#HD CALIBRATION DISC HOW TO#
#HD CALIBRATION DISC FULL#
#HD CALIBRATION DISC PROFESSIONAL#

The disc includes tests that target specific display types like edge-lit and full-array backlit LCD TVs and projectors. Many of the patterns are new 4K versions of patterns appearing on S&M's DVD and HD Blu-ray test discs, but there are also new patterns to evaluate contrast performance, scaling, and tone mapping. The disc covers the entire gamut, from chroma processing to dynamic range. Once you get past the basic setup section, there's a vast array of patterns and tests providing everything needed to evaluate your video chain from player to display. I appreciated that the patterns are endlessly looped by default and will stay on the screen until you switch them off. For those seeking to simply dabble in setup, there are basic setup patterns you can easily jump between with simple clicks on the arrow buttons of your player's remote. The disc's menu structure makes finding what you are looking for easy. This is one of the few tests out there to help you properly set lip synch in your A/V setup, and it counts among the most valuable tests on the disc.

The UHD HDR Benchmark is primarily focused on video setup and evaluation with the only audio test being an A/V synch pattern that's available in both Dolby and DTS formats. Switching between these options allows users to see how an HDR image changes with different luminance levels, but also gives calibration pros a way to compare a display's tone mapping performance at different nit levels. There is also a standard dynamic range option for select demonstration material. From there, trim passes were made at more common luminance levels-1,000 nits, for example.

#HD CALIBRATION DISC FULL#

Patterns and content were mastered with a peak luminance value of 10,000 nits to exploit the HDR format's full potential. The user can initially select the luminance level (how bright the content was mastered, also known as grading) for the content they want to view, but even after this selection is made, it can be changed on the fly by pushing the up arrow on your player's remote and selecting a different output value for that specific test or demo content. S&M worked with Dolby and other industry heavyweights on the disc's patterns and demonstration montage, both of which provide a range of options to evaluate HDR tone mapping on different displays. (Tips are posted on the website that will help to get the most from the disc's content.)

#HD CALIBRATION DISC HOW TO#

Unlike S&M's previous test disc, the HD Benchmark, this version does not include general explanations on how to use the patterns wrapped into its interface but is still easy to navigate and use.

#HD CALIBRATION DISC PROFESSIONAL#

It has basic video setup and evaluation patterns aimed at the general consumer, but also patterns and features designed for use by professional calibrators, reviewers, and even manufacturers. The Spears & Munsil (S&M) UHD HDR Benchmark is a video test disc developed with a wide range of users in mind.

Hd calibration disc