Whenever I watch the local channels, 2-5 (ABC, CBS, NBC, and that other one) the display is kind of fuzzy. It is a relatively new TV, and I have basic cable. This disappears on the upstairs TV and when I watch other channels. Oddly, it works perfectly when I watch it through the VCR. Any ideas on how to fix it?
2007-12-03 12:14:53 · 3 answers · asked by Mt 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
TV-TECH is right.
At the input of a VCR is a splitter that sends half of the signal to the VCR tuner and the other half to the output port on the back of the VCR. There is a switch on the VCR (and/or remote) called TV/VCR. When in the TV position, the output of the VCR is the spectrum of TV channels (at reduced signal, because of the splitter). Then in the VCR position, the output of the VCR is either a tape that's being played or the VCR tuner if a tape isn't playing, and it's on channel 3 (you have to have your TV on channel 3 to watch it).
Try bypassing the VCR and see if the channels 2-5 look better. If not, it could just be that the VCR tuner is more sensitive than the TV tuner (it makes better pictures out of weak signals). Or, it could be that the input connection on the TV is dirty or corroded (check the center conductor on the cable going into the TV - it should be shiny and bright). This is the main cause of specifically channels 2 - 5 not coming in well, while the higher channels look great.
If bypassing the VCR does clear up channels 2-5, the splitter in the VCR is sucking all the signal away from the TV. And, you might have to use the VCR on another TV (where the signal strength is greater) or install a 10-dB booster amplifier where the cable comes into the house.
2007-12-03 12:37:27 · answer #1 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For 2-6 snowy could be any of a number of tiny things on one or more fittings throughout the cable system. Cable Fur ... That clear or white stuff that insulates the inner conductor from the outer shielding stuck to the "stinger", that pointy part that sticks out of a coax cable end. Corrosion on any one or more stingers. The spring loaded section of a splitter or barrel connector could be loose or corroded. Could be a single strand of the outer shielding (either wire or foil) just barely touching the stinger of one fitting (if it touching completely all channels would be snowy or completely gone.
2007-12-03 16:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by don_sv_az 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn OFF your VCR.....
Or disconnect it....
The antenna switch in your VCR is sucking the signal down and your TV is not getting ALL the signal it's supposed to.
2007-12-03 12:26:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋