Is it advisible to have contrast set at maximum on LCD TV?

Question

I have my contrast on 100, which is the maximum on my Samsung LCD, because it's the brightest, popping picture. My brightness I turned down to 42. Does this high of a contrast cause any distortion or picture quality loss? Am I missing a better picture?

Answer 1

Contrast controls detail in whites - In effect all your details in white should be washed out now - Not a good thing.

Brightness controls black levels, so now you are "crashing" blacks.

a) If your room is too bright, lower the lights. The TV image will pop out more

b) Get a calibration DVD and do a proper adjustment. they cost about $20. Or if you have a DVD with the THX logo in the back, they have calibration material for free.

Answer 2

You are totally missing a better picture. You are losing detail on both ends of the spectrum and detail is what it is all about. Set the Samsung to the Dynamic Mode and you'll still have an eye popping picture and you'll see that your contrast is backed off to about 75-80 percent. For true reproduction of source material look at having the set professionally calibrated. It will cost about 300 dollars but the difference is HUGE. It can also extend the life of your set by 3-6 years. Here's a great article on calibration from CNet and some tips for doing some adjustments yourself.