How to Get the Best Picture and Sound From Your New TV in 2026

A new TV does not always look its best straight out of the box.

That does not mean there is something wrong with the TV.

It usually means the TV is still using settings that may not suit your room, your source, your internet connection, your soundbar, your gaming console, or the way you actually watch TV.

A TV in a retail store is trying to stand out.

A TV at home needs to be comfortable to watch.

That is a big difference.

In a shop, a bright picture, strong colours and heavy processing can make the TV look impressive for a few minutes. At home, those same settings can make sport look blurry, movies look fake, faces look unnatural, or the picture look too bright at night and too dim during the day.

So the real question is not just:

Did I buy a good TV?

The better question is:

Is the TV set up properly for the way I actually use it?

Your new TV may not be set up badly, but it may not be set up for you

Most new TVs are much smarter than older TVs.

They can adjust picture modes, detect content, change brightness, use AI processing, switch into Game Mode, apply HDR, smooth motion, sharpen edges, reduce noise and adjust sound depending on what you are watching.

That sounds helpful.

But it also means there are more settings that can make the picture look different.

Sometimes the TV is set to Auto. Sometimes it is set to Cinema. Sometimes it uses AI picture settings. Sometimes Eco Mode is reducing the brightness. Sometimes motion settings are making sport look strange. Sometimes the TV is fine, but the Foxtel channel, streaming quality, HDMI cable or internet connection is the real problem.

That is why a new TV should not just be mounted and left alone.

It should be checked in the room, with the content you actually watch.

 

Picture mode is usually the first thing to check

The biggest picture change usually comes from the picture mode.

On modern TVs, this might be called:

• Standard

• Cinema

• Movie

• Filmmaker Mode

• Vivid

• Dynamic

• Sports

• Game

• Auto

• Intelligent Mode

• AI Picture

Different brands use different names.

Samsung may use modes like Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode, Dynamic and Intelligent Mode. LG may use Standard, Cinema, Filmmaker Mode, Vivid, AI Picture Pro and Game Optimizer. Hisense and TCL may use Standard, Cinema, Theater, Sport, Game, Dolby Vision modes, AI picture modes or similar depending on the model. Sony often uses modes like Standard, Cinema, Custom, Vivid and Game, with processing such as Motionflow and XR features.

The names change, but the idea is the same.

The picture mode controls a group of settings at once. It affects brightness, contrast, colour, sharpness, motion and processing.

That is why changing picture mode can make a TV look completely different in one click.

 

Vivid and Dynamic are not usually best for home viewing

Vivid and Dynamic modes are designed to grab attention.

They often make the picture brighter, sharper and more colourful.

That can look impressive in a store, but it is not always good for everyday viewing at home.

Faces can look too red. Grass can look too green. Whites can look too harsh. Movies can look unnatural. At night, the picture can become tiring to watch.

Years ago, many TVs were left in Dynamic or Vivid mode after setup. That is less common now, but it still happens.

If your new TV looks too bright, too sharp, too colourful or unnatural, check whether it is in Vivid or Dynamic mode first.

For normal home use, Cinema, Movie, Filmmaker Mode, Custom or a well-adjusted Standard mode is usually a better starting point.

 

Cinema, Movie and Filmmaker Mode

Cinema, Movie and Filmmaker Mode are usually designed to look more natural.

They often reduce heavy sharpening, reduce extra motion processing, use warmer colour tones and try to make movies and shows look closer to how they were intended.

At first, these modes can look a little dull if you are used to Vivid or Dynamic.

That does not always mean they are wrong.

Your eyes may just be used to an over-bright picture.

Filmmaker Mode is now available on many newer TVs from brands such as Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL and others. It is designed to reduce extra processing so films look more natural.

For movies and good streaming content, Filmmaker Mode or Cinema mode can be a good starting point.

But that does not mean it is perfect for everything.

A bright living room during the day may need a different setting from a dark room at night. Sport may need different motion handling from a movie. Gaming needs Game Mode. Foxtel may need different expectations from Netflix or Disney+.

So do not think of one picture mode as the answer for everything.

Think of it as the starting point.

 

Why sport can look blurry or strange

One of the most common complaints with new TVs is sport.

Customers often say:

“The picture looks a bit blurred.”

They may not know whether the issue is motion smoothing, refresh rate, broadcast quality, streaming quality, picture mode, internet speed or the TV itself.

They just know that sport does not look right.

Sport is difficult for TVs because there is fast movement, camera panning, grass, crowds, bright lights, compression and broadcast limitations. Football, rugby league, soccer, tennis and cricket all show motion differently.

A TV can look excellent with a 4K movie but still look average with a lower-quality sports broadcast.

That does not automatically mean the TV is bad.

It may mean the TV is trying to process fast movement in a way that does not suit the content.

 

Motion smoothing can help sport but ruin movies

Motion smoothing is one of the most misunderstood TV settings.

Each brand has its own name for it.

Samsung often calls it Auto Motion Plus.
LG calls it TruMotion.
Sony uses Motionflow.
TCL may use names like Motion Clarity or motion enhancement settings.
Hisense may use Motion Enhancement, Ultra Smooth Motion, or similar terms depending on the model.

The job of motion smoothing is to make movement look smoother.

That can be useful for sport.

But it can make movies look fake.

This is where people get the “soap opera effect.” A movie that is meant to look cinematic can start looking like a cheap video production or live TV studio footage.

For sport, some motion processing may help.

For movies, you may prefer it reduced or turned off.

This is why the best setting depends on what you watch.

If sport looks blurry, motion settings are worth checking. If movies look too smooth or fake, motion smoothing is also worth checking.

The same setting can help one type of content and hurt another.

 

Auto settings are not always wrong, but they are not always right

Many newer TVs use Auto modes.

That might mean Auto Picture Mode, Intelligent Mode, AI Picture, Adaptive Picture, Auto Genre Mode, or automatic content detection.

These features can be useful.

The TV may try to recognise what you are watching and adjust the picture. It may brighten the screen in a bright room, change sound mode, improve motion for sport, or switch into Game Mode when a console is detected.

Samsung has Intelligent Mode and AI picture features on selected models. LG has AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro on higher models. Hisense uses processing such as Hi-View AI Engine and AI Sports Mode on selected models. TCL uses AiPQ processing. Sony uses XR processing on BRAVIA XR models.

These features can help, but they can also change the picture in ways you may not like.

If the picture changes brightness by itself, looks too processed, or seems different from one app to another, Auto or AI settings may be involved.

You do not have to turn everything off.

But you should know what the TV is doing.

 

Eco Mode can make a good TV look too dim

Eco Mode and energy-saving settings are worth checking.

Many TVs have power-saving settings that reduce brightness. Some also adjust the screen depending on room light.

That can save power.

But it can also make the picture look too dim, flat or inconsistent.

This matters more on modern TVs because brightness is a major part of picture quality, especially with HDR, sport and bright-room viewing.

If your new TV looks dull, do not immediately assume it is a bad TV.

Check Eco Mode, Energy Saving, Ambient Light Detection, Brightness Optimisation or similar settings.

The names vary by brand.

Samsung may use Eco Solution or brightness optimisation settings. LG may have Energy Saving and AI Brightness settings. Hisense, TCL and Sony also have energy-saving or light-sensor options depending on the model.

The trade-off is simple.

If the TV is on all day, power saving may matter more to you.

But if you only watch the TV for a few hours at night, reducing picture quality just to save a small amount of power may not be worth it.

That is a personal choice.

But the customer should know it is happening.

 

HDR and Dolby Vision can look different from normal TV

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range.

It is designed to show a wider range of brightness and colour, especially in bright highlights and dark scenes.

When HDR is working properly, bright lights, sunlight, fire, reflections, dark shadows and colour detail can look much better.

But HDR only helps when the content, TV and app all support it.

Some TVs support HDR10. Some support HDR10+. Some support Dolby Vision. Some support multiple formats.

Samsung generally supports HDR10 and HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision. LG supports Dolby Vision on many models. Hisense and TCL often support Dolby Vision on many models. Sony also supports Dolby Vision on many BRAVIA models.

This matters because a movie may look different depending on the format and the TV.

Dolby Vision and HDR are not settings that magically improve everything. They need compatible content.

A normal Foxtel HD channel or standard free-to-air broadcast does not become Dolby Vision just because the TV supports Dolby Vision.

 

Do not force fake HDR on everything

Some TVs have settings that try to make normal content look like HDR.

This can be called HDR Effect, HDR Plus, Dynamic Contrast, Contrast Enhancer or similar, depending on the brand.

Sometimes it can make the picture look punchier.

But it can also make normal content look unnatural.

It may crush shadow detail, blow out highlights, make faces look strange, or make the whole picture look too processed.

For good quality HDR content, let the TV use the proper HDR mode.

For normal content, be careful with fake HDR enhancement modes.

If the picture looks impressive for five minutes but tiring after an hour, that setting may be part of the problem.

 

Foxtel HD and non-HD channels

Foxtel is a common source of picture complaints.

Some customers buy a new large TV and expect Foxtel to suddenly look much better.

Sometimes it does.

Sometimes it does not.

One important point is that some Foxtel channels have separate HD versions.

For example, Fox8 and Fox8 HD are not the same channel.

If you are watching the standard version instead of the HD version, the picture may look softer, especially on a large modern TV.

That is not the TV’s fault.

It is the source.

A 65-inch, 75-inch or 85-inch TV will make poor source quality more obvious. The bigger the screen, the more you notice softness, compression and lower resolution.

So if Foxtel looks blurry, check whether you are watching the HD channel, check the box output settings, and check how the Foxtel box is connected.

A new TV can only show the quality it is being given.

 

Streaming quality also matters

Streaming apps can also vary.

Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Kayo, Stan and other apps do not always send the same quality all the time.

The picture can depend on:

• your subscription level

• the app

• the show or movie

• internet speed

• Wi-Fi strength

• device settings

• whether the content is HD, 4K, HDR or Dolby Vision

• how much compression the service is using

A customer may think the TV looks bad when the real issue is low streaming quality or weak Wi-Fi.

This is especially noticeable with sport.

Streaming sport can look soft or blurry if the internet connection is weak, the app is compressed, or the TV is trying to process motion from a lower-quality source.

If the picture changes quality during viewing, check the internet connection and app quality before blaming the TV.

 

Sharpness is not the same as detail

Sharpness is another setting customers often misunderstand.

Turning sharpness up does not always add real detail.

It can add edge enhancement.

That means the TV draws stronger lines around objects to make the picture look sharper. At first, that can look clearer. But too much sharpness can create halos, harsh edges and a fake-looking image.

On many modern TVs, sharpness does not need to be very high.

If faces look harsh, text has glowing edges, or objects look outlined, sharpness may be too high.

A good picture should look clear, not artificially sharpened.

 

Noise reduction is useful sometimes, not always

Noise reduction is designed to clean up poor-quality video.

It can help with older Foxtel content, low-quality free-to-air, older DVDs, compressed video or poor streams.

But it can also soften the picture.

If you are watching high-quality 4K content, Blu-ray, good streaming, or a clean HDR source, heavy noise reduction may remove detail you actually want.

So noise reduction is not a setting that should always be on or always be off.

It depends on the source.

For rough content, it may help.

For good content, it may make the picture softer.

 

Local dimming and Mini-LED settings

Many newer LED, QLED and Mini-LED TVs use local dimming.

Local dimming allows parts of the screen backlight to brighten or dim separately. This can improve contrast and make blacks look deeper.

Samsung Neo QLED, TCL Mini-LED, Hisense ULED/Mini-LED and Sony full-array or Mini-LED models all use different versions of this idea.

When local dimming works well, it can make movies and HDR look much better.

But it can also create side effects.

You may notice blooming around bright objects, subtitles looking too bright, dark scenes changing brightness, or shadow detail being lost.

Different brands give this setting different names, but it is usually found under backlight, contrast, local dimming or advanced picture settings.

In many cases, medium or standard local dimming is a good starting point.

Maximum is not always best.

 

AI picture modes can help, but they can also overdo it

AI picture modes are becoming more common.

Samsung has Vision AI and AI processing features on newer models. LG has AI Picture Pro on selected models. Hisense uses Hi-View AI Engine and AI Sports Mode on some models. TCL uses AiPQ processing. Sony uses XR processing and scene-based picture enhancement on BRAVIA XR models.

These systems are designed to analyse the picture and improve it automatically.

That can be helpful, especially with low-quality content, sport, upscaling and mixed viewing.

But AI processing can also make the picture look less natural if it becomes too aggressive.

It may sharpen too much, smooth too much, brighten too much, or change the image in a way that looks impressive but not realistic.

AI picture settings are worth trying.

But they should not be treated as automatically better.

If the picture looks too processed, turn the AI setting down or try a more natural picture mode.

 

Game Mode is important for PS5 and Xbox

Gaming is different from normal TV watching.

When you play a game, the TV needs to respond quickly. Extra picture processing can add delay between pressing the controller and seeing the action on screen.

That delay is called input lag.

Game Mode reduces that delay.

For PS5, Xbox Series X and gaming PCs, Game Mode is important. Many modern TVs can automatically switch into Game Mode using ALLM, which stands for Auto Low Latency Mode.

Samsung has Game Mode and Game Bar on many newer TVs. LG has Game Optimizer. Hisense and TCL have Game Mode or Game Mode Pro on selected models. Sony BRAVIA TVs also have Game Mode settings designed for PlayStation and gaming.

If gaming feels slow, delayed or not as smooth as expected, check Game Mode first.

 

4K 120Hz, VRR and the right HDMI port

For gaming, the HDMI cable and HDMI port matter.

A PS5 or Xbox Series X can support features like 4K 120Hz and VRR, depending on the game and the TV.

VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate. It helps the TV and console match each other more smoothly, which can reduce tearing or stuttering.

But these features only work if the whole setup supports them.

You need:

• the right TV

• the correct HDMI port

• the correct HDMI cable

• the right TV input setting

• the right console setting

• a game that supports the feature

Not every HDMI port on every TV supports the same features.

Some TVs only have one or two HDMI ports that support 4K 120Hz. Some reserve ARC/eARC for a particular port. Some need enhanced HDMI input settings turned on.

So if a PS5 or Xbox does not look right, do not just assume the TV is faulty.

Check the port, cable and settings.

 

Each HDMI input may have different settings

This is something many people miss.

The TV’s picture settings may not be the same for every input.

HDMI 1 may have one picture mode. HDMI 2 may have another. Built-in apps may use different settings again. HDR content may have its own settings. Dolby Vision may have its own picture modes.

That means you can adjust Netflix and still have Foxtel looking wrong.

You can fix the PS5 and still have Apple TV using a different mode.

You can change SDR settings and then find HDR looks different.

So when adjusting a new TV, check the actual source you use.

Do not only adjust the TV while sitting on the home screen.

 

Sound matters too

Getting the best performance from a TV is not only about picture.

Sound matters.

Modern TVs are thin, and thin TVs do not always have strong built-in speakers.

A TV can have a great picture and still sound weak, flat or unclear.

Many brands now include sound features such as AI Sound, Adaptive Sound, Clear Voice, Voice Zoom, Dolby Atmos support, Q-Symphony on Samsung, AI Sound Pro on LG, acoustic or XR sound features on Sony, and different sound modes on Hisense and TCL.

These settings can help.

But they do not turn thin TV speakers into a proper soundbar or home theatre system.

If dialogue is hard to hear, check the sound mode first. Look for Clear Voice, Dialogue Enhancement, Adaptive Sound or similar settings.

If the room is large, open-plan, noisy or the TV is mounted far from the seating position, a soundbar may make a much bigger difference than any TV sound setting.

 

Soundbars need the right setup

If you are using a soundbar, the connection matters.

For most modern TVs and soundbars, HDMI ARC or eARC is usually better than optical.

HDMI ARC/eARC can allow better sound formats, easier volume control with the TV remote, and better integration between the TV and soundbar.

But it has to be connected correctly.

The soundbar usually needs to go into the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. The TV sound output must be set correctly. The soundbar settings may also need to be checked.

If Dolby Atmos is involved, the app, TV, soundbar, HDMI cable and settings all need to support it.

A soundbar can make a new TV feel much better, but it still needs to be set up properly.

 

Update the TV and apps

Software updates are worth checking.

Modern TVs are basically computers with screens. Apps, menus, streaming services and HDMI features can all be affected by software.

A software update may improve app performance, fix bugs, improve compatibility, or change how certain features work.

If apps are slow, crashing, buffering or not loading properly, check for updates.

Also check whether individual apps need updating.

Sometimes the picture or sound problem is not the TV panel at all. It is the app, software, internet connection or device connected to the TV.

 

Clean the screen properly

This sounds simple, but it matters.

A dirty screen can make a good TV look worse.

Dust, fingerprints and smudges can affect how clean the picture looks, especially in bright scenes or when sunlight hits the screen.

Use a clean microfiber cloth.

Do not spray harsh chemicals directly onto the screen.

If the screen needs more than a dry wipe, use a screen-safe cleaner and follow the TV manufacturer’s advice.

Do not press hard on the panel.

Modern TV screens can be delicate.

 

Do not judge the picture from one source

A TV can look different depending on what you are watching.

Before deciding whether the TV picture is good or bad, test a few different sources, Try:

• a good 4K streaming movie

• a Foxtel HD channel

• a normal Foxtel channel

• YouTube 4K content

• free-to-air TV

• sport

• a game console

• a dark movie scene

• a bright daytime scene

This helps you work out whether the issue is the TV or the source.

If everything looks bad, the TV settings may need work.

If only one app or device looks bad, the problem may be that source.

 

The room changes the picture

The room matters more than people think.

A TV in a dark room does not need the same brightness as a TV in a bright open-plan lounge room.

Windows, reflections, wall colour, lights, seating position and viewing angle all affect how the picture looks.

A glossy OLED screen in a bright room may behave differently from a Mini-LED TV with high brightness. A Samsung matte screen may handle reflections differently from a glossy LG OLED. A Hisense or TCL Mini-LED may look bright and punchy in daylight but still need settings adjusted at night.

This is why there is no perfect universal setting.

The TV has to suit the room.

 

You do not need to become a TV calibrator

Some people go too far with settings.

They start copying exact numbers from online forums without knowing whether those numbers suit their model, room, panel type or source.

That can create more problems.

You do not need to become a professional TV calibrator.

For most customers, the goal is simple:

• choose a sensible picture mode

• check Eco Mode

• adjust motion if sport or movies look wrong

• make sure Foxtel is on the HD channel when available

• use Game Mode for consoles

• use the right HDMI port and cable

• check streaming quality and Wi-Fi

• set up the soundbar properly

• adjust the TV for the room

That will fix many of the problems people notice.

 

Final thoughts

A new TV can be excellent and still need setup.

The picture can look blurry, too dim, too bright, too smooth, too fake, or disappointing if the settings, source or room are not right.

Sport may need different motion handling from movies. Foxtel HD will not look the same as 4K streaming. A PS5 or Xbox needs the right HDMI port, cable and Game Mode. A soundbar needs the right connection. Eco Mode can reduce brightness. AI picture modes can help, but they can also over-process the image.

The best result usually comes from checking the TV in the room, with the content you actually watch.

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