Getting Better Television

Q/A – Is this true about video games connected to Televisions?

Here a good question I found in the comments section of a previous post. ‘Betty Boop’ asks us the question:

I keep hearing that video games, such as the x box, play station, wii, or even the old school Video games, can break a television or bring problems to it. is it because of the wiring to the television. I keep saying its not true unless maybe one pulls the cord wrong or is constantly inserting it too aggressive?

Answer: The only problem that can occur with video games on televisions is burn-in. However, this is by and large not much of an issue on newer TVs: DLP projection TVs are immune to burn-inLCD, LED, LCD projection, and LCoS projection TVs don’t burn in but they can (though not likely) suffer from image persistence which is similarCRT TVs can also burn in, but since about the late ’80s this is less likely to happen.CRT projection TVs are susceptible to burn-in, again later models are less likely to.Plasma TVs are the most likely to burn in, but newer models from Pioneer, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Samsung eliminate this risk. Older plasmas and new low-end plasmas are still susceptible.Burn-in is when an image that is displayed on the screen for a long time causes the phosphors to burn out, so a sort of outline of the image is visible after you’re done watching, or playing the game. It’s more likely to happen with video games than with general TV programs or movies because video games often have score counters, crosshairs, and the like that are displayed on the screen for a long time.Here are some steps to reduce the chance of burn-in:Do not run contrast and color higher than you need toIf there is a game mode on the TV, use itSet the game to play in the correct contrast ratio (full-screen or 4:3 for non-widescreen TVs)Pause the game every few minutes, but do NOT leave it paused for longer than a few minutesDo not leave game menus on the screen for longer than a few minutesIf you are going to stop playing for awhile, turn the TV offAs far as the connections, RCA connections (used for composite video, component video, and audio) should be good for dozens of connections/disconnections.

Tagged:TVs

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An Answer to the Question: My sylvania flat screen tv is not registering the cable box?

‘Ginger’ asks a great question so I thought I’d post it here with an answer – enjoy:

It was working yesterday and this morning when I tried to turn on the tv it was a blank screen. my dad hooked up the cable box and the surround sound so I don’t know anything about it. when i turn the cable box on i can hear the channels through to surround sound but then I turn the tv on and see nothing, I tried unplugging to tv from the cable box and plugging it back it, I also tried all the other outputs. please please please help.

Answer: It is most likely one of two things. Your cord from your cable box to your television is faulty or loose or your cable box needs to be replaced. If you used a RCA cord, make sure both video and audio cords are not loose. Your best bet is to call your Cable TV company. They may be able to talk you through your problem over the phone.

Tagged:TVs

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Answering the Question ‘What am I doing wrong? I have tried hooking my laptop up to two different televisions and still get nothing?’

Many of you like the questions and answers on this blog. I just found another one from ‘Holli’ who asks

I have tried a Philips and a Sanyo and still get nothing. I got the cord that some tech forum told me to get(VGA to Component) and got the separate audio cord as well. I plug it up, try to set the graphics properties although i’m not sure that I am doing it right…and still no picture. Please help me! I want to be able to see a big picture! Thanks in advance!

Answer: That will NEVER work.Those VGA-to-component cable adapters are meant for video cards that have a specially-built VGA port that can also send out a component signal. It will NOT work with just any VGA port.Your laptop’s VGA port is NOT one of those specially-built ones. Which is why that adapter that stupid know-nothing “tech” told you to buy won’t work, and never will.

Tagged:Monitors

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Question/Answer: How do I fix a television “struck” by lightning?

It’s Q&A time again. This one comes from ‘southern_stunna69′ who is asking…

I have a 27 inch older model SANYO tv and recently lightning struck nearby. It flickered then went out. Will not turn on or make any attempt to do anything. I am just wondering if there should be any attempt to fix it or what would need to be done. I’m going to buy another but if I can fix this then why not?

Answer: It sounds like an electrical component (resistor, capacitor, transistor) exceeded its maximum voltage and blew out.Replacing the component would take years of experience/knowledge in how TV electronics are layed out, not to mention special testing equipment.And if the TV is a CRT, the capacitors for turning on the tube can carry a very dangerous charge even when the TV is unplugged for a very long time. A CRT TV should never be opened except by a professional willing to risk his life.I’d say give it to an electrician on Craigslist.

Tagged:TVs

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My Answer To The Question – LCD TV takes 3 minutes to start after pressing on button?

It’s time for another question/answer. I know a lot of you like these so here we go. This one comes from who asks us: