{"id":68,"date":"2007-03-25T15:53:03","date_gmt":"2007-03-25T20:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/?p=68"},"modified":"2007-06-17T18:39:36","modified_gmt":"2007-06-17T23:39:36","slug":"setting-your-tvs-picture-settings-new-dvr-from-dish-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/?p=68","title":{"rendered":"Setting your TV’s picture settings, new DVR from Dish Network"},"content":{"rendered":"

Week of September 28, 2003<\/p>\n

Q: \u00a0 I’m pretty new to this HDTV world and need serious help. \u00a0 I just got a Mitsubishi rear projection HDTV and want to get the best picture possible. \u00a0 What is the best way to tweak the picture on a television set? \u00a0Is the Avia setup DVD any good?<\/p>\n

-John Nguyen, Atlanta, GA<\/p>\n

A: \u00a0 Congratulations on the purchase of your new television. \u00a0 By asking about tweaking the picture, you are on the right track to both better image quality and a longer useful life for your television.<\/p>\n

Almost all televisions are delivered with default picture settings that are extremely bright. \u00a0 This is sometimes called “torch mode” in the enthusiast world. \u00a0 Not only do these settings rob you of then best picture, but the intense brightness can also cause premature wear on the television’s tubes, diminishing its useful life.<\/p>\n

Some home theater enthusiasts will pay a professional to make a house call and adjust the set using an electronic calibration device. \u00a0 \u00a0 This is referred to as ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration and can cost several hundred dollars. \u00a0 This is overkill for most home users, so alternatives such as setup DVDs are available for those who wish to get the most out of their television without spending a fortune.<\/p>\n

The “Avia” setup DVD you refer to is an excellent product. \u00a0 It has a series of test patterns and a tutorial to guide you through proper picture and sound system tweaking. \u00a0 Avia is also a fairly heavy-duty product with experienced enthusiasts as the target market, and is not inexpensive at its $49 selling price. \u00a0 Based on your email, you do not seem to fall into the group of experienced enthusiasts. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The creators of Avia, Ovation Software (www.ovationsw.com<\/a>), offer a simpler version called “Sound and Vision Home Theater Tune-Up”. \u00a0 It sells for $17.95 and is perfect for less experienced home theater enthusiasts. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Those who do not want to buy a setup DVD can try the old-fashioned way- your eyes! \u00a0 It does still work, though you may not get quite the same picture you would with a setup disc. \u00a0 Here are a few settings you can try for a start.<\/p>\n

First, adjust the contrast, also called “picture” by some manufacturers. \u00a0 If you have not adjusted your TV since you purchased it, the contrast is probably set to maximum. \u00a0 This is what will wear out your tube prematurely. \u00a0 \u00a0 Set the contrast to the halfway point or a bit below.<\/p>\n

Next, look at the sharpness. \u00a0 If you prefer a softer, more film-like look, you can turn it down all the way. \u00a0 Those who like their images a bit sharper can adjust slightly above or below the midpoint according to taste.<\/p>\n

If your television has a color temperature setting, this should be at the warm setting. \u00a0 Some manufacturers call the warm setting by different names. \u00a0 These could be “low” “NTSC Standard” or “6500K”. \u00a0 The colors may not look as bright when you turn down the color temperature and you may feel an impulse to go back to the high setting immediately. \u00a0 Don’t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 give it a chance. \u00a0 Watch on warm for five minutes, then go back to the highest setting to compare. \u00a0 \u00a0 You will find that the high setting looks artificial and people look so blue they look ill.<\/p>\n

These suggestions are just a starting point. \u00a0 Your settings will vary from mine based on your television, ambient light in the room, and your tastes. \u00a0 Give it a try.<\/p>\n

Q: \u00a0 Can you record on a hard disk in an HDTV receiver, like a Tivo?
\n-Bill Mullaly<\/p>\n

A: \u00a0 Dish Network’s \u00a0 921 receiver, available in November, will include a HDTV personal video recorder.<\/p>\n