HD picture on a Samsung?

Question

I have a Samsung 32" 720p HDTV its the LN-S3251D. I have my HD cable box connected by HDMI and my picture does not look amazing when watching football on the HD channel. The cable box is set to 720p. Can some other Samsung owner tell me there set up here is mine.

Contrast = 55

Brightness = 60

Sharpness = 0

Color = 45

Color Tone = Warm 2

Digital NR= Off

Game Mode = Off

Answer 1

I suspect that your cable box is not set to output in high def. Here is how you can tell if it is.
1. Tune to a high def station
2. Push "info" on SAMSUNG REMOTE

If your tv is receiving a high def signal, it will say 1080i or 720p on left side of screen.

If your tv is receiving a standard def signal, it will say 480i or 480p on the left side of screen.

My other question is, are you sure you are watching a HD channel? If standard def NBC is channel 5.....
the high def NBC might be like channel 780.

Here are the settings I use on my Samsung LCD.
Contrast 100
Brightness 60
Sharpness 0
Color 46
Backlight 10
Size 19:9
Digital NR off
active color on
DNI on

Answer 2

Are you watching ESPN-HD, but you see black bars on either side? This means that the game was recorded with standard def equipment.

Just because it is on ESPN-HD does not mean that all shows are in HD.

Also - You should not use anybody elses settings for your TV. The adjustments are to help adjust your unit.

Get a copy of Avia or Digital Video Essentials. These DVD's have tutorials and test patterns that show you how to set these values.

You can also hire a ISF Calibrationist to come over and calibrate your display to industry standards.