Basic Troubleshooting

Before calling customer service to report a problem, take a few minutes to check the following items:

  • Make sure all connections are tight.
  • Make sure all appliances (the TV, Converter Box, VCR) are connected properly and tuned to the right channel, usually CH 3.
  • Make sure the equipment is getting power.
  • Make sure VCR is off or on TV mode.

    * If checking the items above does not correct the problem, proceed to the following items to address specific picture problems:

Snowy Picture | Scrambled Picture | Double Images | Lines in the Picture | Fuzzy Picture | No Picture, No Sound | Sound, No Picture | Picture, No Sound | Only Receiving Channels 2 Through 13 | Remote Control Not Working

Snowy Picture

  1. Tune to a channel currently showing a program.

  2. If a VCR is connected to the TV:

    • Shut off the VCR. If the problem clears up, the VCR is not properly "fine-tuned." Turn the VCR on and tune the VCR.
    • If a converter is connected, the VCR needs to be on Channel 3.
    • VCR may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • The '3/4' switch may be in the wrong position. Locate the switch on the back of the VCR and set it to '3'.

  3. If a converter is connected to your TV:

    • Make sure TV is on Channel 3.

Scrambled Picture

  1. Check the TV's horizontal and vertical hold.

  2. If a VCR is connected:

    • Make sure the VCR is on Channel 3.
    • VCR may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel e. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning Mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • The '3/4' switch may be in the wrong position. Locate the switch on the back Of the VCR and set it to '3'.

  3. If a converter is connected to your TV:

    • Be sure the TV is on Channel 3.
    • TV may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3.

Double Images

  1. Check all fittings and connection - they may be loose or poorly connected.
  2. Check the TV's fine-tuning.
  3. If an antenna is connected to the VHF terminals on the TV, disconnect it. If you Want the outside antenna connected, you should use an A/B switch instead.
  4. If your home is close to TV station's transmitting tower, the off-air signals may be too strong for your TV. The addition of a converter to the hookup may correct the problem.

  5. If a converter is connected:

    • Be sure the TV is on Channel 3.

Lines in the Picture

  1. Check the TV's horizontal and vertical hold.

  2. If there is a VCR connected:

    • Shut off the VCR. IF the problem clears up, the VCR is not properly "fine-tuned." Turn the VCR on and troubleshoot the VCR problems.

  3. If a converter is connected to your TV and VCR:

    • The VCR needs to be on Channel 3.
    • VCR may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • The '3/4' switch may be in the wrong position. Locate the switch on the back of the VCR and set it to '3'.
  4. Check the fine-tuning of your TV.

Fuzzy Picture

  1. Make sure the TV setting is set to 'cable' or 'CATV'.
  2. An electrical surge may have reset your "cable-ready" TV. Check the cable setting On your TV and make sure it is set to 'cable' or 'CATV'.

  3. If a VCR is connected:

    • The VCR needs to be on Channel 3.
    • TV may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • Determine if the converter is bad. Locate the cable wire coming in to the room and connect it directly to the back of the TV. If the picture is clear, your converter needs to be exchanged. Give us a call or stop by your local office with it and we'll switch out your equipment.
  4. Check the fine-tuning of your TV.

No Picture, No Sound

Some newer TVs provide a black (or blue) screen instead of all snow.

  1. Make sure you are tuned to a channel currently showing a program.

  2. If a VCR is connected to your TV:

    • Shut off the VCR. If the problem clears up, the VCR is not properly "fine-tuned." Turn the VCR on and troubleshoot the VCR's problem.
    • If a converter is connected, the VCR needs to be on Channel 3.
    • VCR may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • The <3/4> switch may be in the wrong position. Locate the switch on the back of the VCR and set it to <3>.

  3. If a converter is connected to your TV

    • Be sure the TV is on Channel 3.
    • Make sure the converter is connected to a "live" electrical outlet. If there is power, your converter needs to be exchanged. Give us a call or stop by with it and we'll switch out your equipment.
    • Make sure the TV is plugged into the power outlet on the back of the converter. If it is, try plugging the TV into a different "live" electrical outlet. If this corrects the problem, your converter needs to be exchanged.
    • If the converter has power but the channel number display is blank, your converter needs to be exchanged.
    • A power surge may have automatically reset the converter. Unplug your converter and then plug it back in. This should restore service.

Sound, No Picture

  1. Slowly adjust the brightness and/or contrast control the the television.
  2. The TV may need to be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.

  3. If a VCR is connected:

    • VCR may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.
    • The '3/4' switch may be in the wrong position. Locate the switch on the back of The VCR and set it to '3.'

Picture, No Sound

  1. Check the mute switch on all remote control units.
  2. Turn up the volume on the TV and converter.
  3. If using a universal remote, check all settings.

Only Receiving Channels 2 Through 13

  1. Make sure you change the TV settings to reflect an input of cable service.

    • An electrical surge may have reset your "cable-ready" TV. Check the cable setting on your TV and make sure it is set to 'cable' or 'CATV'

  2. If a converter is connected:

    • Make sure the TV is on Channel 3.
    • TV may not be "fine-tuned" to Channel 3. Locate and adjust the fine-tuning mechanism until the picture comes in clearly.

Remote Control Not Working

  1. Replace the batteries.
  2. Aim the remote control directly at the TV or converter when using it.
  3. Check the "cable" setting on your TV and make sure it is set to 'cable' or 'CATV'.