General Troubleshooting
When attempting to identify a problem with your Philips plasma TV, perform basic troubleshooting steps endemic to every kind of TV before trying anything more specific. Check the power supply to make sure the TV is plugged in. Replace the batteries in the remote control with new ones, or change your position to give the remote a direct line to the set itself. Change the position of the antenna if the picture isn't clear, or contact your cable/satellite provider to tell them you're having problems. Check the connections on all of your cables to make sure they're secure: It sometimes helps to unplug them and then plug them back in to see if they'll work.
Can't Get a Show
An inability to receive a specific show probably means that the Philips parental controls are in effect. To correct the problem, press the "Menu" button on the remote, then select the menu labeled "Channels." Scroll over to the "Ratings Lock" section, then push the right-hand cursor to enter the list. Type in your pass code, then press "OK" to activate or deactivate the parental-control settings.
Can't Get a Channel
An inability to receive a specific channel likely means it hasn't been programmed into your Philips plasma TV. Press the "Menu" button, then select the "Channels" menu. Scroll down to the "Preferred Channels" setting, then push the right-hand cursor to enter the list of stored channel numbers. Pick the channel you want to receive and hit the "OK" button. It should now be added to the TV's memory.
Can't Change Channels
Philips plasma TVs have a channel lock option, which lets you set one specific channel and change stations using a cable box or VCR. To unlock it, Press the "Menu" button and access the "Channels" menu. Then select "Channel Lock" and click on the channel that is currently locked. Select it and press "OK" to unlock it.
Picture Distorted or Cut Off
Different TV shows are broadcast in different aspect ratios. If a show looks distorted or part of it is cut off, the Philips plasma TV is set to the wrong ratio. Press the "Format" button on the remote to access the available format choices, then select the one that provides the best picture for the show you're currently watching.
Instructions in a Foreign Language
If the onscreen instructions are in a language you don't understand, the Philips plasma TV has been set to the wrong one. Correct it by exiting whatever menu you're currently in, pressing the "Menu" button on the remote, scrolling down to the third item listed and pressing the right-hand cursor key to reach the language settings. You can then scroll up or down to reach the language you want and activate it by pressing the "OK" button.
Tags: Menu button, button remote, Philips plasma, right-hand cursor, Channels menu