- Use the right cables – For the best picture quality, connect your HDTV to other devices using HDMI cables. HDMI cables carry high resolution images and sound. Most modern DVD players, video game systems, and computers are compatible with HDMI cables. If they’re not, you’ll likely need to use component cables to connect. If you have the option of connecting with HDMI, do it, as this will provide you the best picture quality and sound.
- Optimize your cable box and DVD player – Make sure your DVD player and cable box are ready for your new HDTV. To prepare your DVD player, enter its setup menu and ensure it is set to output a 16x9 image. For your cable or satellite box, also switch to 16x9. If the cable or satellite box is capable of HD, be sure to set the output to 1080i.
- Master the picture settings – Your HDTV is likely to have several presets to make this easy. Most HDTVs have presets such as “Sports,” “Movie,” “Standard,” and “Dynamic.” Each of these presets has differing levels of brightness, contrast, color, etc. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, use individual controls to adjust the settings as you like.
Set Up Your HDTV for Optimal Performance
Your new HDTV set provides lots of ways to connect to a variety of sources for your favorite television shows, movies, and other video content. For new owners, all the options can be daunting – even mastering the remote control takes a little study.
However, if you want to get the most from your HDTV (and you do, considering how much you likely paid for it), follow these tips for setting up the television: