Randy,
Here are a bunch of tutorials and other goodies relative to the meter and calibration.
AN INTRODUCTION TO TEST & CALIBRATION DVDS This is a good place to start, because it explains the "why" and "what" of calibration. It gives a comparison of the disks available, and their pros and cons.
A Quick Overview of Home Theater Calibration Here is the "how" part.
Essential Accessories: The Radio Shack Sound Pressure Level Meter
As stated above, the disk itself will guide you through the process, and any questions you have, more than likely, can be answered here. I present these tutorials just so you can get an idea of "why", "what," and "how" BEFORE you begin.
Allow some time for this. I can take several hours to work your way through one of these disks. Once you get the procedure down, and learn to navigate the disk, touch ups and recalibrating can go fairly fast. It is a fun process. Enjoy it.
Even if you find that you're receiver's auto setup is just as effective as manual calibration, I promise you'll learn something new. One thing I know for sure. You're receiver's auto setup won't calibrate your video.
