at the time of this writing) nearly 700 reviews of this reissue at amazon.com. The 5-star reviews have it right. Actually, any reissue, or the original vinyl release should receive 5 stars. The pitch correction does help on this particular release, though. Kind of Blue is a classic for several reasons. There is an incredible disparity of style (maybe "range" of style is a better way to put it) between the wind players. Just compare Davis's solo on "So What" with those of Adderley and Coltrane -- it's like they are in entirely different worlds. What tends to lead to this stylistic range is the harmonic and scalar nature of the pieces. Gone are the fast, complicated chord progressions of bop. Replacing them are modality, at times harmonic minimalism, and references to the blues. A read of Kahn's or Nisenson's books on the making of this album tend to give the impression that it became a classic in spite of itself. But, what else can you call an album that is thoroughly accessible, yet at times cutting edge, and one with so much outstanding playing from the entire group?
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Release Date: 2008-09-16
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| 3 1/2 stars. "Year of the Gentleman" At his very best, Shaffer "Neyo" Smith is such a remarkable, undeniable talent. But he can also fall into mediocrity like he did with "Year of the Gentleman." This album is filled with guitar/drumming arrangements, decent tracks and countless Michael Jackson influences. The lyrics, or, content of the songs, are this album's most outstanding aspect. Neyo speaks on topics that no one else does, yet they are so relevant. As a unit, I am certainly not impressed with this album. The highlights are very good, but surely not his most memorable work. For his best work, seek out his debut entitled "In My Own Words."
This album, in its own way, is kind of fresh."Closer" was this album's first single. It took time getting used to. This is the type of song that you'll either love or dread. It's a different approach for this artists and all fans will not like that. This really is a good song, especially the production, hook and harmonies. "Why Does She Stay" is the piano-filled ballad that talks about a man who is in a relationship with a woman who treats him much better than he treats her. I have seen this situation numerous times, therefore, I know many won't have a hard time relating. The lyrics are sure to touch some and make others realize how good their partner is. "Miss Independent" is a track that gives independent women their just due. I really like this song because I am one of the women he is speaking of. The women he is talking about don't need anyone for anything!
The title of the album is especially creative, as is some aspects of this third effort by Neyo. But, it did little for me collectively, though it is a decent album.
Mikeisha's Top 5
1. "Miss Independent"
2. "Mad"
3. "Closer"
4. "Stop This World"
5. "Fade Into the Background"
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Release Date: 2008-12-16
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| Excellent! Excellent!This is an excellent CD from start to finish. I don't think there is a weak song on the album. The production is excellent and the lyrics cover the range in emotions. For those people posting negative reviews, it is totally unfounded. I too am in my fourties, and I think the music is definitely age appropriate. This is not a CD for little children nor is it for people with one foot in the grave. You will be able to party on it as well as have grown up time with it. Great follow up Jaime!
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| When A Good Album Comes Down!I've only had the chance to listen to this album once so far, but my first impression is that I like it. I usually cannot say that after only one listen, but the songs are catchy enough to make me want to keep it and listen again and again. What I like best about AAR is that they have never tried to sound like anything that is popular. With so many bands trying to copy the whole Green Day/Blink-182 style, it is refreshing to hear this third album by AAR going in the same unique direction that sets them apart from many bands of today. When you listen to the songs on this album, you will be taken back to the 80's and the 90's at times without feeling like you are being sucker punched with nostalgia. I believe this third effort is proof that this band has enough talent and originality to keep going for years and years.
Other albums I bought that sound like this are: Sloopjohnd , Move Along and The All-American Rejects
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