A display mode can be selected by identifying a plurality of display modes supported by a media client, wherein the plurality of display modes comprise safe display modes; generating a user interface including a test image and a plurality of commands in accordance with a selected display mode of the plurality of display modes, wherein the user interface is output to a display device; receiving user input selecting one of the plurality of commands; and configuring an operating display mode of the media client in accordance with the received user input. Configuring an operating display mode further can comprise determining that the received user input confirms the selected display mode and configuring the media client to set the selected display mode as the operating display mode. Further, generating a user interface can comprise presenting a display timer indicating a time remaining until a display mode change.