How to optimise your TV for the ultimate sci-fi movie night

From gripping new science fiction to quirky gothic horrors, it’s never been a better time for fans of aliens, intergalactic adventures and cinematic visual effects to start binging one of many top tier TV shows now streaming. But to truly experience the world-building and often futuristic landscapes of these epic TV shows, your set-up at home needs to be perfectly fine-tuned.

Back in 70s and 80s, audiences discovered the terror of shadowy spaceship corridors in darkened cinemas. Today, with state-of-the-art TVs, it’s possible to recreate that same immersive, cinematic feel right from your living room.

Jeremy Demont, Director of Product for TV & AV at Samsung UK, shares his six expert tips for getting the most out of your Samsung OLED or QLED TV – so you can enjoy every detail of the latest sci-fi blockbusters and big-budget streaming shows.

1. Switch to Filmmaker Mode (or Movie Mode at minimum)

Filmmaker Mode disables heavy post-processing and preserves the director’s intended look. That means deep, rich blacks and razor-sharp shadow detail without the soap-opera effect – perfect for dark, atmospheric sci-fi storytelling.

2. Switch on AI Mode for Effortless Optimisation

Let your TV do the heavy lifting. AI Mode uses intelligent recognition to analyse what you’re watching and the room you’re in, then automatically fine-tunes the picture and sound for the best possible result. Whether it’s a hushed dialogue between astronauts or a spectacular alien world exploding into colour, you’ll get perfectly balanced visuals and audio.

3. Unlock the Power of AI Colour Booster

Our smart AI Colour Booster intelligently adjusts and enhances colour levels scene-by-scene. Sci-fi worlds often demand both subtle shadow work and bursts of dazzling alien colour – and this feature ensures every hue is vivid without overwhelming the darker moments.

4. Boost Clarity with AI Upscaling

Our AI can take your favourite shows and movies and upscale them to ultra-high resolution, even if they weren’t filmed that way.[1] With greater clarity, detail and depth, the on-screen worlds have never looked more real. Think sharper asteroid surfaces, clearer starfields, and more defined spacecraft interiors, all optimised to look their best no matter the size or lighting conditions of your room.

5. Perfect Your Picture with SmartThings Calibration

For the ultimate set-up, use the SmartThings app’s Smart Calibration feature to tailor your TV’s picture precisely to your environment.[2] The app automatically adjusts your TV’s colours, brightness and detail based on your room’s lighting conditions, ensuring every futuristic skyline or mysterious alien corridor looks cinematic and exactly as the show’s creators intended.

6. Add a Soundbar for Out-of-This-World Audio

For a truly holistic experience, pair your TV with a sound system. You’ll feel the full effects of explosive sound design – whether it’s the quiet hum of a spaceship engine or the thunderous arrival of an alien fleet. It’s the final step in creating an entertainment set-up at home that looks and sounds out of this world.

[1] Upscaling may not apply to PC connection and Game Mode.

[2] Requires Samsung Account, SmartThings app, Internet connection, and SmartThings enabled devices.