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A default picture setting on your HDTV may be ruining your movie-watching experience. Learn how to disable it in your HDTV settings to eliminate motion smoothing effects.
Modern HDTVs often come with motion smoothing enabled by default. While this feature is designed to reduce motion blur in fast-paced content like sports, it can significantly alter the way movies look, giving them a “soap opera effect” that detracts from the filmmaker’s intended experience. This is why actor Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie created a public service announcement to address this issue.
The Tom Cruise & Christopher McQuarrie PSA
In their video message, Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie explain how motion smoothing can drastically change the visual quality of movies, making them look unnaturally smooth and lifeless. They emphasize the importance of turning off this feature to preserve the cinematic experience intended by filmmakers. Their motivation stems from a shared passion for film and a desire to ensure that audiences can enjoy movies in their true form.
I’m taking a quick break from filming to tell you the best way to watch Mission: Impossible Fallout (or any movie you love) at home. pic.twitter.com/oW2eTm1IUA
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) December 4, 2018
“The unfortunate side effect is that it makes most movies look like they were shot on high-speed video rather than on film,” Tom Cruise says in the video. “This is sometimes referred to as the ‘soap opera effect.’”
Why Is Motion Smoothing a Problem for Movie Lovers?
Motion smoothing, also known as motion interpolation or “the soap opera effect,” is a feature in modern HDTVs that artificially increases the frame rate of video content. While this may enhance sports events by reducing blurriness, it can make movies appear overly smooth, almost as if they were shot on a high-speed video camera. This effect detracts from the traditional filmic quality that directors and cinematographers aim for, resulting in a viewing experience that feels artificial.
According to filmmaker Karyn Kusama, “I see those images, and my brain, my heart, my soul shuts down.”
How to Turn Off Motion Smoothing on Your HDTV
Unfortunately, the option to turn off motion smoothing is often buried deep within your TV’s settings menu, and many people are unaware of how to disable it. Below, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions for the top three HDTV brands: Samsung, LG, and Sony. If your TV brand isn’t listed, a quick internet search with the phrase “how to turn off motion smoothing [your TV brand name]” should help you find the right instructions.
1. Samsung HDTVs
- Press the Home button on your remote to access the main menu.
- Go to Settings and select Picture.
- Choose Expert Settings.
- Scroll down to Auto Motion Plus and select it.
- Set Auto Motion Plus to Off.
- To fine-tune further, you can manually adjust the Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction settings.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the official Samsung support page.
2. LG HDTVs
- Press the Settings button on your remote to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Navigate to All Settings and then select Picture.
- Choose Picture Mode Settings.
- Select Picture Options.
- Locate TruMotion and set it to Off.
More detailed instructions are available on the official LG support page.
3. Sony HDTVs
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings and select Picture & Display.
- Choose Picture Adjustments.
- Select Motion.
- Turn off Motionflow by setting it to Off or adjusting the Smoothness slider to your preference.
For further details, visit the Sony support page.
Conclusion: Experience Movies the Way They Were Meant to Be Seen
Turning off motion smoothing is a simple but effective way to ensure you’re watching movies as the filmmakers intended. While this feature is useful for certain types of content, it detracts from the immersive experience that cinema aims to create. By following the steps above for your HDTV, you can enjoy your favorite films with the rich, authentic visual quality they deserve.
What if Your Brand Isn’t Listed?
If you don’t own a Samsung, LG, or Sony HDTV, don’t worry. The best way to find out how to turn off motion smoothing on your specific model is to search online using the phrase “how to turn off motion smoothing [your TV brand name].” Most manufacturers provide detailed instructions online, and there are numerous video tutorials available to guide you through the process.
Final Thoughts
Motion smoothing is a feature that many TV manufacturers enable by default, but it’s not always in the best interest of the viewer—especially when it comes to movies. Taking a few minutes to adjust your settings can make a world of difference in how you experience films at home.
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