Here's one more reason to calibrate your video display: It'll cut the set's energy use by up to 50 percent, according to a study by THX.

THX evaluated more than 15 plasma and LCD sets comparing their "vivid" or "dynamic" modes--or as videophiles would say, their torch modes--with correctly calibrated settings. They found the latter reduced power consumption by 15 to 50 percent. That would shave $40 to $50 per year off your electric bill, based on four hours of viewing a day and an average residential electric rate of $0.1136 per kilowatt hour.

The greatest reduction in energy use was found in plasmas made before 2008. Note, too, that the savings calculated by THX applies to sets with federal Energy Star certification. If you want to watch THX's own movie mode, THX-certified displays are made by Panasonic, LG, and JVC.

See press release.