Ask S&V

Q Is there any benefit to using a bias light behind a flat-panel HDTV? —Mike Hassold

A Yes, there is—the benefits of bias lighting are the same for flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs as they were for CRT TVs. Bias lighting is actually more of an issue for LCD models since these are capable of higher brightness than other display technologies. Watching movies in a dark room heightens picture contrast and can make colors appear richer. It also eliminates onscreen reflections from lamps and other sources of illumination. The downside? Eyestrain and viewing fatigue during extended movie viewing or gaming sessions.

Placing a bias light behind the TV helps to reduce the eyestrain that’s a side effect of dark or dim-room viewing. But you can’t use just any old lamp; it needs to have the same 6500K color temperature spec as a a properly calibrated video display.

If your flat-panel TV is installed on a stand, adding a bias light won’t be a problem. But wall-mounted flat-panel sets are a different story. Fortunately, you can purchase a bias light with a 6500K color temperature spec that’s thin enough to be installed even behind wall-mounted flat-panel TVs. The Ideal-lume Panelight ($95) was designed specifically for this purpose. The same company also sells the Ideal-lume Standard ($65) for non-wall-mounted LCD and plasma TVs.

If you really want to go crazy, follow the company’s recommendations and maximize the benefits of your bias light by also painting the back wall of your room a neutral gray tone. But for most people, simply sticking a light behind the screen will go a long way toward improving their home movie-viewing experience.