Toshiba 30HF85 HDTV picture problems

[dadio1957]

I have a Toshiba 30HF85 HDTV, and have never been thrilled by the picture. It's always been dark, and increasing the brightness only washes everything else out. Contrast is maxed out. Also, it's supposedly in 1080i mode, but the picture just doesn't seem to be that sharp. Sharper than regular TV, but, for example, graphic and scores on sports broadcasts just aren't "crisp." I'm using component cables - would HDMI substantially help? Is there anything I can do to calibrate or adjust the TV beyond the normal menu options? Am I just expecting too much?

[Krispy Kritter]

What is the source material that you using to compare the sharpness? If your only source of comparison is cable and DVD, then you are not truly using HD.

[edDV]

You should be seeing better than that. It sounds like you are running your cable box in 480i mode or watching SD channels. Try adjusting the TV using the THX signal on a laser disc. If the TV can't be adjusted for full gray scale, it needs to be taken in for "internal" adjustment. CRT sets loose brightness as they age, internal adjustments are needed to brighten it up.

http://www.thx.com/mod/products/dvd/optimizerIntro.html