Panasonic BD Players: Lighter or Darker Black Level Setting

[KrugStillo]

Is this all just personal preference or does the darker level clip the blacks? I have been wondering which is the preferable setting for a while now. It defaults with the Lighter setting but at times it seems to be overly contrasty. However if that is the spec standard and Darker is just there for Shits and Gigs than I'll go with Lighter. I am a bit OCD with settings and always prefer to use the standards that way I can watch the movie with closest to what the transfer techs wanted. Any info on these settings would be greatly appreciated. There seems to be little to no info on these settings available.

[PUsokrJosh305]

I believe that it might just be a feature for the component output, I've tried it on my BD player and it does nothing to the picture, when using an HDMI cable that is, now if you use a component cable, it may change then

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

I believe that it might just be a feature for the component output, I've tried it on my BD player and it does nothing to the picture, when using an HDMI cable that is, now if you use a component cable, it may change then

I had thought so too but it does make a difference, it's very subtle but you can definitely tell. You can only see it when playing content though it doesn't affect the features screen.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

I had thought so too but it does make a difference, it's very subtle but you can definitely tell. You can only see it when playing content though it doesn't affect the features screen.

From my understanding Lighter should be used with a plasma tv and Darker should be used with LCD. Usually this is the case because LCDs don't have very good blacks compared to a plasma set so this setting helps balance it out.

[PUsokrJosh305]

What if your plasma already has the light or dark black level settings and you have it changed to light, you don't have to do anything to your player or is it best to make the bluray player's settings light??

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

What if your plasma already has the light or dark black level settings and you have it changed to light, you don't have to do anything to your player or is it best to make the bluray player's settings light??

For correct calibration, Black levels should be set to light on the TV. and same on the player. If you're having issues with incorrect black levels use a calibration disc to adjust brightness and contrast correctly. A good free tool to use is the AVS 709 disc. Also use that on an lcd with the tv and player at their default settings for best results. To reset the player/tv to defaults see your owner's manual.

Hope this helps!

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

For correct calibration, Black levels should be set to light on the TV. and same on the player. If you're having issues with incorrect black levels use a calibration disc to adjust brightness and contrast correctly. A good free tool to use is the AVS 709 disc. Also use that on an lcd with the tv and player at their default settings for best results. To reset the player/tv to defaults see your owner's manual.

Hope this helps!

Thank you very much, this was the answer I was looking for.

[KrugStillo]

Now here is another question: 4:2:2 or 4:4:4? I have read that technically 4:4:4 shouldn't do anything because programming is generally 4:2:0 but I've noticed that with my Panasonic 4:2:2 tends to be more pleasing to the eye and black level. This could all be just a placebo effect but I think it does actually make a difference.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

Now here is another question: 4:2:2 or 4:4:4? I have read that technically 4:4:4 shouldn't do anything because programming is generally 4:2:0 but I've noticed that with my Panasonic 4:2:2 tends to be more pleasing to the eye and black level. This could all be just a placebo effect but I think it does actually make a difference.

I'm not well versed in this area right now. What i would suggest is research color information and find tools for measuring output. From what I understand, not one setting works well for all content, So, in a sense, this too is a form of calibration.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

I'm not well versed in this area right now. What i would suggest is research color information and find tools for measuring output. From what I understand, not one setting works well for all content, So, in a sense, this too is a form of calibration.

That's pretty much the answer that I find everywhere. My Sony has an auto setting so it just does it dependant on the display however the Panny does not have auto so you need to choose. It defaults to 4:4:4 but I have found that I personally like the look of 4:2:2, maybe because this was the setting I was previously used to on my Sony. Who knows? Thanks anyway.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

That's pretty much the answer that I find everywhere. My Sony has an auto setting so it just does it dependant on the display however the Panny does not have auto so you need to choose. It defaults to 4:4:4 but I have found that I personally like the look of 4:2:2, maybe because this was the setting I was previously used to on my Sony. Who knows? Thanks anyway.

I have a professional background in video, and broadcast. I personally can't tell the difference between the settings. I have an older panny that only has RGB output standard, or enhanced. I can't really tell much of a difference in picture quality between my sony and two panasonic units.

[Schrute Farms]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

Now here is another question: 4:2:2 or 4:4:4? I have read that technically 4:4:4 shouldn't do anything because programming is generally 4:2:0 but I've noticed that with my Panasonic 4:2:2 tends to be more pleasing to the eye and black level. This could all be just a placebo effect but I think it does actually make a difference.

I have an Epson with a 4:4 option, so I set my panasonic bd85 to 4:4 as well. Looks good to me, but I'll check both ways to see what's best.