Learn How to Calibrate your HDTV?

It is important to learn to calibrate your HDTV so that you enjoy perfect picture quality. Begin by knowing your TV Menus. Familiarizing yourself with your TV's menu system before beginning the calibration will eliminate some frustration. Learn how to get in and out of different settings and adjust them and what terms are used for each.

Be wise and get a calibration disc. A DVD will cost you a little money but will help you make the adjustments, and hold your hand through the calibration process.

Next select the best mode. Most HDTVs have a mode called something like Film, Theater, Pure, or Pro that adjusts the picture away from too-bright showroom settings to a more accurate level. Just selecting this will improve your picture immediately. At all times consult the manual, give your dealer a call, or look at reviews of your set.

Be sure to turn off enhancements – at least for a while. It is best to avoid them as they can add noise, and they monkey with the black/white levels and color. Set the color temperature. Your TV's warm preset is typically the closest one to the ideal color temperature of 6,500 kelvin. For an accurate color calibration, though, consult an ISF-trained calibrator.