You Inquired: Scratches on TV screens and issues with calibration

      In today's episode of You Asked: Can a light scratch on a TV screen be removed? When is it necessary to calibrate your TV, and what is the cost involved? Why does YouTube appear to be clearer on your phone compared to your TV?

      Don't attempt to fix that scratch on your TV screen

      Digital Trends

      The first question might sting a bit or give you that yikes feeling. Charles from Texas shares: While building a media shelf, one of the support poles fell and scratched my LG C3. After calming down from my frustration, I looked for possible solutions. Most advice suggests that using scratch-reducing agents like poly watch, toothpaste, or Vaseline could damage the anti-glare coating and worsen a nearly invisible scratch from afar. Is there any safe method to minimize this scratch further?

      First of all, I can relate. I understand the range of emotions Charles went through.

      Secondly, let me make this very clear for anyone who has scratched their TV screen, whether minimally or severely: Do NOT attempt to "repair" this scratch. TV screens are not comparable to car surfaces. You can't sand a TV screen and fix the clear coat with a polishing compound. Any effort to lessen the scratch is likely to exacerbate the situation. At best, you might not see any improvement. Please leave it alone.

      If the scratch is hardly noticeable from a distance, that's a positive. The constant awareness of its existence — what makes you see that scratch right now — will fade over time. I bet that in about three to four months, you won’t think about it for several days. That may seem unthinkable at the moment, but trust me on that. I look forward to your update around July 4.

      To calibrate or not to calibrate?

      Digital Trends

      BullyBeef expressed gratitude to Chris for the LG essential settings assistance and inquired: Do you still endorse getting a professional TV calibration? I will soon be receiving my LG C4 83-inch OLED. I'll be making adjustments myself for optimal color accuracy with the remote, but I'm curious about how much a professional calibration would improve the image quality. Is it worth the investment?

      Thomas also asked: What is the typical cost for calibration in the US? Do any retailers offering the TV provide proper Calman calibration?

      Let’s first tackle the query regarding calibration costs.

      After consulting a couple of professional calibrator acquaintances, here's what I've gathered. Assuming it’s a local job (meaning no extensive travel), the service can range from $400 to $600. The price can vary based on several factors, including the specific TV model. Some TVs require more time for calibration than others. Additionally, you may want multiple picture modes calibrated for various scenarios, which can extend time and increase the cost.

      Digital Trends

      The essential takeaway: For an accurate cost estimate, inquire with the calibrator about their fees depending on the job requirements and the distance involved. (That price range should give you a general idea.)

      Should you invest in a TV calibration, and is it worth it? This largely depends on your personal needs:

      If you require calibration for professional purposes, this is a necessary decision.

      If you're an avid enthusiast who wants the utmost color accuracy and to ensure your TV displays the content with maximum fidelity — and lacking that confirmation bothers you — then your desire makes the decision for you.

      Digital Trends

      If you feel a calibration is necessary due to your variable viewing habits — sometimes in a bright room during the day and other times at night — and you want the best possible image quality across all conditions with minimal hassle, a calibration could be beneficial. However, if you're just anxious that the built-in picture settings might not meet your expectations? First, review user feedback on the TV to see how closely it aligns with accurate picture quality in its optimal picture modes.

      If you believe a TV cannot look exceptional without professional calibration, invest in a TV that is highly rated for its accurate image without adjustments. In every review, I discuss how a TV measures up to those standards. It's often wiser to spend more on a TV that doesn’t require tweaking rather than saving on a cheaper model and later incurring calibration expenses.

      Sometimes, TVs exhibit peculiar behaviors that you can't resolve on your own, and a calibration consultation can determine if those issues can be addressed. I recommend contacting an ISF-certified calibrator who has positive testimonials about their work. Just like finding a reliable mechanic, finding a skilled calibrator requires research and recommendations. (If you are a professional calibrator with more insights on how customers have benefited from calibration, please reach out).

      Why does YouTube appear clearer on my phone?

      Digital Trends

      Trevor from Wisconsin writes: Recently, I've noticed a significant disparity in video streaming quality across different devices on the same network. When I watch low bitrate content like YouTube TV on my Samsung S90D (or any other TV), I see considerable macro-blocking. However, when viewing the same