Generally, TV's often are set to what is called 'torch' or 'sunburn' mode. The high brightness and contrast sort-of looks good in a bright display room and initially to the eye. The problem is, it can quickly damage a CRT or Plasma by causing burn-in. On a CRT, too much contrast (white level) can cause the electron beam to expand and light up multiple phosphors simultaneously. LCD and DLP don't suffer burn-in, but can still have problems mentioned below.
Try using a MOVIE or PRO mode. It may seem dimmer and fuzzier in comparison, but in most cases, it is closer to what the picture should look like. Too much sharpness causes edge ringing, where sharp changes actully LOSE detail because the TV forces a white or black band next to the change. Too much contrast (white level) loses detail because you 'crush' light grays into white. Too much brightness (black level) does the same with dark gray into black.
Message Edited by andyross on 03-09-2009 04:53 PM
