SALTZMAN: Easy – and free – ways to optimize your TV

When it comes to your TV, you might think it looks great, but are you really getting the most out of your investment? Without a side-by-side comparison with another television, it can be hard to tell if your picture quality is as good as it can be.

There are a few simple things you can do to significantly improve your TV’s picture and sound quality, and the difference could be night and day.

First and foremost, ensure that your main TV source, such as your cable or fiber broadband, is the best your provider has to offer. If you have a 4K TV, make sure you also have a 4K box to match. Using an HDMI cable for audio and video transmission can also help improve your viewing experience.

For those who enjoy sports or action-packed movies, consider selecting the Sports or Movie/Cinema mode in the Settings menu of your television. Adjusting the contrast and brightness settings can make colors richer and blacks darker, eliminating that washed-out look. Additionally, enabling higher refresh rates for sports, video games, and action films can enhance the viewing experience.

If you notice that your TV has the “soap opera effect,” also known as motion smoothing, you can adjust or disable this feature in the Settings menu. Calibration tools like THX Optimizer on DVD or Blu-ray discs or the THX Tune-Up app can help you fine-tune your TV settings for optimal picture and sound quality.

When it comes to sound, consider investing in a soundbar if you don’t have the budget or space for a surround sound system. Soundbars can enhance the audio quality of your movies, TV shows, and games, providing a more immersive experience.

For those looking for the ultimate viewing experience, Hisense recently unveiled its massive 136MX MicroLED TV, measuring a whopping 136 inches. This modular TV delivers high brightness, contrast, and rich colors, offering a cinematic viewing experience in the comfort of your own home.

By following these tips and making a few adjustments, you can significantly improve the picture and sound quality of your TV, ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your entertainment investment.