If you wants the best performance out of any product they buy. HDTVs can look great in a store, and then terrible at home. If you're not satisfied with how your TV looks, or want to check to make sure you're getting the best out of it, here are five easy steps for better picture quality.
Here we will give you some simple tips to improve your HDTV image display :
- Check your cables : Any new TV should be hooked up to your sources (i.e. cable/satellite box, Blu-ray, or DVD player, etc.) with HDMI cables. If your equipment is slightly older, component cables (red, green, and blue) also deliver HD signals. HDMI cables need not be expensive. A short HDMI cable shouldn't run you more than a couple of dollars. Check out my article on why all HDMI cables perform the same and the follow up Why all HDMI cables are the same, part 2.
- Upgrade your sources : Just having an HDTV doesn't mean you're watching HD. You need an HD source as well. If you didn't upgrade your TV service when you bought your new TV, you're missing out. Nearly all cable and satellite providers offer step-up HD packages. Without paying for or activating these, you're not getting HD.
- Check your source settings : Even if you have an HD source, like Blu-ray or an HD cable/satellite box, it still doesn't mean you're getting HD. Make sure the cable/satellite box is set to output HD, generally 1080i. Don't assume it will automatically set the resolution correctly (though it should). You can find this resolution setting in the box's menu, sometimes labeled "Aspect Ratio."
- Adjust your TV settings (basic) : If everything is plugged in and set correctly, a few minutes spent with your TV's settings will be the next tweak toward the best it can look. Setting the contrast and brightness controls will result in the biggest change. Check out my guide on how to do this by eye.
- Adjust your TV settings (advanced) : If you've adjusted what you can either by eye or with a setup disc, the next step gets a bit more elaborate. Certain settings, like color temperature, can only be accurately adjusted by a trained TV calibrator.
