How to Degauss a TV

Most newer Television sets have a built-in degauss feature that works when the TV turns on or when you press the degauss button. A TV must be degaussed because of changes to its local magnetic field, which is why most degaussing methods involve magnets. Even a TV with a degauss feature may need degaussing if it passed near a strong permanent magnet. Several methods exist to degauss a TV if it doesn't have a degauss feature or its degauss function is not working.

Things You'll Need

• Degauss Coil or
• Computer monitor or TV with degaussing feature

Instructions

1. Set up a computer monitor or TV with a degauss feature close in front of your TV screen and activate the degauss feature. This works best with a similar size screen. You may need to do it several times for any effect.

2. Purchase a degauss coil online or at your local electronics store. Turn on the TV and the coil, with the coil in front of the TV. Move away from the screen slowly while moving the coil in circles to cover the entire screen. Turn the coil off once you reach 4 ft. distance from the screen.

3. Use the TVs built-in degaussing feature several times. Turn the TV and press the degauss button if necessary. Turn the TV off and let it cool down for at least 20 minutes. Turn it back on and repeat as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have to degauss the monitor a few times in front of the T.V.

• If you don't value the TV a strong permanent magnet waved in front of the television a few times may degauss it.

• Keep all magnetic recording devices such as hard drives, memory media, VHS and cassette tapes away from the degaussing coil.

References

• "Drexel University"; Degaussing (demagnetizing) a CRT; Samuel M. Goldwasser; 2007