HDTV calibration settings--Ask the Editors

Picture settings on today's HDTVs can be overwhelming, to say the least.

(Credit: CNET)

David,

I'm trying to find the calibration settings you used during your review of the Pioneer PDP-5080HD, but I couldn't locate the Tips section of the review. Can you please share those? I'd like to try your settings to see how they compare to my current calibration. Thanks, William.

Hi, William,

Here's the direct link to the settings for the Pioneer. For readers who don't know, I publish my post-calibration picture settings as a part of every HDTV review I write for CNET. Typically you can find a link to those settings in the body of the review, usually in the second paragraph of the Performance section. The settings are designed to create the best possible picture the television can provide in a darkened home theater. Before you ask, no, I don't publish settings for brighter rooms--for those situations, I suggest you use my color and color temperature settings in conjunction with a higher light output (i.e. increased "contrast," "backlight" etc) and see how it looks.

To find my post-calibration picture settings for your TV, the easiest way is to search CNET's Tips & Tricks database. Simply type your TV's manufacturer and model number into the search field, and if we've reviewed your TV and published our recommended settings, the tip should appear under the title "Dark Room Picture Settings." You can also browse HDTV recent tips. If you can't find your exact model, try searching for the manufacturer name and locating a similar model; the settings should translate fairly well, although you may need to make some tweaks. For more information, check out our picture settings FAQ.

If you can't find your TV listed in CNET's database, you may want to check out AVS Forum, which lists users' favorite picture settings for many more HDTV models. Also, CNET HDTV reviewer and ace professional calibrator Kevin Miller has set up another Web site devoted exclusively to publishing picture settings, called Tweak TV. It lists settings for hundreds of HDTV models and has an easy-to-use search form to help locate your TV, but it does not include settings for white balance controls (to fine-tune color temperature).

What do you think? Should CNET create a database of calibration settings similar to Tweak TV? Have you tried my settings and been happy (or otherwise) with the results? Or couldn't you care less about picture settings?

[HHaller2]

In general, I find that CNet's settings are a good jumping off point-probably the best on the web, but it really boils down to what every individual owner likes. It seems that CNet sometimes gets test sets that differ performance-wise from what is out in the field for average consumers, so sometimes the settings that are provided don't always mesh with what you have to work with.

With that in mind, I don't think that any further calibration info should be needed on the site. Readers can venture into the wild of AVS Forum if they want to get into the nitty-gritty. However, I would like to see more detailed After Action Reports/Reliability ratings on sets to address issues that keep popping up after the official review. (I'm looking at you, Samsung)

[lepomp]

I think it would be a great idea because most of us would like a good starting point with our TVs and we could take it from there.
I also agree with HHaller2 that we would like reports on TVs with known reliability issues. I bought an Olevia two years ago (everybody said it has great picture quality, which is true) and have been weeping since due to it breaking down after one year (after warranty mind you).

[brianoreilly]

I used the calibration settings recommended by C-Net as a basis for my Mitsubishi WD-65831. I tend to adjust brightness up during the day but find that when background light is the least, say at night or when curtains are closed, the settings from C-Net present the best picture over multiple formats and pictures. I really appreciate you giving the settings as these at least form a basis from which to tweak, based on the comments above. I choose most of my electronic gear based on the reviews from C-Net; they form the shortlist of choices and when you look at price, often similarly rated items vary greatly in price. It takes the emotion out of the buying decision.

[mwoodworth]

I find CNet's settings to be very good. I tend to use them when posted for all TV's I have and when I go to a friends house and they have their TV still on factory settings, they are amazed at how much better their TV looks with CNet's settings. The settings database would be especially usefull today since most TV's have a thousand different picture controls and a nice starting point is good to have. I really cant wait to see the 9G Pioneer review. I have a Pro-151FD on order and am looking forward to CNet's review/settings.

[da1951]

I am interested in calibration settings. I use an AVIA test disc for calibraton but there are limits on what I can do with it especially with regard to setting colors. Colors tend to come out oversaturated using the blue bar patterns on the disc and it doesn't provide anything for color management systems.

[eccaviness]

yes, please do. make it so it can be printed, so if you have two hdtv you have it printed out.

[gedalneil]

You can print out the suggested settings at TweakTV for the televisions they have. I was pleased to see that they had my three Panasonic's eventhough they were last years models. I also put in a home calibration request on the site and Kevin Miller of TweakTV got back to me pretty quickly.

Please what is the calibration setting for panasonic Tc-P54G10. Just got me one today. Which is the best calibration dvd for it.