Plasma TV Troubleshooting

The need for a flat screen TV was carved out of the fact that traditional CRT TV sets occupied a large space and consumed more power as well. LCD TVs and plasma TVs were the first ones to replace the CRT sets. Although very much similar in appearance, there is a difference in technologies used by both these sets.

Due to their visual appeal and a promise of an excellent viewing experience, plasma TVs have replaced many CRT sets in several households. Each brand of plasma TV comes with certain unique and specific features which are not found in other brands. This is the reason any problems with it should be done though designated service centers. However, here is a guide which can be tried at home before getting your television set serviced. If you are lucky, it could save you some trouble.

Troubleshooting a Plasma TV

Basic Check
Before you begin, you should run a basic check. This involves checking if batteries of the TV remote control are working or not, there is no obstruction in between the remote and television set to give it a clear path, cables of your plasma TV must be secured and the antenna should be adjusted in case it is causing static. Once all these are checked, you can move ahead with your troubleshooting process.

Problem: No Picture Message Appears on the Screen

• Check all connecting cables to the television set and ensure that these cables are fixed in correct slots.
• Turn on the video input source connected to your television.
• Select the correct input source for the television from the menu. For instance, if you have connected a DVD player to your television, then the same input source should be selected in your TV.
• Check if the OSD menu is being displayed or not. Also, try switching to a different channel or connect a different video input device and check if you can see the picture or not.

Problem: There is no Power on the Plasma TV

• If you notice that the power indicator is not illuminated, press the Power button on the TV set to turn it on.
• Check the power cord and secure both ends of the cord tight.
• Ensure that power is coming from the outlet by plugging in a different device.
• In case you are using a power strip, ensure that it is on and also check if other devices connected to the strip are working or not.

Problem: Poor Picture Quality on the Plasma TV

• Secure all cable connections and ensure that all component cables are connected to the right slots.
• If the cables are longer than 10 feet, then chances of poor picture quality increase. Try replacing the cable.
• Check all channels to know if the picture quality is poor there as well or not. If all channels are having the same problem, then there is a fault with the cable signal source or the antenna.
• Try connecting different video input sources like a DVD player and check if the problem still persists. In case it does, there may be problems with the TV settings which would require adjustments.
• After trying all these suggestions, the picture quality on your TV refuses to improve, get you plasma TV serviced.

Problem: Sound Issues With the Plasma TV

• In case you have connected a home theater system or detachable speakers to your plasma TV, check and secure all connections tight.
• Check sound setting on your television and ensure that TV speakers are on.
• Check if the poor quality of sound is a problem on all channels. If it is the case, then the fault lies with the cable source or antenna.
• Try plugging in a different video input source to the television set. If you notice that the problem still persists, then probably your plasma TV requires servicing.

Problem: Certain Movies Appear Distorted on the Plasma TV

• This problem occurs when the aspect ration on your plasma TV is not correct.
• Plasma TVs, by default, come with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Although all new movies and shows are shot in the same ratio, there is no problem while viewing them on the plasma screen.
• Old movies and shows were shot in 4:3 ratio and hence require you to adjust the aspect ratio on your plasma TV accordingly.
• Certain plasma TV sets provide the user with various options when it comes to aspect ratio from which you can choose the most suitable one, for a better viewing experience.

These guidelines for solving basic plasma TV that are generic, and there may be a different problem with your plasma TV depending upon your brand. Refer to the TV manual while troubleshooting and if the problem is not resolved, get your TV set service from an authorized place.