Basic Issues
Check some basic troubleshooting issues endemic to all sorts of TVs. This includes checking the cable connections in the back to make sure they're secure, replacing the batteries in the remote, using the remote only when it has an uninterrupted line of sight to the TV, toggling the Mute button if there is no sound and adjusting your antenna if the picture isn't coming in clearly.
Aspect Ratio
Adjust the aspect ratio on the television. Big screen TVs usually come in 16:9 aspect ratio, which is wider than the 4:3 ratio of older TVs. Similarly, many TV shows and movies are shot in 16:9 or wider, while older shows and films were shot in 4:3. Most big screen TVs let you adjust the ratio to fill your screen, but if you don't change it, it can result in images looking distorted or cut off. (Shows shot in 4:3 may also have black bars on either side, but that's normal.) Find the button on your remote that adjusts the ratio---it will probably be labeled "Wide," "Aspect" or "Screen Size"---and push it to cycle through your options. Stop when the screen image is the size you prefer.
Black Box
Check the closed captioning setting if there is a black box on your screen. The box holds words for the hard of hearing, allowing them to better enjoy their favorite shows. If you don't need it, you can make it disappear by accessing the closed captioning menu and toggling it to the "Off" position.
Timers
Many big screen TVs allow you to set specific times for the TV to turn on and off, as well as "sleep" settings that turn the TV off automatically after a set number of minutes. If your big screen TV shuts off unexpectedly, access the timer menu and make sure it hasn't been set inadvertently.
Lamp Replacement
Check the lamp to see if it's burned out. Some big screen TVs have lamps to light the screen. When they burn out, the picture goes dark. You can replace the lamp yourself very easily by accessing the hatch, removing the lamp as you would a light bulb, fitting a new one into place and closing the hatch again. An LED light on the front of the TV should alert you if the lamp is installed improperly or the hatch hasn't been closed.
Specific Issues
Individual big screen TVs may have troubleshooting steps unique to their brand. Consult your owner's manual for guidance on how specific issues can be corrected.
Tags: your screen, aspect ratio, closed captioning, hasn been, make sure, screen have