Troubleshooting Guide

What’s Your Issue?

Locate your issue below and follow the simple steps indicated to fix it.

  1. There is no picture/sound on the TV set.
  2. The images on all channels are fuzzy or the picture screen is snowy but visible and there is a "hissing" sound.
  3. You are not receiving all available channels.
  4. The TV picture shows a double or multiple image of faint "ghosts" of off-air channels.
  5. A herringbone pattern, faint lines, or a "hum" bar distorts the picture.
  6. A black border frames the top or bottom of the screen.
  7. There is no sound or the volume is too low.
  8. The audio has a distinct buzz or hum when the volume is adjusted with the remote control unit.
  9. The television has no place to connect the coaxial cable.
  10. I don't have an owner's manual for my television.

Find a Solution

1. There is no picture/sound on the TV set.

Possible problems:

  • The TV set may be unplugged.
  • A fuse or circuit breaker may be blown or switched off.
  • The television may be connected to an inactive wall plate.
  • The input may be set to LINE.Wall Plate Diagram

Solutions:

  • Make sure the TV is plugged in and the wall switch is on.
  • Check the fuse or circuit breaker. Test the outlet with a lamp.
  • Make sure the TV is connected to the RUNet wall plate.
  • Use the Channel select or Input select to switch the source.

2. The images on all channels are fuzzy or the picture screen is snowy but visible and there is a "hissing" sound.

Possible problems:

  • An external device (VDR,VCR DVD-R) may have a loose fitting.
  • If your TV is connected to the RF Out of an external device, your TV may be set to the wrong channel.
  • There may be a loose fitting in the house drop.
  • Your VCR or DVR may be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.

Solutions:

  • Hand-tighten all fittings.
  • Tune the TV set to channel 3 (or 2 or 4 as appropriate).
  • Bypass the external device. Connect the cable directly to the TV set.

3. You are not receiving all available channels.

Possible problems:

  • Your television is not tuned properly or completely.
  • Your television may not have a digital tuner.
  • Your Analog television may be set to Antenna instead of Cable.

Solutions:

  • For more detailed information about tuning, visit our Connection Guide.
  • An older, analog television will not receive channels about 74. Switch the source to CABLE and use the menus to run auto program.

 

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4. The TV picture shows a double or multiple image of faint "ghosts" of off-air channels.

Possible problems:

  • Ghosting is caused by an ingress of off-air signals into the TV through the cable system, or the TV's antenna.
  • An F-connector may be loose.
  • The cable plant may have a "leak" in the area.

Solutions:

  • Check and hand tighten the cable fittings to the TV set and VCR.
  • If the problem continues, call 732-932-RUTV.

5. A herringbone pattern, faint lines, or a "hum" bar distorts the picture.

Possible problems:

  • The fine-tuning may need adjustment.
  • An "F" connector may be loose.
  • The cable plant may be out of adjustment in the area.

Solutions:

  • Adjust the fine-tuning on the TV set, VCR, or DVR.
  • Check and hand tighten the cable fittings.
  • Be patient. A service call may be required to repair the problem.

6. A black border frames the top or bottom of the screen.

Possible problems:

  • The program is being shown in "letterbox" format.

Solutions:

  • No adjustment is required.

 

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7. There is no sound or the volume is too low.

Possible problems:

  • The volume may be turned down or muted.
  • An earphone may be in the earphone jack.
  • There could be a problem with the network feed.

Solutions:

  • Turn the volume up on the TV set.
  • Turn off the the "mute" function via the remote control or on your television.
  • Remove the earphone from the jack.
  • Call 732-932-RUTV to report the problem.

8. The audio has a distinct buzz or hum.

Possible problems:

  • The TV set's volume is adjusted to the top of its range.
  • A system problem may be affecting your building or area.

Solutions:

  • Reduce the volume on the TV set to low- to mid-range.
  • Try plugging the television into another outlet.

9. The television has no place to connect the coaxial cable.

Possible problems:

  • The television is a monitor.

Solutions:

  • The cable must be connected to a device with an RF Modulator. DVR, VCR, or DVD Recorders typically include a tuner. Inexpensive RF Modulators are also available at electronics retailers.
  • You can also use the audio and video connections of an external device to provide a signal to the monitor. (Consult owner's manual.)

 

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10. I don't have an owner's manual for my television

Solutions:

  • Try searching on the manufactuter's website for a PDF that you can download.
  • For older televisions use the brand name and model number as search terms and use an internet search engine.
  • Try finding someone in your building with the same TV. They may have a manual you can borrow.