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Check TV is ON: Look for power light
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Check correct input: Press Input/Source button
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Check cables: HDMI firmly connected both ends
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Power cycle:
- Turn TV off
- Unplug for 30 seconds
- Plug back in and turn on
- Check mute: Press mute button to toggle
- Check volume: Turn up with remote
- Check TV speakers: Settings → Audio → TV Speakers
- Check cable: Try different HDMI port
On Apple TV:
- Double-click TV button
- Swipe up on problem app
- Reopen app
- If still broken: Delete and reinstall app
On Roku:
- Press Home 5 times
- Press Up once
- Press Rewind 2 times
- Press Fast Forward 2 times
- Roku will restart
On Smart TV:
- Close app (varies by TV)
- Unplug TV for 30 seconds
- Try app again
- Update or reinstall if needed
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Check internet speed:
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Improve connection:
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Reduce quality:
- Check service: Not all content on all apps
- Search within app: Use app's search, not TV search
- Check subscription: Some content needs upgraded plan
- Try Jellyfin: For our personal library
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Replace batteries: Even if light works
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Check line of sight: Point at TV/device
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Re-pair remote:
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Use phone app: Download device app as backup
- Apple TV: Hold Menu + Volume Up
- Roku: Remove batteries, unplug Roku, wait 10 sec, plug in, insert batteries
Temporary solutions:
- Apple TV: Use iPhone Control Center
- Roku: Use Roku mobile app
- Smart TV: Physical buttons on TV
- Universal remote: Program with TV
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Go to TV Settings → Picture
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Adjust:
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Try preset modes: Standard, Movie, Vivid
- Brightness: Overall light level
- Contrast: Difference between light/dark
- Backlight: Screen brightness
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Press Aspect or Zoom on remote
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Cycle through options:
-
Check app settings too
- 16:9 (normal for HD)
- Original/Direct
- Fit to screen
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Settings → Picture → Advanced
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Look for:
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Adjust or turn off if too smooth
- Motion smoothing
- Sports mode
- Game mode
Not responding:
- Hold Menu + TV button until light flashes
- If no response: Unplug 10 seconds
- Settings → System → Restart
Apps missing:
- Check App Store updates
- Sign out and back into account
- Reset to factory if needed
Overheating message:
- Unplug immediately
- Let cool 10+ minutes
- Ensure ventilation around device
- Move away from other electronics
Remote eating batteries:
- Update Roku software
- Reduce remote volume
- Check for stuck buttons
Very slow:
- Clear app cache: Settings → Apps
- Limit background apps
- Factory reset if persistent
Won't connect to internet:
- Forget and re-add WiFi
- Try ethernet cable
- Update TV firmware
Apple TV:
- Settings → System → Reset
- Choose "Reset" (keeps apps)
- Or "Reset and Update" (clean start)
Roku:
- Settings → System → Advanced
- Factory Reset
- Will need to re-add all apps
Smart TV:
- Settings → Support → Self Diagnosis
- Reset or Initial Setup
- Varies by brand
Gather this info:
- TV model number
- What you were trying to watch
- Exact error message (photo helps)
- What you already tried
- When it last worked
- Regular updates: Keep apps and TV software current
- Power protection: Use surge protector
- Ventilation: Don't block TV vents
- Gentle cleaning: Dust regularly, no liquids on screen
- Cable management: Prevent damage to connections
"No Signal"
- Wrong input selected
- Cable disconnected
- Device turned off
"HDCP Error"
- Cable issue - try different one
- Compatibility problem
- Power cycle all devices
"Network Error"
- Internet down
- WiFi disconnected
- App server issues
"Playback Error"
- Subscription expired
- Regional restriction
- Server problem - try later
If TV completely broken:
- Watch on iPad/tablets
- Use phones with casting
- Laptop to TV with HDMI
- Radio/music for background
When to call Dad:
- Physical damage to TV
- All troubleshooting failed
- Need new equipment
- Subscription issues
- Multiple devices affected
Remember: You can't break anything by trying these fixes!