Calibrating your TV sounds very technical and expensive. It doesn’t have to be. If fact, you may already have free calibration tools in your DVD collection. The THX Optimizer is a set of tests to optimize your television and is found on DVDs which are THX certified.

The THX Optimizer gives step-by-step instructions to test and fine tune your HDTV’s audio and video. The audio testing features a signal sent to each surround sound speaker to confirm proper hook-up. The video testing fine tunes your HDTV’s color, tint, brightness, and contrast settings. CNET Australia has a closer look at using the tools. The color and tint tests require THX Optimizer glasses. They are available from the THX.com store for $1.99 plus shipping ($2.50-$6.00 for the US).

So, how do you find out which DVDs are THX certified? Read the rest of this entry »