Juan Alejandro Bernal/Shutterstock
If your smart TV displays colors that appear washed out, where the image seems dull or gray rather than vibrant and rich, it usually does not concern the display panel itself. More often than not, the culprit is incorrect display settings, an improper picture preset, or modes meant to modify the display. The smart TV is functioning according to its instructions, but those instructions are not accurately configured.
This issue is particularly prevalent with newly purchased smart TVs, as the models shown in retail outlets typically have their brightness set to high and vivid levels to attract consumers under bright florescent lighting. However, home lighting is typically less bright, and using the same settings could lead to washed-out colors. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all preset for display settings. Instead, the best settings depend on your specific setup, the lighting conditions, and the source of the display.
Fortunately, correcting washed-out colors can often be achieved in just a few minutes once the root cause is identified. Generally, adjusting a few settings can revitalise the picture quality.
Change to a different picture mode
A prevalent reason for washed-out colors is the current picture preset or mode. On modern smart TVs, it is typically preset to Vivid, Dynamic, or Standard. If you have not modified the default settings, you should begin with adjusting the picture mode.
To switch the picture mode, access your smart TV’s settings, and navigate to the Display or Picture settings. Here, you will find various presets available. Select “Cinema,” “Movie,” “Calibrated,” or “Filmmaker” from the options; labels may differ based on the manufacturer. The goal is to choose an alternate preset that corresponds with the type of content you view on the smart TV. For example, if you primarily watch films or series, “Cinema” or “Filmmaker” mode should be your preference.
After making the adjustments, the image may initially appear dimmer or warmer, which is usual. These represent the genuine colors. Once your eyes adapt to the new setting, the visuals will appear much more vibrant.