Troubleshooting RCA Televisions

RCA has been making TVs for decades, and their lineup includes a number of different models. Older analog TVs may still be running fine, while newer projection and flat-screen TVs have their own specific instructions for running properly. A few common troubleshooting methods apply to all contemporary models of RCA televisions, however. If you're having problems with yours, follow these steps before calling a repairman.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh batteries Rubbing alcohol Paper towels

Instructions

1. Adjust the antenna. If it's not pointed in the optimum direction, you'll see snow or fuzziness, or perhaps a doubled image. Shift the tilt and angle on your antenna until it gets the best reception. For cable/satellite subscribers, the problem may be a pixelated image. If it persists, call your cable or satellite company to get it fixed.

2. Check your automatic turn-off feature, which you can access via the "Time" option on the Menu. It will show you the scheduled times for the set to turn on and off. Simply click the box with the check mark to prevent it from shutting off again. Alternately, there may have been a power surge in your house's electrical system. Some RCA models are built to automatically shut off during a surge to keep the rest of the TV from shorting out. Wait 30 seconds and turn the TV on again.

3. Check all the connecting cables---on both ends---and ensure that they are pushed in or tightened all the way. In order for an RCA TV to deliver a reliable signal, the connections to other components (DVD, DVR, VCR, sound system, etc.) must be firmly installed. Look for any looseness or wiggling, and if the cable jacks are dirty, remove the cables and apply a little rubbing alcohol to clean them.

4. Replace the batteries in the remote control: It needs fresh batteries to work. Alternatively, there may be a piece of furniture or similar obstacle blocking the signal between the remote and the TV. Try the remote from another vantage point and, if possible, move the object that's causing an obstruction.

5. Look for any fluorescent lights or electronic devices in the vicinity. They send out signals of their own, which can interfere with an RCA TV if they are close enough while they are running. Move them away from the set or turn them off to clear up the signal.

6. Access the Menu function on your RCA TV or remote control, then push the Parental Control button. Many RCA TVs come equipped with V-chips and parental-control functions, which prevent children from watching objectionable channels or shows. If you activate it inadvertently, it may cut off a channel you'd like to watch. The Parental Control button will give you a list of channels you have locked. Scroll down to the channel in question, then switch the "locked" icon to "unlocked."

7. Turn off the closed-captioning function. It might create a black or gray box on your RCA TV screen. (For programs with closed captioning, the box will be filled with words to let hearing-impaired viewers enjoy the program.) To get rid of the box, click on the Set-Up menu, then go to "Closed Captioning." From there, you can switch the option off.

Tips & Warnings

• Specific RCV televisions may have their own troubleshooting instructions. Consult your owners manual to see what they are.