The best money I have spent so far

[OKB]

Avia to adjust the audio and video and a SPL meter to balance the speaker levels.

It improved my low dollar HT system by a very noticeable amount. I struggled with "do I really want to spend close to a hundred bucks on something I would only use a couple of times? The picture looks OK to me and my surround sound has sound coming from all the speakers so I am good to go, Right?"

I have now found out differently.

Having the right tools for tuning your HT system really does help. It has made a noticeable difference in picture quality and surround sound effects. Well worth the investment IMHO and when friends come over they will be impressed with how well your budget HT setup works.

[McLoki]

yep - makes a huge difference. I wish more rental stores offered DVE or Avia. You really don't need it that often, but it is required (in my opinion) to dial things in.

Glad you got things going like they should be. (and welcome to club polk)

Michael

[engtaz]

Congrats. People forget all the thing in a room that can effect the balance of the speakers in HT.

engtaz

[Gaara]

I am always amazed when I find people who have nice HT yet spend no money on basic calibration tools, or even a SPL meter. For less then $100 you can get a SPL meter and Avia and it will make a drastic difference in both the sound and video quality of your HT.

[janmike]

Is this the latest version of the software?
AVIA II Home Theater Tune Up DVD 2007

ebay AVIA (http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Sealed-Avia-2-Home-Theater-Tune-Up-DVD-2007_W0QQitemZ220164093963QQihZ012QQcategoryZ617QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

How's the price on this one?

[McLoki]

I have not heard of Avia II.

This is the one I purchased (http://shop.polkaudio.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=13352&storeId=12352&productId=107361&langId=-1) from Polk...

Michael

[phipiper10]

Just came out in the last couple of weeks more test signals and a few other features. I was just debating on picking it up. Right now I have a DVD disc with test tones and some video calibrations that came free with the purchase of my HDTV from Circuit City.

I have an SPL meter already how much more could I gain from the new Avia disc.

$39 at ebay with free shipping. I'm considering it but want to see someone else tell me it's much better than the original.

[hockeyboy]

I decided to buy this DVD and give it a try so just ordered it off of EBay. I was considering having my installer do a professional calibration but want to wait until I have some more hours on my PJ. My biggest concern is that it will be hard to use but was inspired by this thread.

[janmike]

I am thinking the same. Same amount to pay for better sound and picture.

[phipiper10]

Let us know what you think hockeyboy. You'll be the one to make my decision...or I'll buy your copy at 50% off ;)

[OKB]

I went with the older version... I have a standard TV and I think, but could be wrong, that the '07 version Avia II is geared more towards HD and widescreens. Do a little research. I was impressed with how easy Avia was to use and the difference it made.

Bill

[shahmichael@com]

I have used Avia 1,not the hd version.I think the origanal is still very good for audio.I just paid to have my hd-tv calibrated and it made a huge difference,should have done sooner.I did the audio myself.We are all so lucky to have such a great hobby that you can see and hear instant results:D

[hockeyboy]

My Avia 2 came in today. I hope to use it tomorrow night but it might not be until this weekend. I will post a review when complete.

[hockeyboy]

All right! I calibrated the picture last night and it improved quite a bit. It was not hard at all and I actually learned a lot from the DVD. I have auto calibration with my Marantz so use that feature to keep my sound tip top.

The thing that seems quite different with the new Avia disc is that it has a whole library of resources that you can access via the internet using the DVD. I haven't tried it yet, but will when I have time. All in all, it was worth the $40 just to have a good resource to calibrate all of my displays.

[AdamRagland]

if you dont use it too often after you have already calibrated, why havent we started a loan program. if i had the calibration tools i wouldnt mind sending it to someone if they just cover shipping. but i dont have one:)

[xandra]

I'm very curious (but totally ignorant) about this system. Would someone please pipe in with a basic run down of the process... I'm mostly interested in the audio setup.

[McLoki]

For audio side - there are test tones that are recorded at 85db for each speaker.

Set you Stereo to +5, play back the tone, and use the + - for each channel to set the sound at exactly 80db. This will "calibrate" your system so when you listen at -15 and I listen to my system in my room at -15, we are both listening at the exact same volume.

The other benefit is that each channel is set to the same loudness so if something is supposed to sound like it is between the speakers, it does...

Michael

[Lasareath]

if you dont use it too often after you have already calibrated, why havent we started a loan program. if i had the calibration tools i wouldnt mind sending it to someone if they just cover shipping. but i dont have one:)

I'm in for the loan system. great Idea Adam!

What does the SPL meter do for me as well, Does it just tell me how loud my system is?

And the run down on what the Avia disc does as well would be great. Does it send test signals to each speaker and you increase or decrease the volume to that speaker?

Thanks,

Sal

[Early B.]

Just ordered the Avia II. I'll report back once it arrives.

[AdamRagland]

perhaps i will order one is well. if there is much interested i will send mine to whoever would like to try it out after i have calibrated.

[jakelm]

I'm buying DVE HD. Since I now have a XA1 and all the new audio formats. I have the original DVE, time to step it up a knotch.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Video-Essentials-Combo-Disc/dp/B000IHYY3Y/ref=s9_js_pop_title/103-1705041-8945415?ie=UTF8&pf%5Frd%5Ft=101&pf%5Frd%5Fm=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf%5Frd%5Fp=278240301&pf%5Frd%5Fs=center-2&pf%5Frd%5Fr=0ETM2GTNBC3H7JJGDJRE&pf%5Frd%5Fi=507846