When you unbox a new smart TV, the default settings often leave much to be desired. A senior TV editor from Tom’s Guide shares five essential steps to take right after setting up your new television. These adjustments can significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Creating an Account for Smart Features
The first step is to create an account if needed to access smart features. Many built-in streaming platforms require registration even for basic functionalities, such as Netflix and HBO Max. For instance, newer Samsung TVs, like the S95H, require a Samsung account for streaming access. Similarly, Sony Bravia models that use Google TV also need an account to utilize the app store effectively. Although some users may hesitate to register with their personal email, doing so enables better use of the TV's features.
Adjusting the Ambient Light Sensor
Most modern TVs come with an ambient light sensor activated by default. This sensor automatically adjusts the brightness based on the room's lighting conditions. While some users prefer this feature, many find that it can hinder picture quality. Aggressive settings often lead to subpar visuals, so it's advisable to turn it off for a more consistent viewing experience. You can usually find the sensor settings next to the brightness controls or in the energy-saving menu.
Selecting the Right Picture Mode
When it comes to picture mode, TVs typically default to Standard, Vivid, or Dynamic. It's best to avoid Vivid and Dynamic modes, as they can distort the image. Standard mode is closer to reference accuracy, but for the best results, consider switching to modes like Filmmaker, Cinema, or Theater. Some TVs may label these differently, such as Theater Day or Theater Night on Hisense models, or Professional on newer Sony TVs.
Turning Off Motion Smoothing and AI Features
If you’ve ever wondered why the TV images in bars or waiting rooms look unnatural, it’s often due to unnecessary settings like motion smoothing. This setting can create an artificial look, which most viewers find unappealing. The TV editor recommends avoiding settings that overly sharpen the image or rely on AI-based adjustments, which often result in oversaturated and overly bright visuals. You can usually disable motion smoothing in its specific menu, while AI settings are often found in broader menus.
Enabling HDMI Enhanced Mode
For those using gaming consoles or high-end media players, enabling HDMI enhanced mode might be necessary to access HDR10 or Dolby Vision features. On Hisense TVs, this option is found under Channels & Inputs, and it must be enabled manually to maximize connected devices. Samsung TVs generally have the Input Signal Plus option activated by default, making it easier for users to enjoy high-quality visuals.
These steps may seem straightforward, but they can lead to a significantly improved viewing experience. By adjusting the light sensor, selecting the right picture mode, disabling motion smoothing and AI features, and ensuring HDMI settings are optimized, your new TV can deliver much better image quality.
For new smart TV owners, these initial setup steps serve as a valuable guide. While it may take some time to configure everything, the resulting comfort and visual quality are well worth the effort. Proper settings ensure that your TV meets your personal preferences rather than sticking to factory defaults.
Remember, different TV brands may use various menu names for these settings, but the core principles remain the same: disable unnecessary features, choose accurate picture modes, and ensure HDMI inputs support the best capabilities of connected devices. This way, you can enjoy your new TV with optimal quality right from the start.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/5-langkah-setting-tv-agar-nyaman-dipakai-sehari-hari
