Testing: One, Two, Three

After reading our trusty guide to adapting to your new HDTV, you know that as simple as it is to slide your credit card and buy the TV, it may take some time and patience to adjust your set for the best high-def quality. You want a smooth image, with transitions so crisp that you don’t even know they are happening. Pixel squares: not allowed!

Popular Mechanics gives detailed advice so you can play detective: find the culprit, help fix the problems and answer your HDTV questions. Some picture problems may not even exist within your TV set—it may be your broadcaster at fault, so call your cable provider’s customer service department. Other issues can be resolved on your own, by fine-tuning contrast and colors.

But in some cases, you might want to turn to the experts. First, you can try the store you purchased your HDTV from: do they offer special troubleshooting as part of the package you purchased, or even for an additional fee? Next, you can look for support from your TV manufacturer. They might not have someone who can come to your home, but if you can follow instructions well, you might be able to fix the bugs with over-the-phone advice. Finally, there are multiple professional products available to assist you along your journey to getting the best picture ever—if you are up for the challenge and have a few bucks to spare. You can calibrate your HDTV with a color meter, such as Datacolor's Spyder TV ($269). A less expensive alternative is the DVD used for calibration called Monster/ISF's HDTV Calibration Wizard ($30).

You can get there…to that point where you’ll forget you’re sitting in your living room, just watching TV. Let us help you get started on your way there today. [Popular Mechanics]