Find solution
How can I fix my old tube TV tuning?

No TV Party Tonight

  • My TV remote control has ceased functioning. In order to reset it, I tried the most logical solution: unplugging the TV and plugging it back in. Well, that made things worse. Now when I turn the TV on, I get a message stating that the TV is "updating the GuidePlus blah blah blah press 'cancel' to exit". Well, I can't, because there's no 'cancel' button on the TV itself and the remote doesn't work. Then the TV turns itself off. Turn it back on, same deal. And now the "input" button on the TV doesn't seem to respond, so I can't watch DVDs or play games on my Xbox360. So here's my question(s): Will replacing the remote fix these problems? I found one online, but they want more than a hundred bucks for the damn thing. I don't want to buy something that won't fix my problem, especially if it's a hundred-dollar something. Is there a way to reset the TV to the original factory setting without using the remote? I can't find any controls that would allow me to do so. Relevant info: Mitsubishi TV, remote control model #290P080-B10, no owner's manual. The TV is huge, ancient (it has a picture tube! How quaint!), and still has a great picture. It's so big that it will take more than two people to move it, so replacing it is an option that is very low on my list due to hassle and cost. Yes, I tried replacing the batteries in the remote control. I tried yelling. I tried begging. My next plan is to weep uncontrollably while propitiating the Gods of Television with animal sacrifices.

  • Answer:

    Universal remote!

BitterOldPunk at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

Yes, clean the battery contacts. You'll find that a universal remote is the EASY answer---you'll be surprised at how easy it is! And it may have many more workable functions than your old remote.

ragtimepiano

Thanks for the help, folks! I'm off to Sears CompUSA Circuit City Best Buy to go universal remote control shopping. And if that doesn't work, I'm sacrificing adorable innocent fluffy little kittens AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT METAFILTER

BitterOldPunk

*doh. preview fail. glad it's working.

defcom1

uh... I'm assuming the batteries are not dead? Point the remote at a digital camera / video camera with lcd, and look at it through the lcd. You will see the little light flashing at the end of the remote. If it's not, then yes, your remote is really dead.

defcom1

Problem solved with an $8 universal remote control. Hurrah! *returns to semi-vegetative state before flickering screen*

BitterOldPunk

I cleaned the battery contacts: no love. The TV is hooked up to cable, but there is no set-top box. The TV model number is CS-40509. Hopefully I can find a universal remote that works with this model. Thanks, again, folks! Maybe I should just stop watching TV. Yeah, like that'll happen.

BitterOldPunk

Seconding muddgirl; especially if your TV is older it isn't likely to have a built in TV guide function, which is what the error you see is talking about. If you unplugged it by flipping the switch on a power bar you probably also reset the cable/satellite box which is now trying to download the program information from somewhere.

odinsdream

I have an ancient (1996) MItsu tube, and I can attest that universal remotes work on them. Almost too well - "up volume" on my DVD player also ups the voume on the TV.

notsnot

I'd go with the universal remote. Oh, and in regards to the batteries, check your contacts. I've had remotes which stopped working. I replaced the batteries — no love. Turns out that the contacts had accumulated some small level of corrosion. It's not very likely, but it's quick to test and a relatively easy fix.

adipocere

Load more

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.