Troubleshooting an LG Plasma TV

Basics

When attempting to pinpoint a problem with an LG plasma TV, start with basic troubleshooting tips: things that may be wrong with any type of TV. For instance, if the batteries on the remote control are dead, they will need to be replaced for the remote to work. The remote also need an unblocked line of sight to the TV if it is to function properly. Cables in the back of the TV should be checked to make sure they're secure. Adjust the antenna if it's causing static and turn off or move any fluorescent lights or electronics that may be interfering with the signal.

Sleep Timer

Sleep timers let you turn the LG plasma TV on and off automatically (so the TV comes on when you arrive home, for example, or turns off in case you fall asleep). If it's turning on and off at odd intervals, you probably need to adjust it. Press the "Menu" button on the remote and go to "Time." Scroll down to the "Off Timer" and "On Timer" settings, then use the arrows to adjust the time to your liking. If you want to turn the function off, simply click on the "Off" setting.

Ratio Control

LG plasma TVs usually have a 16:9 aspect ratio, allowing you to watch widescreen movies and TV shows as they were meant to be seen. Older shows and movies were often shot in 4:3 ratio, which is closer to a square than a rectangle. (You'll see a set of black bars on either side of the image in these cases.) LG TVs let you cycle through different aspect ratios, stretching the image or zooming in on it to fit the contours of your screen. If it's set to the wrong ratio, your image may look distorted. Fix it by pressing the "Ratio" button on the remote. Keep pushing the button until the image is the size you want. A default "Set By Program" setting automatically adjusts the ratio to match the show being broadcast.

Sound Issues

If there's no sound coming from your LG plasma screen TV, you may simply have pressed the mute button, or there may be a problem with the wires connecting your speakers. In addition, many LG plasma TVs allow you to automatically turn off your TV speakers if you are using external speakers. If you aren't and the setting is turned on, you won't be able to get any sound. To shut off the feature, press the "Menu" button on the remote and scroll to the "Audio" setting. Then scroll to the "TV Speaker" setting and make sure it is set to the "on" position.

Can't Get a Channel

The channel-editing feature on LG plasma TVs allows you to program in specific channels you like and skip ones you don't. If a particular channel isn't coming in and you want to add it, press the "Menu" button and scroll to the "Set Up" setting. Then go to "Channel Edit" and hit the "Play" button. Scroll through the available channel options and hit "Enter" when you've picked the one you want.