Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark (2023) Calibration Disc Set Launches with Pre-Order!

(April 7, 2023) The long-anticipated Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark (2023) calibration disc set is now available for pre-order. This notably large three-disc set can be reserved for $47.95 (regularly $59.94), with shipping tentatively set for May 15, 2023.

The Ultra HD Benchmark (2023) contains a massive amount of "all-new" patterns optimized for SDR, HDR, and wide color gamut UHD resolutions. Designed with professional calibrators and hardcore enthusiasts in mind, these patterns will streamline your set-up and evaluation processes to dial in your Ultra HD TV. Every pattern was created using exclusive ultra-high-precision software, allowing it to stand as a true state-of-the-art tool of video reproduction.

Key features include:

• Calibration patterns to help set up displays for optimal clarity
• Evaluation patterns for motion, sharpness, color alignment & more
• Original demonstration clips shot and mastered in 8K HDR
• Demo material encoded in all supported HDR formats
• Audio tests available in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Extensive selection of patterns for the professional calibrator

To place your pre-order, visit our great friends at MediaLight Bias Lighting, here.

AV NIRVANA is member and reader-supported. When you purchase an item using our links, we might earn an affiliate commission.

 

[Todd Anderson]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1653498504902332428

 

[Todd Anderson]

We’re close to nailing down an episode of AV NIRVANA Live with Don Munsil and Stacey Spears. Hopefully it will coincide with launch week - which *should* happen super soon!

 

[austinblackboxspace]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1653498504902332428

I'm guessing this is for consumer use only? I don't recall our projector calibrators ever utilizing something like this in the past. But then again we never hang around to watch them. Cheers.

 

[mechman]

I'm guessing this is for consumer use only? I don't recall our projector calibrators ever utilizing something like this in the past. But then again we never hang around to watch them. Cheers.

I cannot say for sure on this new one but previous ones, yes, consumer use only. When I was actively calibrating, I never used it.

I do own all versions of their discs though. There is an upgrade program too for owners of previous versions. I think I saw that they get it for like $35 or something.

 

[austinblackboxspace]

I cannot say for sure on this new one but previous ones, yes, consumer use only. When I was actively calibrating, I never used it.

I do own all versions of their discs though. There is an upgrade program too for owners of previous versions. I think I saw that they get it for like $35 or something.

thanks for this info. good to know.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I cannot say for sure on this new one but previous ones, yes, consumer use only. When I was actively calibrating, I never used it.

I do own all versions of their discs though. There is an upgrade program too for owners of previous versions. I think I saw that they get it for like $35 or something.

Professionals definitely use these test patterns... perhaps not for the actually calibration process, but definitely as reference images for referral.

 

[mechman]

Professionals definitely use these test patterns... perhaps not for the actually calibration process, but definitely as reference images for referral.

Most professionals I have known did not use the older versions for reference. I have seen it used a lot for shootout type of things but the folks I knew in the business (I probably don't know as many as Todd) had movie scenes that they would use to evaluate. I carried a thumb drive with DVS (R. Masciola) test patterns as well as some reference scenes and a few movie discs for use. I also had some images loaded onto my pattern generator. While the Spears and Munsil disc was usually with me, I never used it in the time I calibrated professionally.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I can see that being the case, Steve. Reference content is reference content, no matter what the source. And you very well might be right... my perception might be skewed!