How to calibrate a TV for gaming

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for calibrating your TV for gaming.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Calibrating a TV for gaming involves adjusting various settings to enhance the gaming experience, such as brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. This guide provides detailed methods to ensure your TV is optimized for gaming performance.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting the calibration process, ensure you have the following:
  • •A TV capable of displaying 4K resolution and HDR for the best gaming experience.
  • •A gaming console or PC connected via HDMI 2.0 or higher.
  • •Calibration tools such as a colorimeter (e.g., X-Rite i1Display) or calibration software (e.g., CalMAN, DisplayCAL).
  • •Access to the TV's settings menu and remote control.
  • •Backup any important settings or configurations before making changes.

Method 1: Manual Calibration via TV Settings

This method is suitable for users who want to manually adjust settings based on personal preference and viewing conditions.
  • •Step 1: Press the 'Menu' button on your remote control to access the TV's main settings.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to 'Picture' settings using the arrow keys and select it.
  • •Step 3: Adjust the following settings: Brightness (set to 50%), Contrast (set to 80%), Sharpness (set to 0), Color (set to 50%), and Tint (set to 0).
  • •Step 4: Use a calibration disc or test patterns to verify adjustments. Look for natural skin tones and vibrant colors.
  • •Step 5: Save settings and exit the menu. If colors appear washed out or too dark, revisit the settings and adjust accordingly.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users can access the TV settings through the 'Settings' app.
  • •1. Click on the 'Start' menu and select 'Settings'.
  • •2. Go to 'System' > 'Display'.
  • •3. Scroll down to 'Advanced display' and select your TV.
  • •4. Adjust 'HDR' settings if available, ensuring it is enabled for gaming.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can follow similar steps to adjust display settings.
  • •1. Right-click on the desktop and select 'Display settings'.
  • •2. Scroll to 'Multiple displays' and select your TV.
  • •3. Click on 'Advanced display settings' to adjust refresh rates and color profiles.

Method 2: Using Calibration Tools

This method is ideal for users seeking precise calibration using professional tools.
  • •Step 1: Connect the colorimeter to your PC and install the calibration software.
  • •Step 2: Launch the software and select the option for TV calibration.
  • •Step 3: Follow on-screen instructions to measure brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
  • •Step 4: Save the calibration profile to your TV if supported or apply the settings manually based on the software's recommendations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during calibration, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'No Signal' - Solution: Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected and the correct input is selected on the TV.
  • •Issue: Colors appear distorted - Fix: Revisit the color settings and ensure the TV is set to 'Game Mode' to reduce input lag.
  • •Problem: Calibration settings do not save - Workaround: Check if the TV firmware is up to date; perform a factory reset if necessary.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your calibration process with these expert tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Windows + P' - Quickly switch between display modes when testing settings.
  • •Command line: 'DisplaySwitch.exe' - Use this command to manage display settings on Windows.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Game Mode' - Access this in the TV settings to optimize performance for gaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best gaming experience, consider using a combination of manual adjustments and professional calibration tools.