Page 1 of TV Contrast/Brightness settings?

What are the ideal contrast and brightness settings for TV sets? I usually have the contrast as high as I can, but I`ve read on other sites that this can damage the picture tube. However, when I turn the contrast down the picture becomes quite dull.

Also, I`m not sure if this is related, but my telly (Philips 28") seems to display the colour black as more of a dark navy blue.

Any help appreciated....

Expect the worst and you won`t be disappointed!

It`s usually down to personal preferences, but you`re right, too much contrast and also too much brightness can do some damage in the long term. How long ? That`s difficult to quantify. I usually leave those settings at the factory default if that`s any sort of guidance.

JohnF

GW6UFO is QRT at the moment

I think it`s 65% for contrast and roughly the same for brightness.

Factory default settings for brightness and contrast are usually a bit high, in my experience.

A lot of it comes down to personal preference, but if you`re interested in determining the ideal settings for your TV, you should buy or borrow a setup DVD such as Video Essentials.

Mike

Thanks for info everyone.... I`m not quite enough of an enthusiast to buy a setup disc (though that`s mainly because I`m skint).

Expect the worst and you won`t be disappointed!

The best way to set up the contrast/brightness settings:
1. reduce colour to nil,
2. now adjust the B/W picture using the contrast/brightness so you get all the greys correct between the blacks and the whites. Make sure you see all the details in gray. when it right, you will see all the details, just like a well exposed B/W photo.
3. increase colour so the skin tones looks right/natural
4. enjoy 8)

"If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything" BTTF

The best way to set up the contrast/brightness settings:
1. reduce colour to nil,
2. now adjust the B/W picture using the contrast/brightness so you get all the greys correct between the blacks and the whites. Make sure you see all the details in gray. when it right, you will see all the details, just like a well exposed B/W photo.
3. increase colour so the skin tones looks right/natural
4. enjoy 8)

"If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything" BTTF

Star Wars Episode I, II, Terminator 2 and presumably others all contain THX setup guides (Contained in the language menu at the start - Look for the THX letters they are not always completely obvious at first glance) on the which should help you in getting a good colour, brightness setting on your Television. At least you can use them as a good start point - I find the settings to be very close to my personal preferance...

I suggested them as they are a more likely obtainable source as opposed to a dedicated setup disc!

Tim

This item was edited on Monday, 24th November 2003, 21:07