Roku TVs are designed with default settings that may not always deliver the best picture quality. These settings are often optimized for visibility in stores rather than for the best viewing experience at home. However, users can manually adjust various settings to achieve a more accurate and lifelike image that better reflects the original intent of the content. Importantly, achieving a better picture doesn’t always require expensive professional calibration tools. Most modern TVs, including Roku models, offer several picture modes, each with different effects on image quality. Some modes, like the Filmmaker mode found on higher-end models, are designed to preserve the original look of the content with minimal adjustments. If a TV doesn’t have this mode, users can manually tweak settings to improve the image. These options are usually accessible by pressing the * (star) button on the Roku remote and selecting Picture Settings. If not immediately visible, starting to play content may reveal the settings menu. In the Picture Mode menu, options like Standard or Movie provide the most accurate representation of the original content. Vivid mode, on the other hand, boosts color, brightness, and contrast, which can make the image look more intense than intended. Roku’s Smart Picture mode automatically detects the type of content and selects the best mode. Users can also fine-tune brightness, contrast, and sharpness in the Customize Picture menu. The Backlight setting controls how bright the screen appears, and higher settings are typically better in well-lit rooms. However, increasing contrast or sharpness too much can make the image look overly processed, so adjustments should be made carefully. The Customize Picture menu also includes an Expert or Advanced settings section. Features like Action Smoothing or LED Motion Clarity can make fast-moving content look smoother, but they can also create a “soap opera” effect on movies, which may not be desirable. These effects can be turned down or disabled. Other settings, such as Noise Reduction and Color Temperature, can also be adjusted. Lowering or disabling these settings often results in a more accurate and natural image. It’s important to remember that picture settings apply individually to each input source, but there’s an option to apply the same settings across all inputs. Many Roku TVs come with the Low Power display mode enabled by default. While this mode is more energy-efficient, it can reduce brightness, making bright scenes less vibrant and dark scenes less detailed. This is especially noticeable in HDR content, which relies on high brightness to display intense highlights and maintain detail in darker areas. As a result, the Low Power mode can significantly affect how well a TV performs compared to higher-end models.