How do you calibrate a TV?

Calibrating a TV involves selecting a picture mode and adjusting the color, contrast, brightness, tint and screen size settings. Proper calibration results in a clear, crisp picture on the television, reduced electric usage and a longer lifespan for the TV.

Not all television settings are the same; some settings offer more presets and picture options than others. The calibration settings below are basic and can be found under the television remotes menu button.

1. Select a preset
2. Select a preset picture mode by using the menu button on the televisions remote. Select THX or ISF Expert if available, otherwise select cinema or standard. Avoid the Vivid or Dynamic settings, if offered.
3. Adjust brightness
Use test patterns offered by the televisions settings instead of photographs to create the best brightness level for viewing.
4. Adjust contrast
5. Adjust the contrast to a level where detail is not lost by using the test patterns in the television settings options.
6. Adjust color
7. Adjust the color saturation to gain the most detail while not losing the vivid colors.
8. Adjust the tint
Most televisions come with this setting in the dead center, which is often the best viewing option.
9. Adjust the screen size
Adjusting the screen size enables the images to be seen as they were meant to, not stretched or distorted in any way.