Many variables can influence video quality, regardless of the performance level of the components themselves. The video chain setup, from the source material being used to the screen position in the room, is of critical importance. This is true with any television, but more noticeable when using a high-resolution plasma display, and even more apparent with a front projector (such as a DLP) firing on a large screen. The following six factors must always be taken into consideration:

• The DVD disc being used should be an original and not a copy. Sometimes a copy made in a foreign country will be of inferior quality. Tests have shown that, whenever possible, it is more desirable to view the DVD disc in its original video standard; i.e. a DVD recorded for an NTSC region played in NTSC and a DVD recorded for a PAL region played in PAL.
  
  
  

• The video signal connection between the DVD player to the television, plasma or projector (TPP) must be of the highest possible quality. Select Component Video over S-Video, and S-Video over Composite. In most cases it is preferable not to pass the video signal through a video selector (such as a Home Theater Processor) and go directly to the TPP as most video selectors will degrade signal quality.
  
  
  

• The TPP must be accurately calibrated using video test material such as “Video Essentials” from Joe Kane or “AVIA Guide to Home Theater” using the DVD player connected in the exact same way it is intended for the everyday viewing. This calibration is absolutely critical to extract the maximum level of video performance from any DVD video player. This exercise should be done only after all the components involved have reached their normal operating temperature (approximately 30 minutes) and under the exact same lighting conditions that prevail during normal viewing.
  
  
  

• Simaudio MOON DVD players have a “Standby” mode that maintains power to all critical internal components. This allows for optimal performance immediately after the unit is switched from “Standby” mode to “On”. When the DVD player is brand new, both video and sonic performance will improve during the first hour of use, and continue to do so during the first three to four weeks of constant use as a result of the “break in” process.
  
  
  

• The setup of the DVD player and the TPP should be done accordingly with respect to the hardware and the software format (4:3, 16:9, or 2.35:1).
  
  
  

• The viewing position relative to the TPP should be 2.5 to 3 times the distance of the diagonal length of the TPP. Daylight and/or room lighting must not interfere or reflect on the TPP; the darker the room the better the results.