Generally, when you buy a plasma TV, you expect great video quality. In reality, however, we often find that quality is not what we expected. However, there are ways to improve quality. In this article we will look at some of them.
Steps
Step 1. Use better video cables
To fully appreciate the high definition provided by your TV, you must use quality video cables, such as Component-Video cables, DVI cables or, if your TV supports them, HDMI cables. The latter two are the cables used to view HD TV. You may experience a slight difference in quality between these 3 types of links - the best choice depends on your system.
Step 2. Update your external readers and devices
To improve the quality of DVD movies, you need to get the suitable DVD player. Look for one with progressive scan or a quality up-convert processor (the up-conversion offered by budget DVD players has nothing to do with that of more expensive plasma TVs). Alternatively, you could switch to a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player.
Step 3. Adjust the room lighting
A room that is too bright will prevent you from seeing images on the plasma TV, especially with fluorescent lamps installed on the ceiling and sunlight. Dim the lighting, and, if possible, close the curtains to keep out the sunlight. Watching TV in a dark room, on the other hand, will strain your eyes. To compensate for this, and improve the visual experience, add a 6500K low consumption fluorescent bulb behind the TV, in this way, you will reduce the stress caused to the eyes by sudden changes in lighting in the scenes. 6500K is the color temperature of daylight, which should correspond to the whites of the plasma screen. If you only have dim lighting, it's better than nothing.
Step 4. Clean it often
Fingerprints, scratches, dust and hair on the screen all contribute to a decrease in the quality of the video. Always keep your screen clean, using a cleaning kit designed specifically for plasma TVs.
Step 5. If you have connected the DVD to the TV via component cables, buy a digital calibration disc, such as those sold by Avia
Follow the steps indicated on the DVD to greatly improve the video quality. If you have an HD-DVD player, you might want to buy JKP's "Digital Video Essentials HD DVD", the latter being made for HD.
Advice
- To adjust the TV, proceed in this order: Contrast, then, Brightness, Color and Hue. With the contrast, you should start by placing the bar at 50%. By adjusting the contrast you can control the white level and the total voltage in the circuit, while the Brightness controls the black. Keep in mind that the higher the contrast, the shorter the life of your TV. Especially when routinely using contrast levels above 75%. Set the contrast to 50%, because it is with this value in mind that TVs are designed. Don't be afraid though, to change the contrast level slightly to suit your needs but change it gradually and don't lean too far beyond 50%. Also, it's best to make the adjustment under the same light source you usually watch TV with. Also, some TVs are set to 100% contrast when they are first turned on. This is because in some factories the last quality control test is the voltage test. Most other settings should also stay as close to half scale as possible, including Hue and Brightness. It pays to get a calibration CD / DVD to calibrate your plasma TV, you will see the difference yourself once you have properly adjusted your TV. There are many types of calibration DVDs and they generally provide step-by-step instructions that will keep you busy for an hour or two. In these DVDs there are some advanced images that are used to correct the contrast levels etc… of the TV and get the best possible quality.
- You don't have to buy the best cables out there. Mid-range cables already work fine. Some big brands that produce cables often unnecessarily raise the price by taking advantage of the name.
- HDMI and DVD cables produce comparable video quality. However, the HDMI cable also transmits audio.
- Do not buy low quality cables, otherwise your attempt to improve the image will be in vain.
- Remember, however, the TV just transmits what it receives. If the image coming from the satellite is already disturbed on its own, it will certainly not be the responsibility of the TV.
Warnings
- Do not view still images for too long (such as paused movie). They damage plasma TVs by imprinting themselves.
- Never clean the screen using solvents and abrasives. The best thing to use for this is a small piece of cloth soaked in water. Otherwise, you can buy a screen cleaning kit at any electronics store. Find out more about this in the instruction manual of the TV.
