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Super Bowl Tips: Last-Minute HDTV Tweaks

It isn't too late to make sure your HDTV looks great for the Super Bowl. Just follow this easy checklist.

February 1, 2012

It's on this Sunday: Giants vs. Patriots. Whether or not you live in New York or Boston, if you're American, you're probably going to be watching the Super Bowl this weekend. Make sure your HDTV is game-ready by following this short checklist before the players take the field.

Make Sure You're Really Getting HD
The game will look amazing in high-def, but only if your cable box or satellite box and HDTV are set to show high-def. Make sure you're getting HD service, and that the cable box or satellite box is tuned to the HD version of NBC. Cable services often have high-definition and standard-definition channels for major networks. On Time Warner Cable in New York City, for example, HD channels start around 600. If you simply tune into "NBC" in the single or double digits, you're probably getting the standard-definition broadcast. Your HDTV should already be set to automatically change resolutions to fit high definition video. If not, go into the menu system and look for Picture Mode or Resolution and set it to Automatic.

Calibrate Your HDTV
Ideally, when you got your HDTV, it was calibrated by an ISF-certified technician, but for most people, that's not the case. Fortunately, you don't need to pay for pro calibration. Certain DVDs and Blu-ray discs come with calibration tools, and some HDTVs have built-in wizards. Read our for an easy step-by-step guide to getting the best picture from your television.

Upgrade to HDMI
Maybe you avoided the pricey up-sell when you bought your HDTV and stuck with your composite cables, but trust us, you need HDMI. It makes a huge difference in picture quality. And you don't have to spend $50 for one of those name-brand cables; you can for as little as $5 that will work just as well.

Clear Out Your DVR
If you plan on recording the game in HD, you'll need a lot of free space on your DVR. Make sure you clear out all those old Burn Notice and Dexter episodes to make room for all that high-definition football—and all those cool commercials. Make sure to set your DVR to record past the scheduled end time, just in case the game goes over.

Get Interactive
If your HDTV supports widgets, look for apps that can connect you to Twitter and Facebook directly from your TV. Your cable or satellite box might also support social networking (Verizon FIOS, for example, has a Twitter widget). Otherwise, keep your laptop or phone handy for social media updates. Or, if you're having a Super Bowl party, consider logging out and enjoying the game with your real-world friends.

Know the Yardage
For the clearest picture, don't get too close to the HDTV. It's a big screen with high resolution, so there's no need to put your face against it. If your HDTV is over 40 inches, you should sit more than five feet away from the screen to reduce eye strain. If you have a monster 60-inch screen, at least eight feet should be far enough.

If you're in the market to pick up a new HDTV for game day, check out our for all you need to know when you're shopping, the for the top models we've tested, and for some great bargains. If you're looking ahead to next year, you may also want to read .