As Americans gather in living rooms across the country for the NFL postseason, an increasing number of football fans are turning to a simple yet effective television adjustment to elevate their viewing experience. The method, detailed in a recent piece titled “NFL Fans Swear By This One TV Trick for the Best Picture—Are You Doing It?” on the website Startup News FYI, involves switching off a common feature known as motion smoothing, or “the soap opera effect,” on modern high-definition and 4K televisions.
The article, which has sparked significant discussion among sports enthusiasts and home entertainment experts alike, spotlights a growing awareness about the limitations of default TV settings when it comes to high-speed sports broadcasts. Motion smoothing, designed to reduce motion blur and enhance clarity by inserting additional frames between the originals, has long drawn criticism for artificially manipulating the way content looks—most notably, turning cinematic productions into overly smooth, lifeless depictions. Now, NFL fans argue it’s doing a disservice to the game as well.
The backlash against motion smoothing is not new. Filmmakers including Christopher Nolan and Tom Cruise have previously campaigned to raise awareness about its impact on artistic intent. However, in the context of professional football, the issue takes on a different hue. As Startup News FYI notes, fans claim that disabling the feature results in a crisper, more natural picture quality, making it easier to follow swift plays, spot subtle on-field movements, and experience stadium broadcast visuals as they were intended.
Industry experts support the notion that default TV settings often prioritize showroom aesthetics—appealing brightness, contrast, and motion fluidity over broadcast authenticity. Most consumer televisions arrive with motion smoothing enabled, as manufacturers believe the exaggerated fluidity is more impressive in big-box retail displays. However, for live-action sports, where precision and realism are paramount, this can distort the viewing experience.
The grassroots momentum behind turning off motion smoothing has led to informal tutorials, social media guides, and even calls for manufacturers to simplify their settings menus. What was once a buried option in technical menu systems is now being foregrounded in discussions across fan forums and tech blogs. While some TVs have begun to introduce “Filmmaker Mode” or “Sports Mode” to better align with content-specific expectations, the lack of standardization continues to frustrate many viewers.
Startups and smart home integrators are also paying attention. With advances in AI-driven optimization services and smart calibration apps, there may soon be a more seamless way to tailor picture settings based on content type—without requiring users to navigate complex menus or possess expert-level knowledge.
For now, though, the advice remains simple: NFL fans seeking the best visual experience should delve into their TV settings and consider turning off motion smoothing. As the playoff season intensifies and millions tune in for high-stakes games, this small tweak could make a substantial difference.
With growing awareness and increasing pressure on manufacturers to adapt, what began as a grassroots viewing tip may soon evolve into a broader shift in how sports content is optimized and delivered to audiences across the country.
