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Did you snag a great TV deal on Prime Day? No matter what model or brand you bought, a TV can look a lot better if you make a few adjustments. That’s because even the best TVs, when you first take them out of the box, don’t look as good as they could with some minor adjustments. The good news is, these tweaks are easy, and you don’t need any special equipment.

Why is this? The stock settings as applied by the factory are OK for that entire product line, but might not be best for your exact TV. Even just changing the picture mode can make a huge difference. It’s possible you might need a new cable, or you might not. You might need a new source, or you might not. It’s worth learning about the different options and why they’re important so you can get the most out of your new purchase.

Most TVs have an initial setup routine where you connect to Wi-Fi, download software updates and agree to license and privacy notices, but after that you’re on your own. Here’s what to consider next.

HDMI cables

Nearly everything you might want to connect to a TV these days uses the same connection: HDMI.

HDMI cables carry high-resolution images and sound over one small cable. Thankfully, HDMI cables are quite cheap. There are expensive HDMI cables, but they offer no additional performance over most cheaper options. Generally speaking, you should be able to get a cable that works perfect for you for around $1 per foot.

It’s possible your current HDMI cables will work fine, though. Many older HDMI cables can handle 4K resolutions. If you’re not getting the resolution you want, or if the image flickers or cuts out, some new cables might solve the issue. But if what you have works, getting more expensive cables won’t make the image or sound any better.

Check out our list of the best HDMI cables for 2023 for more info.

If you’re getting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you still probably don’t need new cables. The exception is if you want to run them at 4K/120, something only a few TVs can handle. In that case it’s worth learning about Premium Certified cables, which don’t cost that much more than noncertified cables.

Sources, from cable to streaming to games to sound

Most TVs have built-in smart TV suites for streaming, but in many cases you’ll want to connect other stuff too. If you bought a newer streaming box or game console, it will probably autodetect what your TV wants (1080p or 2160p) and send it whichever is appropriate. The same is true for 4K or regular Blu-ray players. For older devices, namely a cable or satellite box, make sure that it’s set for widescreen 16:9 video and set to output HD.

Just because the cable box is capable of high definition doesn’t mean you’re getting HD. Sometimes you need to pay your provider extra and/or tune to the specific HD channel to watch. For example, with my provider, channel 2 is SD, whereas channel 1002 is HD. This is also true for Netflix and other streaming services. For example, with Netflix you can only get 4K if you’re paying for a more expensive streaming tier.

You can also get free HDTV with an antenna, and 4K over-the-air is already rolling out in many cities.

If you’re trying to get sound from your TV to yoursoundbaror receiver, there are some specific steps you need to take. This has to do with audio return channel, which is easily the most common question topic I get about modern TVs and home theater setups. Regardless, if you bought a 4K TV, you may need to get a new receiver anyway.

If you’re looking to connect your 4K TV to a computer, here are some things to think about. You can also connect your laptop to your TV wirelessly.

Picture settings

Once you have everything plugged in, take a moment to check your TV’s picture settings. Most modern TVs will ask upon initial startup if the TV is being used in a home or a store. Pick the one most appropriate to your environment (hopefully “home”; I’m not sure why you’d be living in a Best Buy).

After you run through the TV’s setup routine, you’ll want to choose the best picture mode for everyday viewing. Even if you don’t want to adjust anything else, selecting the right picture mode will go a long way in getting your TV to look its best. The CliffsNotes version? The TV will be its most accurate (in other words, most realistic) in its Movie or Cinema picture mode. It will appear brighter in its Sports or Vivid mode.

If you’re into finer adjustments, you can dive into other TV settings. The Backlight and Contrast controls usually adjust how bright the image appears, while Brightness controls how dark the dark parts of the image look. Turning down your TV’s Sharpness control actually improves its image. A similar simple fix is to adjust the TV’s overscan so you can see the entire image. Yep, your TV might be cropping off the edges!

If you want to dive even deeper, check out our articles on how to set up your TV by eye and by using a setup Blu-ray disc. And if you want to get every possible ounce of performance out of your higher-end TV, consider having it calibrated.

TVs are also susceptible to reflections so if you’re having an issue with light washing out the picture, check out how to rid your TV screen of reflections. Lastly, if you’re putting your TV on a stand, make sure you know how to keep your TV from falling over.

Your new TV probably has even more settings and adjustments we don’t cover here, but this should get you started. And if you’re looking for something to watch, check out CNET’s Streaming TV Insider.

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As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000 mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

Amazon Prime Day deals are always a good bet for finding an Apple bargain or two and this year’s event is no different. Whether it’s a new pair of earbuds or a tablet upgrade that you have in mind, there’s sure to be a deal for you.

Deals tend to come and go throughout the Prime Day period so be sure to keep your eyes right here if you don’t see the deal you’re hoping for just yet — we’ll be updating this post as things progress and we find all those juicy deals that you can’t afford to miss.

Apple AirPods deals

If you have an iPhone, iPad or MacBook — or even all three — AirPods are some of the best earbuds you can buy. Not only do they boast excellent audio quality and great features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode, but they’re also the most convenient Bluetooth earbuds out there for Apple users. All you have to do is put them in your ear and start using the device you want to connect them to. They connect quickly as well, almost like magic.

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen): $199 (save $50)
• Apple AirPods (3rd gen): $149 (save $20)

• Apple AirPods (2nd gen): $99 (save $30)
• Apple AirPods Max: $450 (save $99)

• Beats Fit Pro earbuds: $180 (save $20)
• Beats Solo3 wireless headphones: $135 (save $65)
• Beats Studio3 wireless headphones: $232 (save $181)
• Beats PowerBeats Pro: $180 (save $70)

Apple iPad deals

The iPad has grown up a lot in recent years and it’s now much more than just a screen you watch Netflix on. It’s a bonafide laptop replacement for many people, and now you can pick up an iPad Air, iPad Mini and standard iPad with a discount. The only thing you have to do is choose the one that best suits your needs.

• 2022 iPad Air 64GB (cellular): $649 (save $100)
• 2022 iPad Air 64GB (Wi-Fi): $499 (save $100)

• 2022 iPad 64GB (Wi-Fi): $399 (save $50)
• 2022 iPad 64GB (cellular): $549 (save $50)
• 2021 iPad 10.2-inch 64GB (Wi-Fi): $249 (save $80
• 2021 iPad Mini 64GB (Wi-Fi): $400 (save $99)
• 2021 iPad Mini 64GB (cellular): $550 (save $99)

• 2021 iPad 64GB (Wi-Fi): $270 (save $59)

Apple TV deals

Put simply, there aren’t any Apple TV deals to be had this Prime Day — at least, not yet. That could well change as things really get underway so we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled and ears to the ground for any sign that Apple’s set-top box is discounted. When we know, so will you.

Apple MacBook deals

If you’re looking for a new laptop for work or school, Prime Day has got a nice savings on the MacBook Air. This model has a solid discount of $249, and while it may be 2 years old, it’s still a fantastic laptop that should definitely not be ignored. Want something bigger? The 15-inch model is a great laptop and the 16-inch MacBook Pro is as big as these things get.

• 2020 MacBook Air 13-inch: $750 (save $249)
• 2023 MacBook Air 15-inch: $1,199 (save $100)
• 2022 M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch $1,099 (save $200)
• 2023 M2 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch: $1,799 (save $200)
• 2023 M2 Pro MacBook Pro 16-inch: $2,299 (save $200)

Apple Watch deals

For Prime Day, you can save a good chunk of change on the base model Apple Watch 8. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or looking to get your first wearable, the Apple Watch Series 8 is an excellent choice. Looking to spend a little less? The Apple Watch SE is for you.

• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS): $329 (save $70)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation): $219 (save $30)

Apple accessories deals

Apple accessories aren’t always the cheapest around, but they can be some of the best. Fans of Apple’s trackpads and keyboards should definitely take a look below, while the Apple Studio Display is worth considering with a $100 discount right now.

• Apple MagSafe Charger: $31 (save $8)
• Apple Studio Display: $1,799 (save $100)
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad: $115 (save $15)
• Apple Magic Trackpad: $115 (save $14)

If you’re in the market for a new big-screen TV this Amazon Prime Day, you’re in luck because there are two great options to choose from. All you really need to do is work out how big a TV your room can take and place that order with savings of up to $100 available if you’re quick about it.

You might want to consider getting the measuring tape out, too, because neither of these TVs is what anyone is likely to call small. Sure, the 55-inch monster might not be quite the behemoth that it would have seemed a few years ago but it’s far from diminutive. And the 65-inch option? Well, that’s just massive no matter which way you slice it.

Both TVs come with notable discounts via Best Buy — the 55-inch model can be had for just $230 (saving $90) while the 65-inch version now sells for $330 (saving you $100). (Versions of these models are also on sale at Walmart, Target and Amazon — all with slightly different retailer-specific model numbers. Amazon’s appears to be sold out right now.)

Thankfully, no matter which TV you choose, you’ll get all of the usual features you’d expect. That includes 4K UltraHD support as well as HDR thrown in for good measure. The built-in Roku TV support ensures you have quick access to all of the best streaming services including Netflix, YouTube, Paramount+, and the rest.

Both TVs come with four HDMI ports and support for ARC is included while a USB port is joined by an Ethernet connection — perfect for those who want to make sure they get the very best bitrates when watching their favorite shows.

Other features include built-in speakers and an optical audio output for connecting to your audio gear should you so wish, while composite video inputs handle legacy devices just fine.

With all of that said, all it really boils down to is which size you prefer. Both the 55-inch and 65-inch models are well-reviewed, too.

While the earlier version of this TV didn’t blow us away when we reviewed it in 2021, it’s more than good enough for dens, playrooms and other non-critical viewing environments. If you want to step up or down the line, plenty of other TCL TVs are currently on sale for Prime Day, too.

Prime Day doesn’t officially start until Tuesday, but deals on Amazon Fire TVs are happening now, with some of the lowest prices yet on smaller, cheaper models. If you just want to pay as little as possible for a new TV and like Amazon’s system, now is a great time to buy. But if you want a different smart TV system or are shopping for a larger midrange or high-end model, prices might be better — and you’ll have more choices — if you wait until later in the year.

Here are some of the best early deals.

As CNET’s resident TV expert, I’m often asked whether it’s worth getting a cheap TV on Prime Day. If you just want to save money on a smaller screen, the answer is yes. I haven’t reviewed any of the TVs above, for example, but based on my experience with similar models I think most shoppers will be happy with them simply because they’re so inexpensive. And prices like this probably won’t come around again until around Black Friday in the fall of this year.

That’s because TV prices follow a predictable pattern. In spring and summer, the new 2023 models are first introduced, and that’s when prices are at their highest. The first big opportunity of the year for price drops is often Prime Day, but it’s just a few days long and after it’s over TV prices will remain relatively high until late fall, when the Black Friday sales start. Those sales typically last longer and are spread out among more retailers and brands.

If you’re considering a new TV on Prime Day, here’s some trends to watch for, based on my years reviewing TVs and tracking sales. They’re not set in stone, but they can give you some guidelines going in.

Amazon Fire TVs predominate

Prime Day deals often feature Amazon’s own gadgets, from Echo speakers to Ring doorbells, and that group includes smart TVs that run Amazon’s own Fire TV system. Featured on brands including Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer and Hisense, Fire TV is also available on Amazon-branded TVs including the Fire TV Omni and 4-Series. Expect most of them to be available for steep discounts on Prime Day.

Prime Day TV sales often include non-Fire TV screens, too. Samsung, LG, Sony and TCL TVs get discounts, but they’re usually not as steep as those offered on Fire TVs. That’s because Amazon tends to favor its own products, especially those that cater to its own ecosystem. That said, many compatible TVs have Alexa voice built in, including most Samsung and LG TVs, and nearly all smart TVs run the Prime Video app.

And remember: If you don’t like the Amazon Fire TV system, you can always connect a Roku or Google Chromecast to a Fire TV and use that instead.

Expect lots of smaller, less expensive TVs

If you’re in the market for a high-performance models such as an OLED TV, or even a midpriced LCD with a few extra bells and whistles like next-gen console gaming support or full-array local dimming, don’t hold your breath. Those features are largely absent on Fire TV models, and the non-Fire TVs on sale during Prime Day are often relatively entry-level, too. Sure, you might see some exceptions, particularly on 2022 TVs to clear inventory, but smaller, cheaper TVs are the rule.

Check Best Buy, Walmart, Target and other retailers, too

Amazon’s competitors are holding sales as well, just to hitch a ride on the buzz. Many of them offer TV deals too, and since they don’t have a Fire TV axe to grind, they often feature a wider variety of brands, sizes and feature sets.

With Prime Day set to kick off tomorrow, TV shoppers looking for deals on screens will have plenty of options. Some deals are available now, in advance of the big day, but there should be even more springing up once Prime Day officially starts on Tuesday, July 11.

As CNET’s TV expert, over the years I’ve found that the Prime Day TV deals are not quite as good as those during Black Friday and the holiday season, but if you can’t wait that long, now is a great time to buy — especially if you want a cheap TV that uses Amazon’s Fire TV system.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered up some highlights worth checking out. We’ll keep updating this list as older deals expire and new ones drop, so check back for the latest offers.

Best early Prime Day deals on TVs

More early Prime Day deals on TVs:

• Amazon Fire TV Omni 43-inch: $100 (save $300, invite-only deal)
• TCL 4-Series Roku TV 55-inch: $230 (save $90)
• LG C2 OLED TV 65-inch: $1,497 (save $402)

With Prime Day officially kicking off on Tuesday, there’s a full-on frenzy of deals happening this week. And Amazon isn’t the only one offering some serious savings. Plenty of other brands and retailers like Target and Best Buy are getting in on the action with their own competing sales, as is LG. The electronics manufacturer is currently offering some incredible bargains on its advanced OLED TVs, which are some of our favorite models on the market right now. These deals are only available through July 16, and many models have already sold out, so be sure to get your order in soon if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

LG has long been one of our absolute favorite TV brands, and even claimed a spot on our list of the overall best TVs on the market in 2023. These cutting-edge displays certainly don’t come cheap, but these limited-time offers can help you snag one for hundreds off the usual price. And while many models have already sold out at LG, you can also find them available and on sale at other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

We named the LG OLED C2 the best high-end TV of 2023, but unfortunately, all the discounted models have already sold out. However, you can score some savings on the brand new C3 Series, which hit shelves just a few weeks ago. Our resident TV expert said that these advanced models “set the standard for high-end TV picture quality” thanks to their dazzling 4K OLED display, and boast excellent contrast and next-gen gaming features. Quite a few sizes have already sold out, but you can still save up to $250 on the 48-inch model, which drops it down to $1,250.

At the moment, all other next-gen OLED models are sold out, as well as quite a few previous-gen models. But if you’re a serious gamer, you can still save $499 on the mind-boggling 42-inch LG Flex. This OLED TV features a flexible screen with 20 different levels of curve so you can create the optimum angle for your gaming setup. Plus, it boasts an impressive 0.1ms response time so you’re not missing out on wins thanks to video lag. This deal drops the price down to $2,500.

There’s also the LG Objet Collection Posé. This OLED TV has a built-in stand and a nearly edgeless design that gives it a striking and modern look that blends in to your home’s decor. Of course, that doesn’t mean it skimps on hardware, and is still equipped with a stunning 4K display and a fifth-gen a9 AI processor that automatically optimizes the picture for whatever you’re watching. It’s $499 off right now, which drops the 42-inch mdoel down to $1,300 and the 48-inch model down to $1,500.

Google has quietly introduced a new share feature in Search Generative Experience, both in-app and on web, as reported earlier Monday by 9to5Google.

The feature works much like the share buttons found on Twitter, Reddit or a number of other websites, but is currently only available if you’re a part of Search Generative Experience, or SGE.

Google unveiled SGE at its Google I/O developer’s conference earlier this year. This experimental version of search integrates AI-generated results directly above the 10 blue links that populate when making a query. SGE does a lot of the heavy lifting for you, filtering information from multiple sites and synthesizing that information in an easy-to-read manner. SGE also displays links to sources on the right-hand side.

With increased competition from ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that can seemingly answer any question with a novel answer in seconds, it’s put pressure on Google to release a similar product. Google released Bard earlier this year, but it made errors and didn’t surprise people in the same way ChatGPT did. Granted, Bard has gotten better since its reveal. Microsoft’s Bing has also been running head-first into the AI race, partnering with OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, to integrate the chatbot’s tech directly into Bing results.

Considering that Google makes the lion’s share of its money from Search, it’s not too surprising that it’s has been quick to push out more experimental products to push back against competition.

How to use the new share function in Google Search

First, you need to sign up for SGE:

1. Open Chrome on your computer or open the Google App.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Open a new tab in your browser.
4. On the top-right, click the Labs icon (it looks like a beaker) if it’s available to you.
5. If Labs icon is there, click Join Waitlist.

Once you’ve signed up for SGE, here’s how to use the share function:

1. Type in your search to Google.
2. Once results appear, hover over a link.
3. A share icon should appear towards the left.
4. There will also be icons to save the link to your account or export it to Google Sheets.

On the Google App, you can swipe towards the left to reveal sharing options, according to 9to5Google. Unfortunately, CNET’s test unit doesn’t seem to have this enabled, meaning the update may still be rolling out to all users.

On mobile, it’s still possible to click on the three dots to the right-side of a link and tap share. Unfortunately, the export to Sheets function doesn’t seem to be enabled on mobile at the moment.

Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.