[robertco300]

Wanted to discuss tuning your HDTV to the best display settings for the best picture possible.

I think that one big problem is that all HDTVs run both HD and SD (single def). I noticed after I got my HD picture perfect and went to an SD channel, picture was not very good. Had to spend time adjusting all of the settings again just for SD.

After doing this ritual many times, I think the problem is HD enjoys the more intense settings and thrives with them. Those same settings on SD I think end up showing off the BAD aspects of SD. When I go from HD to SD, it's like I have to calm down the settings for SD.

I found websites selling DVD's that when you play them, they will help you properly tune your settings. They basically are a mish mosh of high resolution pictures, designed a certain way and are supposed to look a certain way. The instructions tell you how to adjust the settings to make the pics look the way they should. I found only one freebie DVD that I downloaded, that was yesterday, can't remember the name. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

What are your settings for HD? Do you change them for SD? What works the best for you??

[Airheadq]

I'm sure any THX-Optimized DVD will have a basic calibrator which you might have. They should be any Pixar or Lucasfilm dvd. Look around for a "THX Optimizer". HTH

[bathtbgin]

I have different settings for SD and HD channels, as well as settings for different inputs, my Panasonic remembers what they are and switches automatically. I cant remember the exact settings off the top of my head, but for SD i have the black level set to "dark" and i'm pretty sure i bumped up the contrast and saturation a bit. If its really bothering you, and you cant get it right on your own you might consider having it professionally calibrated. IIRC that costs about $300 but they use an electronic calibration meter, and they also make adjustments through the service menu (which you shouldnt mess with unless you know what you are doing).

[robertco300]

After I started this thread I went and watched some tv. This time I started with an SD channel, got the channel to look it's best as I could. Little bit later I switched over to an HD channel and the channel was quite good.

When I started all this, I went right to an HD channel and optimized. I never thought to do the reverse and then I thought about it. If I first optimized an SD channel which lacks the high resolution HD has, the HD should come in and look automatically better. The nature of HDTVs as they are make SD channels look bad due to the fact is they show off the LOW resolution and the large screen pulls apart the SD image, which of course is even worse.

Bottom line, if I can do all this with the settings and make a shitty SD image look as best as possible, HD should be able to come in and look astonding which it did. Everyone's nature is to adjust HD first cause that's why that bought the tv and then watch SD channels which can never keep up with the quality of HD. I mean, I didn't have to touch any settings after adjusting the SD channels FIRST and then going to watch HD channels.

Maybe try something like that. After adjusting SD channels first and THEN going to an HD channel, the HD channel was so good I really couldn't do too much to make it better.