Technology

How to get your TV game-ready for the Super Bowl

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2024

How to get your TV game-ready for the Super Bowl

Get ready for the Super Bowl this Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on the Las Vegas strip.

You don’t want to settle for a mediocre TV experience.

So, it’s time to learn how to improve your current TV setup or upgrade to a new one before game day.

CHIEFS’ TRAVIS KELCE FOCUSED ON ONLY 1 RING HEADING INTO SUPER BOWL

Remote in hand in front of a flat screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5 ways to enhance your current TV setup

If you’re already content with your current TV and setup and just want to gear up for the game, below are the top five ways to enhance your viewing experience:

1) Check your connection

Services like Paramount+ offer the ability to stream the Super Bowl this year. You’ll want to make sure you don’t lose the game in two ways:

Make sure you’re using a wired connection to the internet if possible. That way, you’re not depending on a Wi-Fi signal, which may be impacted by how many people are over at your home for the game and using your Wi-FI for their devices or who else is streaming elsewhere in your home. On that note, make sure you’re maximizing bandwidth by making sure your kids or spouse isn’t streaming in higher resolutions while the game is on.

MORE: BEST WI-FI RANGE EXTENDERS

Paramount+ promotion (Paramount)

2) Backup connection

The game is the most popular thing to watch that Sunday, so if you’ve got spotty coverage and are concerned about drops in service, you should have a way to broadcast the game traditionally (aka “over the air”), so keep an antenna ready.

3) Adjust the sound

While the picture quality often steals the show when it comes to watching the Super Bowl, sound quality can enhance or diminish the experience. Most TVs these days have audio settings, which, if adjusted, can really enhance the game experience in your home. If you’re more interested in the commentary, then you can adjust the sound to boost the dialogue.

In most TVs, you can usually find the audio presets and adjustments under “Setting,” then “Audio” or “Sound.”

There, you can play around with the treble, bass and equalizer. Some of the presets, such as “movie,” enhance dialogue or “standard” to level out the commentary. Sometimes, it is worth checking to make sure the bass is at optimal levels, as having it too high can cause distortion. On the other hand, if you prefer to hear every impact of every play, you can turn on the bass ‘just so’ to add to the drama.

TV showing setting adjustments for sound (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: TOP 10 SOUNDBARS TO ENHANCE YOUR TV AUDIO EXPERIENCE

4) Brighten the picture

To make sure that friends behind those huddled in front of the TV can enjoy the game just as much, check the picture quality of your set.

For LEDs, if it seems too dark or dim, turn up the backlight control, which can increase the brightness behind the LCD screen.

For OLEDs, instead of just turning up the brightness, turn up the OLED light setting. Additionally, make sure you turn off the energy saver or auto-brightness control settings before game day, as it can impact screen brightness.

TV showing settings for the picture quality (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5) Keep the motion real

Some TVs come with smoothing or dejudder settings, sometimes referred to as the “Soap Opera effect.” It can be helpful to adjust this setting or turn it off or on, depending on your preference, before the game. On one hand, it could smooth out motions made on the field or create too much distraction by creating graphical trails from fast motions.

Auto Motion Plus Settings on a TV (Samsung)

Upgrade your current setup

If you were just waiting for an excuse to upgrade your TV setup for game day, delay no more. Here are five things to look for in a new TV.

1) Screen size and resolution: You want a TV that can display the game in high definition and has a large enough screen to enjoy the action from any angle. Look for TVs that have at least 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and a screen size of 55 inches or more. Some TVs also offer 8K resolution (7680 x 4320 pixels) for even more detail, but they are more expensive and not widely available.

2) Refresh rate and motion handling: You want a TV that can handle fast-moving scenes without blurring or stuttering. Look for TVs that have a high refresh rate (the number of times the screen updates per second) and a low input lag (the time it takes for the TV to respond to your commands). A refresh rate of 120 Hz or more and an input lag of 15 ms or less are ideal for gaming and sports. Some TVs also have features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) that can adjust the refresh rate and input lag dynamically according to the content.

3) HDR and color performance: You want a TV that can deliver vivid and realistic colors and contrast. Look for TVs that support high dynamic range (HDR) formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+. These formats can enhance the brightness, contrast, and color range of the image. Also, look for TVs that have a wide color gamut (the range of colors the TV can produce) and high color accuracy (how close the colors are to the original source).

4) Sound quality and features: You want a TV that can produce clear and immersive sound. Look for TVs that have a good sound system with multiple speakers and a subwoofer. Some TVs also have features like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X that can create a surround sound effect with overhead and directional audio. Alternatively, you can also connect your TV to a soundbar or a home theater system for a better audio experience.

5) Smart features and connectivity: You want a TV that can stream your favorite apps and services and connect to your other devices. Look for TVs that have a smart platform like Android TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, or webOS. These platforms can offer a variety of apps and services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Max, Disney+, YouTube and more.

Also, look for TVs that have multiple HDMI ports and USB ports to connect your gaming consoles, streaming devices, soundbars, and other peripherals. Some TVs also have features like voice control, AirPlay, Chromecast or Miracast that can let you control your TV or cast content from your smartphone or tablet.

Check out how to score a great deal on a TV before the Super Bowl.

Kurt’s key takeaways

There is really no bad way to enjoy the big game this year, but if you want to maximize your game viewing experience, there are many ways to enhance your current setup. And, of course, if you need an excuse to splurge, there are some top contenders that fit the bill. If you are splurging, do remember that the cost of these units doesn’t include the cost of installation. Some of these TVs need to be mounted for best viewing, which might incur additional costs.

Do you pay attention to all these details before game day, or do you just turn on the set and get lost in the game no matter what? What are your plans for this year’s Super Bowl game? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

9 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

10 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

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Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming.

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

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Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

APPLE NOW LETS YOU ADD YOUR PASSPORT TO YOUR PHONE’S WALLET

How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

NEW ANDROID ATTACK TRICKS YOU INTO GIVING DANGEROUS PERMISSIONS

Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

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The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

21 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.