Hi,
I have a plasma for about 2 weeks now, i´m done with the break in period. I must have around 120hs already.
So far i was using contrast at 50%.

At the moment i´m having a really hard time adjusting the right amount of contrast on this tv.

My TV is a Samsung Plasma 42"

I don´t see any clipping neither color decoloration. I know contrast on plasma is something to keep an eye on, so i don´t want to risk it going very high, but on the other hand i don´t want to end up with a picture with less contrast than it should.

Could someone give me an advice how to find the right contrast setting?

I do have DVE and Avia, but i don´t own any equipement.

Thanks,
Booker.

The greatest factor in image contrast is in the black end of the scale. We perceive changes in luminance level more readily there than in the bright end of the scale. However, ambient lighting conditions have a profound affect upon your perception of the dark portions of an image.

For maximum "safe" contrast performance from a phosphor-based display, set white level just below the point where "whiter than white" disappears (also watching for discoloration). If it looks too bright to you in subdued lighting, go ahead and turn white level down some more to extend phosphor life. It will dim with age and keeping white level low when new will allow you some headroom to increase it as it ages. Then, perform extended critical viewing sessions with a darkened room and bias lighting behind the display: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13966345#post13966345 . The bias lighting won't make the set measure as having greater contrast, but it will be perceived as such. Blacks will be perceived as darker and black level can be set lower when room lighting is no longer competing with the picture. Any discussion of display system contrast that ignores room conditions and human perceptual factors is half-baked.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

well...if i were a smarta$$ i could answer:
"Just take your remote...and adjust it up and down 'til you like it" :)

But on a serious note...the recent Samsung Plasmas do very fine with higher contrast, 83-85ish.

well...if i were a smarta$$ i could answer:
"Just take your remote...and adjust it up and down 'til you like it" :)

But on a serious note...the recent Samsung Plasmas do very fine with higher contrast, 83-85ish.
lol
yeah i know it sounds stupid but i settle at 65. the only reason why i didn´t went higher is because i´m afraid of BI and IR.

still at 65% looks incredible, so why go higher?