Why does black show as brown when computer connected to TV via HDMI

Question

I normally use my computer connected to a DVI monitor using the computer's HDMI out. I tried connecting it to my television and there's a brownish tint to everything (any black backgrounds show up as brown). White is still white. If I use the TV menu, all the colours on the menu show up fine. I have a dual-booting machine with Win7 and Ubuntu. The problem occurs with both OSs, and in fact from the moment the machine's switched on (initial boot, GRUB menu, BIOS settings). The TV has three HDMI ports and I've tried with all, no joy. If I use the TV's VGA port then the colours are fine. All drivers and BIOS up-to-date (from Dell's site). Any ideas?

Edit 1: It's worth mentioning that the effect is not subtle: the blacks are displayed as fairly rich browns, so I don't think this is down to a small colour mistuning somewhere.

Edit 2: It looks like it might be an issue with Samsung TVs. Here are some issues that sound related:

• http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-382597.html
• http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-369862.html
• http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-313039.html
• http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-394914.html

Details

• PC: zino HD 410
• Gfx: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450
• TV: Samsung LE32B450C4W

Answer 1

This may be the colour temperature setting on the television. Most televisions have a setting where they can tint the image to change the feel of the image. Colder, bluer colours enhance darker, more eerie films, whereas a warmer red or brown tint is better for happier more 'normal' television viewing.

Check the TV's menu for possible entries like Colour Temperature, Tint or Hue settings and have a play with those.