TV Setup

TV reviews. Your screen. Our expertise

Find Picture Settings and Fix Common TV Problems

Start with your TV model if you want recommended picture settings. If something looks or sounds wrong, browse the guides for dark HDR, blurry streaming, motion blur, glowing subtitles, quiet dialogue, and sound that doesn't match the picture.

You'll find model-specific settings for LG, Samsung, TCL, Hisense, and Roku TVs, alongside practical help with picture modes, gaming, connections, and everyday maintenance. Choose a guide that matches your TV or the problem you're trying to solve.

Start With These Setup Guides

TCL Gaming TV Play Like a PRO

What makes a TV good for gaming?

Feb 5, 2026

In the early days of high-definition gaming, a "good" TV was simply one that had an HDMI port and didn't weigh as much as a...

Before You Change Your TV Settings

Check your TV's full model number before following a settings guide. Screen size, software version, and the source you're watching can affect which controls are available. Recommended settings are a starting point; they aren't a calibration of your individual screen.

Photograph your current settings, change one option at a time, and compare familiar content from your usual seat. Adjust SDR brightness for your room, and check HDR and gaming separately. If a change makes things worse, restore the original value before trying something else.

Still Having Picture or Sound Problems?

If HDR looks too dark, work through our dark HDR troubleshooting guide. For sound problems, start with clearer TV dialogue, audio delay and lip sync fixes, or HDMI ARC/eARC troubleshooting, depending on the symptom.

TV Setup FAQ

Which TV picture mode should I start with?

For movies and scripted TV, try Filmmaker Mode, Movie, or Cinema where available. These are usually more restrained starting points than Vivid or Dynamic. Adjust brightness for comfortable viewing in your room. For gaming, use the appropriate Game Mode and follow the setup guidance for your exact TV and console or PC.

Should I use the same settings for SDR and HDR?

No. SDR and HDR use different brightness and tone-mapping behavior, and many TVs save separate settings for each. Adjust SDR while watching SDR content, then check HDR while an HDR title is playing. Dolby Vision and Game Mode may also have their own settings.

Can I copy picture settings from a different TV model?

Use a guide for your exact model whenever possible. Similarly named TVs can have different panels, controls, or regional specifications. Even within one series, screen sizes may differ. Avoid copying another TV's white balance or detailed color-calibration values; those adjustments depend on measurements of the individual screen.

Are recommended picture settings the same as professional calibration?

No. A settings guide helps you choose a suitable preset and configure everyday controls. Professional calibration uses measurement equipment to assess and adjust your individual display. You can still get a satisfying picture with a sensible preset, comfortable brightness, and the correct source settings.

Where should I start if my soundbar has no sound?

Check that the soundbar is on the correct input and the TV is set to use the external audio system. For an HDMI connection, confirm that the cable connects the devices' labeled ARC or eARC ports. Then follow our ARC/eARC troubleshooting guide for connection and audio-format checks.

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