by Aaron Hunt

Created on: June 03, 2010

Troubleshooting home theater problems can be frustrating, especially when there are multiple video sources and what appears to be enough wire to power a small town involved.  While this guide cannot possibly cover every scenario, it is intended to provide a starting point for logically identifying the source of the problem.  It will start with the most basic or most probable causes for each scenario. 

Problem one:  No picture on the screen. 

Step one: The first and often over-looked step is to verify that the TV or display is turned on and that all items are plugged in and turned on as well.  Verify that the power strip is turned on if using a surge protector. 

Step Two:  Once all power is verified, scroll through the TV inputs.  The TV may have been on the wrong setting, or you may find only one component is not working. 

Step Three:  If none appear to be working or only one is not working, verify the connection between the components and the TV.  If using a receiver for video or HDMI switching, verify the receiver is on the correct setting. 

Step Four:  If all else fails, connect one component such as a DVD player directly to the TV or display.  If that does not work and the TV will not display DVD, video games, or Cable, the problem most likely lies with the TV or display. 

Step Five: If using a projector – verify the bulb is not burned out or has otherwise failed.  Most projectors have an indicator LED for this purpose.

Problem Two: No sound  

Step One:  Verify the amplifier/receiver is turned on.  Also verify the “mute” is not on.  It is very common for the mute feature to remain enabled when power is turned off.  Also – is the main volume set at zero?  DO NOT turn up the volume to max!  Doing so may damage components or speakers, not to mention one’s hearing.  Ten to twenty percent of maximum volume is more than enough. 

Step Two:  Verify the speaker settings are correct.  Many receivers have multiple speaker outputs.  It is common for children or pets to press that button or turn that dial and cut off all sound.  This is also very common after house cleaning has occurred.  IF the correct setting is unknown – try them all. 

Step Three – verify speaker connections and audio connections.  Have the speaker wires somehow become loose?  Check

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