are shaders and materials the same thing?

You can also use material parameters to get the same effect.

But what you are seeing in the video is a pre-rendered slideshow for the most part. When they do change the values to get a different look it is likely done with material parameters as well (or whatever they call them in their engine).

As zeOrb suggested try out the material editor by following along to the youtube tutorials, you will be surprised by what you can do with it.