Chapter 5: Additional Information; Troubleshooting - RCA ATSC21 User Manual

Hdtv tuner

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with the HDTV Tuner, there are several possible solutions you should try before calling a service technician.

HDTV Tuner will not turn on

• Check to make sure it is plugged in.

• Check the wall receptacle (or extension cord) to make sure it is "live" by plugging in something else (like a lamp).

• Maybe batteries in remote control are "dead."

• Maybe remote control is not aimed at remote sensor.

• Make sure there is a clear path between the remote and the HDTV Tuner's remote sensor.

Blank screen

• The HDTV Tuner may be hooked incorrectly to the TV. Press the INFO button on the tuner's front panel to see if the info display

appears. If it does not, check the Connections & Setup section for instructions about connecting your HDTV Tuner.

Intermittent signal, or no signal at all

• Try another channel.

• Make sure the antenna is connected.

• If you're using a powered antenna, turn its power booster on. You may also want to rotate the antenna for a stronger signal, using

the LED indicator on the front of your tuner as a guide.

• Weather conditions might be affecting your reception. Wait several minutes for the conditions to change and check the signal

strength (see page 25 for more information).

• If you're consistently having reception problems with one or more local stations, you may want to try either using a larger antenna

or mounting the antenna higher than it is currently.

I can't access rating limits, or I've forgotten my password.

• If this is the first time you've used rating limits, try the default password ("0000").

• If you've forgotten your password, try resetting it. See Customizing or Changing Your Password on page 20 for instructions on how

to reset your password.

Problems with the remote control

• Maybe something is between the remote control and the remote sensor.

• Maybe the remote control is not in HDTV Tuner mode. Press the HD TUNER button so the remote will control the tuner.

• Maybe the batteries in the remote control are weak, dead or installed incorrectly. Try replacing batteries. (Note that when you replace

the batteries you may have to reprogram your remote to control other components.) IMPORTANT: Don't press any remote control

buttons while replacing the batteries unless you are resetting the remote! If you press a remote control button while replacing the

batteries, you may need to reprogram the remote to operate other components. Reprogramming may also be required if dead or

weak batteries have been allowed to remain in the remote.

• The remote may need to be reset. Remove batteries; press and hold the 1 button for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor

inside the remote control. Release number 1, replace the batteries, and (if necessary) reprogram the remote.

• If you are trying to operate a component other than the HDTV Tuner that you have programmed the remote to operate, make sure

you press the corresponding component button (DVD, VCR, etc.) first.

Poor sound quality, or no sound.

• Make sure audio connections are correct. See Chapter 2 for more information.

• Try another channel - sometimes broadcasters have problems with DTV audio encoding.

• Make sure your TV is not muted.

• Separately, try both analog and digital (coaxial, optical) audio connections, to see if either works.