Picture & Sound

Picture and sound settings explained

You do not need special equipment to enjoy a better picture and clearer sound — just an understanding of the settings your television already has. Here is what each one does, in plain language.

Published 5 April 2026 · Updated 8 June 2026 · SmartTVConnectGuide Editorial Team

Picture settings

Brightness

Brightness controls how light or dark the overall image looks. Set it to suit your room: brighter for daytime viewing, lower for a dim room in the evening. Comfortable eyes are a good guide.

Contrast

Contrast sets the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. Too much can hide detail in bright areas; too little makes the picture look flat. Adjust until bright scenes keep their detail.

Colour temperature

Colour temperature shifts the picture warmer (more red) or cooler (more blue). A “warm” setting is often closest to how films are intended to look, though you should choose what feels natural to you.

Picture modes

Picture modes are ready-made groups of settings. Modes named “Movie”, “Cinema”, or “Filmmaker” usually give the most natural image, while “Vivid” boosts colour and brightness for bright rooms.

Motion settings

Motion settings smooth fast movement. Some viewers like the effect for sports but find it makes films look unnatural — the so-called “soap-opera” look. Try turning it down if films seem odd.

Game mode

Game mode reduces input lag for more responsive play. Turn it on for games and off again for films. There is more in our smart TV games guide.

Energy-saving picture settings

Eco or energy-saving options lower power use, often by adjusting brightness to the room. They are a simple way to reduce energy without a noticeable drop in everyday viewing quality.

Change one thing at a time

Adjust a single setting, watch a familiar scene, then decide. It is far easier to judge the effect this way, and every menu has a reset option if you want to start over.

Sound settings

Sound modes

Like picture modes, sound modes are presets tuned for different content — for example a “Standard” mode for general viewing or a “Music” mode for concerts. Try a few and keep the one you prefer.

Dialogue clarity

If speech is hard to follow, look for a “Dialogue”, “Clear Voice”, or “Speech” setting. These emphasise voices over background sound and can make a real difference on built-in speakers.

External speakers and soundbars

A soundbar or external speakers can noticeably improve sound. Connect them using the option your television and equipment support, then set the television's audio output to the connected device. A soundbar is optional — the television's own speakers are perfectly usable for everyday viewing.

HDMI audio concepts

Many televisions offer an HDMI audio-return feature that sends sound to a compatible soundbar over a single cable. If your soundbar supports it, this keeps your setup simple. Check both devices' settings to enable the matching option.

Night listening

A night or “low-volume” mode evens out loud and quiet moments so late-night viewing does not disturb others. It is handy when you want detail without sudden loud passages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best picture mode?

There is no single “best” mode — it depends on your room and taste. Movie or Filmmaker modes are a good starting point for a natural image.

Why is dialogue hard to hear?

Try a dialogue or clear-voice sound setting, and consider a soundbar if you often struggle with speech on built-in speakers.

Still having a picture or sound problem? See troubleshooting for calm, step-by-step help.