That sounds more like presets for color/brightness /contrast etc. Should have nothing to do with frame interpolation.
I’ve been aware of the “soap opera effect” since long before HDTV, though I’ve never been able to pin down exactly what it is, except that it used to be associated with videotaped rather than filmed productions. And as far as I could tell it was some combination of stark lighting and the direct-to-video producing a sharper-looking than normal picture, and the same lack of attention to audio that produced high-contrast lighting also produced vaguely unnatural audio, like the sound of something recorded in an ordinary room instead of a sound-baffled studio.
I can sort of understand how in theory HDTV might provide hints of some of the same video characteristics, but I don’t find that at all. Watching movies or a well-produced program in HD simply looks like the high quality production that it is, with simply a highly detailed image with great color depth. I’m surprised to hear that the impression might be associated with frame rate.
LCD TVs generally have similar settings. “Vivid” is basically a gimmick IMHO. I use “standard” on my Sony LCD all the time. “Cinema” is supposed to create a warmer image with less of the blue naturally associated with CCFL or LED backlights and is supposed to mimick the color balance of a projector lamp, but I just find “standard” to be the most natural. Just use what looks best on your particular TV for the particular content you’re watching.
I couldn’t watch movies for about a month after I got my first HDTV because everyone’s acting suddenly looked terrible. I don’t think it was the Soap Opera effect, it was more that seeing things differently automatically made me hyper aware of the artifice involved. After some time, i adapted.
Did you also turn off frame interpolation?
They are; I have a Panasonic plasma as well. Mine has no “filmed on video” setting either, but my Dad’s Samsung LED does, and it’s the weirdest thing. Like watching an old 1962 episode of “Star Trek” and it looking like it was shot in 60 fps HD video, kind of weird.
Seriously, frame interpolation is exactly what causes the artificiality.
On 1080p, you’re not actually seeing anything clearer than you would during a decent 35mm projection. IOW, a film in the 80’s at the cinema was just as much HD as a 1080p TV in terms of spatial resolution.
An excellent thread - thanks everyone.
I must say when I read “the soap opera effect” the immediate thought was of the parody show Soap. Confusing because that was in soft focus but isn’t actually what people are talking about here. All good.
Anyway I bought a 42" Samsung LCD for my elderly mother a while ago. Despite messing around with the settings (some of which were alien to me - comb effect?) I have not been able to arrive at a natural picture. She is happy with the over-bright “dynamic” presence in her lounge so its just me that is irritated.
Having read the thread, I went and turned off all of the enhancements and it seems to have improved. But she insists on dynamic so…:smack:
Just found a site which recommends specific settings and might give those a try. Samsung TV Picture Settings and Calibration: For Samsung LED, LCD and Plasma TVs
If you can pick up a 1962 “Star Trek” episode, then yes, I’d definitely say something weird is going on. 
What model? You’ll likely want to adjust the settings manually. Or rather, dig up the recommended settings (CNET or avsforums.com will be a good resource) and use those. I found some for my Panny plasma that made dramatic improvements.
I went to the Science Museum of Minnesota when they had an exhibit of Star Wars costumes and props.
It nothing but cheesy crap. If you were 5 feet from someone wearing it and holding some of the props, you’d probably laugh.
I have those on my Sony. Plus a user setting. They are most handy to quickly lighten or darken the screen via one button on the remote. Some source material is too light or dark.