Ok, I love DVDs, but my technical knowledge of the televisions/stereo systems, etc. is very limited. As a matter of fact, my head exploded just reading some of these posts.
I do know enough to know my home theater (insert rolling on the floor laughter here) is a joke, but hopefully I can get a few words of advise to make my picture quality a little more bearable until I get the bucks to up-up-upgrade.
Anyway, I have a Toshiba DVD player and a GE television, with a S-video hook-up. When I view my DVDs and there is a scene where it is light outside, it's so blinding. Any suggestions?
I understand if everyone flames me for this stupid post.
DigIt
03-28-01, 05:29 PM
Wear sunglasses. ;)
If the brightness seems to overpower the image, you should try turning down the brightness setting on the TV. The signal from a DVD player is much more dynamic and much stronger than a TV signal -- you should notice the vibrant colors right away. So a good picture setting for broadcast TV is not always good for a DVD, and vice versa.
Calibrations discs such as Video Essentials or Avia can guide you through the calibration process, but until then you can try finding a THX disc with the optimode tests on it, such as T2, Fight Club, and others. This will help you set the brightness level properly.
You will probably also have to lower the color level and black level (picture level, contrast) as you lower the brightness, since the settings are somewhat intertwined. If your TV has a color temperature setting, you should set this on the warmest setting possible, since that will also tame the brightness as well.
A porperly calibrated TV can look odd, or too dark, at first since you are used to the factory settings, which are notoriously bright in order to get your attention on the showroom floor. Give it some time and you'll get used to a properly calibrated TV -- it is more film-like and more enjoyable.
* Of course, there is also the possibility that your TV is failing somehow -- poor DC restoration can wreak havoc with your brightness and contrast/black/picture level. Since the set sounds relatively new (s-video inputs), I am guessing this isn't the problem, but if nothing else works, have the TV professionally inspected.
iggystar
03-30-01, 12:10 PM
Thank you so much. (I like the sunglasses suggestion.)
I know my question seem unbelievably simple, but as I mentioned, my tech knowledge is severely limited.
I'll give it a try.
Hey, when I want to upgrade to a larger television and sound system I'll need some advice. I'll have a limited amount of cash, but I'd like to get a larger screen (I've just got a 27 inch) and really easy to set-up home theatre hook-up.
Buy: