1080p-720p shoot-out in Athens!

A short show on the day after Christmas. Now that you have your new HDTV at home, the HT Guys give some quick pointers to get the most out of your investment.

 

Happy HDTV Holidays

So you did it, you went out and bought yourself a shiny new Home Theater gadget.  We can almost imagine your glee as you unwrapped it - even though you wrapped it up for yourself.  Now that you've got it, you need to get it set up.  Since we're busy setting up our own new toys, we'll give you some quick pointers on what to do.

For all electronics:

• Make sure you plug them into some sort of surge protector.
• Make sure you install them somewhere where they won't overheat.
• Return any cables you bought at the store because the salesman told you you needed them.  Do some online research; odds are you can get a better deal.
  

If you got a new TV set:

• Take it off of the 'Vivd' or 'Dynamic' picture setting right away. 
  
• If you have a THX DVD, use it to get your TV calibrated.
• If it's an analog set, remind yourself to set an appointment to get it calibrated.
  

If you got a receiver or speakers:

• Make sure you wire your speakers red to red and black to black.  Almost all speaker wire has a way to distinguish one side of the cable from the other, a line, bumps or ridges, writing, something.  Use the same system for every speaker so you don't get confused.
  
• See if it has an auto setup mode.  This will help you get the settings right for each or your surround speakers.  If not, try to borrow a Sound Pressure meter from a friend, or use your ears to get the levels right on each channel.
• Install the speakers as close to ear level as possible, except for the rear speakers, they should be above your head.

If you got a universal remote:

• Good for you, make sure you read the manual before you try to program it.  There's nothing better than a well programmed universal remote - there might be nothing more frustrating than a poorly programmed one.