I hope someone can help me out here...

My parents bought the TV a few years ago and compared to my HDTV theirs is very dark. I think it happens more often with DVDs as opposed to cable programming, but I'm not sure. Basically, some movies/scenes are unwatchable.

I told them several times that something is wrong, and showed them that it was still under extended warranty at best buy. A tech came out and replaced the bulb but it was still very dark. They have the brightness (or contrast) way over at 90 or so. The tech said "yeah, that's normal, you have to do that" but I disagree. My TV, a newer LCOS, is VERY bright compared to theirs and all settings are set low or medium.

For those who know the movie "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" half of the movie is so dark, everything is lost. For instance, when they look for the scientist and find the door with 1127 on it (a Star Wars reference) you couldn't even see the numbers on the door!

I think the cable box is now hooked up via component, and the DVD player is hooked up via DVI.

I just bought them an HD DVD player, but I'm worried that the quality just won't be there because the image is so dark.

Anyway, can someone either confirm or deny that the earlier LCDs (2004-2005) had dark image issues or needed to pump up their contrast/brightness compared to the current ones? :confused::confused:

I'd really appreciate any help!

Thanks!