How to Repair Plasma Displays

Plasma TVs offer many advantages over older models, including wider screens with less bulk. Plasma sets work by encasing xenon and neon gases in between two glass sheets behind the image on the screen. A tiny electrical current then rushes through the gases, resulting in vivid onscreen images. Plasma TVs are usually reliable, but problems can occur, resulting in interference to sound and image quality.

• 1

  If you are getting fuzzy or unstable pictures on the screen, examine the cables that link your Plasma TV to any additional electrical devices, such as a game console or surround sound system. Make sure each wire is securely attached to the right portal at the back of your set. HDMI or composite cables are usually color-coded to the sockets on your TV to avoid errors. Make sure your cables don't have any dents or tears in them, as this can result in a substantially-weakened signal.

• 2

  Don't use very long cables when connecting your Plasma TV to any external devices. Cables that reach more than 10 meters in length can cause your Plasma set to display poor quality images, as the signal needs to travel a long way before producing an image. Position external devices closer to your Plasma set to improve reception quality.

• 3

  Check your Plasma TV user manual to see if it has a self-diagnostic feature. The diagnostic function can assess and cure most problems with sound or image quality. Press "Menu" on the remote and choose the "Self-diagnostics" from the list that appears. On some Plasma sets, the feature can be accessed by holding down a particular button on the remote. Your TV manual will give exact instructions on how to activate the feature.

• 4

  Get rid of dead pixels. Dead or fixed pixels are tiny areas of color that don't change with the images on the screen. Hold a damp cloth on the damaged area, after your set has been turned off. Turn the power back on, still holding the cloth securely in place for another 15 seconds. You can download pixel repair software from the web if problems persist.

• 5

  Press "Menu" on your Plasma remote if images are too dark or lack definition. Select "Picture Settings" when the options appear on screen. Adjust "Sharpness," "Brightness," "Color" and "Contrast" settings. These can all be adjusted using the "+" and " -" keys or the up- and down-arrow keys on your Plasma TV remote control.