Introduction:

Being faced with the above on screen message is never as bad as we might think. Here are some easy remedies to solve those tricky problems. There is no need for panic.

Some possibilities

• Is this caused by the Tv?
• Is this caused by the DVD, DStv Decoder or any other device?
• Is it a remote control problem?
• Have I accidentally damaged my expensive equipment?
• Do I have a problem with the connections to my Tv?

**Below I will go over each of these points, so you can easily get your picture back. In the past, by assisting clients on the phone, I had many an old lady exclaim: My Picture is Back! Just by following these steps:

• Is it possible that it could be my brand new Tv? Yes, modern televisions have become very sophisticated, especially the newer Smart Tv models. Remember your tv functions as a mini personal computer, accessing on line data, E-mail and you-tube. It is driven by software, connected via WiFi to your internet portal and regularly receive new software updates from their manufacturer.
• This usually is not a problem, but it is always possible that some sort of corruption took place. It is therefor a good practice to first thing, unplug the power socket at the wall, re-plug, and let the Tv reboot. This just makes sure the Tv software is a 100% functional.
• Remember your Tv is a receiver of signals, constantly asking you as the operator which devices signal should it show you?
• Now you can take the Tv remote control and look for the Source button (sometimes named Input) on it. If you press it , it will bring up a list on the screen of all the device sources that is plugged into your Tv,
• It is always a good idea to make a list on a small piece of paper of all your devices, and the corresponding input to the tv. Then stick it to the back of your remote control, for easy reference. It will be good to do this just after your equipment has been installed, so you can ask the technician for this info.
• Here is an example:

** I do love to cater for older & non-tech savvy people, so just skip over the steps that are more obvious to you.

Step 1. Is this caused by the Tv?

SOURCE SETTING ON TV	SOURCE DEVICE:
A.V.	SECURITY GATE CAMERA
HDMI. 1	DSTV / SATELLITE
HDMI. 2	DVD/CD PLAYER
HDMI. 3	SONY PLAYSTATION
HDMI. 4	CONNECT POINT FOR LAPTOP

As soon as you select the correct source setting on the Tv, the Tv will be connected to that device, and you should see it on screen.

Step 2. Is this caused by one of my devices?

• No picture yet? Then it is time to make sure that the particular device has power to it. There usually is a pilot light red blue or green indicating this.
• Just putting your hand on the device, and feeling warmth, indicating that it is on.
• If you are getting no joy, then we have to make sure that the device is not accidentally in “standby” mode. Dstv decoders have a red light in standby, and a green one when it is active.
• Mostly one of the above steps should solve a missing picture.
• Remember that the DStv decoder will not give you a “No Signal” indication on the tv screen. The problem is therefor a SOURCE one.
• Your Dstv decoder indicates a E48 error code when it is not receiving a signal from the satellite dish.
• The same steps will apply for another source like a DVD player etc.

STEP 3. Is my remote control the problem?

• A remote control can many times be a cause of frustration and it is vital that we treat them gently, because they are expensive. In many cases they are not easily available. Replacing it with a universal remote never works as well as the original.
• It is always possible for someone to for instance accidentally sit on their remote, and it then send a signal to the Tv or Decoder that you do not normally use. This action putting a screen on your Tv that you have never seen before and do not know how to get rid off.
• Best would be to switch the Tv off at the wall socket in such a case. This should restore the Tv to a normal screen that you can then navigate.
• The remote control will however very seldomly be the cause of a “NO-SIGNAL” condition.
• It always helps to keep remote controls out of reach of toddlers and parrots. They are attracted to the bright colors of the buttons, and can cause a lot of havoc for you to first resolve before you get a chance to relax in front of your Tv.

Step 4. Have I damaged my new Television?

• Do not get stressed out too easily. These devices have been designed to withstand a fair amount of abuse from kids and domestic cleaners. If your Tv has it’s pilot lights come on, or show: “No Signal” you are safe. We just need to get rid of a few gremlins!

Step 5. Connection the problem?

• The next thing is to investigate the connections between the devices and the Television set.
• With cleaning and dusting the Tv area, it is always possible that a connector could have been slightly pulled out of position.
• Each device has a specific type of cable connection to the television set. Satellite decoders and most video devices lately run on an HDMI connection cable.
• These cables have many internal strands and should be handled gently and never pulled out by the cable. Always gently wiggle them out holding on to the connector itself.
• It is also advisable to switch the power off of, preferably the TV and the device that you want to disconnect. It has a 5volt current supply running through it that could cause a short circuit with manipulation.
• Some times the connectors do not seat deep enough into position and a gentle forward nudge is required to get it to go a little deeper for good contact.
• If your Tv is on the correct source selection and still shows no picture. Then it is possible that: 1) The cable is damaged . 2) The output socket on the source Device ( DStv decoder) is damaged. 3) The input port on the Tv is damaged.
• First try a new HDMI cable, and check the result.
• If not that, try another port on the Tv.
• Get another device like a DVD player. Let it play as the new source. If it works, then we know that the output port on the DStv decoder is at fault. (Replacing the decoder will surely solve this fault).
• Just a little patience does it! We always have to remember that if we live in a high density lightning area, or where there is frequent load-shedding of the 230volt power source, we stand a greater chance of getting damage to these sensitive cables due to the power surges.
• TIP: It is always a good habit to rather unplug these devices during storms and as soon load-shedding starts. Better even to switch off your main switch at the distribution board ,wait until the neighbors lights come on and the surge has past, then switch your power back on.
• Some devices use an RCA cable. This is the one with the yellow/white/red connectors. These are Standard Definition (SD) connections. The yellow one is for the video, and the others are for left & right audio. Make sure they are connected color to color.

Step 6. Why No Audio to my Sound system?

** After all these steps you should have perfect picture and sound, – if not, you will have to call the “GHOST BUSTERS”

** With technology advancing so rapidly, things will soon get much easier when all these connections are replaced with Wireless Bluetooth types.