There is no video on the TV screen.
There are no graphics, closed captions or program guides appearing on the TV screen.
There are black bars to the right and left of the picture.
There are black bars above and below the picture.
My HD digital set-top box and my HDTV have been connected, but I cannot get any picture on the HD channels
I am tuned to a high-definition channel; however the picture is not displayed on the full screen.
I am getting a clear picture, but the colors are not correct.
Why is the aspect ratio of different programs inconsistent?
Why does the picture quality vary across different high-definition programming?
I have an HD DVR connected to the HDTV using the HDMI Connection. You use optical or coax to send digital audio from the HD Box to the surround sound receiver, Dolby Surround Sound is not operating properly.


There is no video on the TV screen.

1. Verify the TV is powered on and set to the appropriate input source for the DCT.
2. Verify the DCT is powered on and tuned to an authorized cable channel.
3. Verify the coaxial cable feed is firmly connected to the DTC and the wall jack.
4. The DVI output on the DCT may not yet be enabled. Use the component video (Y Pb Pr) output instead.
5. If the DCT video output id connected to a home theatre unit, verify the home theater unit is powered on and set to the appropriate input source.
6. Not all HDTVs can display every output format (1080i 720p, 480i, 480p) available on the DCT. Enter the User Settings menu and cycle through the available output formats until a picture displays on the TV.
7. Verify all video cable between the DCT and TV are firmly connected.

There are no graphics, closed captions or program guides appearing on the TV screen.

1. The DCT cannot generate graphics on all video outputs at all times. If the DCT is set to 1080i, 720p, or 480p output formats, graphics are only available on the high definition video outputs (DVI and component video). If the DCT is set to 480i, graphics are available on all video outputs.
2. If the DCT is connected to a standard definition TV, verify the DCT is configured to use the 480i output mode.
3. Verify closed captions on the DCT have been enabled in the User Settings menu.

There are black bars to the right and left of the picture.

1. If the HD Box is connected to a High Definition TV, it is possible the HD Wizard was not set up. Running the HD Wizard will make the proper adjustment for the screen to stretch or zoom.
2. Wide screen TVs display 4:3 programs in this format unless set to Stretch. Turn on the 4:3 OVERRIDE feature in the User Settings menu. This enables most wide screen TVs to stretch the video to fill the screen (see the TV manual for information about stretching 4:3 video).
3. Many HD programs are broadcast in pillar-box format with black bars to the left and right of the picture. These programs are broadcast in 16:9 HD formats event though the video is not 16:9. Use the # button on your remote to stretch the screen.

There are black bars above and below the picture.

1. All 4:3 HDTV's display HD programs in letterbox format (black bars above and below the picture) because of the shape of the display screen.
2. If the HD Box is connected to a High Definition TV, it is possible the HD Wizard was not set up. Running the HD Wizard will make the proper adjustment for the screen to stretch or zoom.
3. Turn on the 4:3 OVERRIDE feature in the User Settings menu. This enables most standard screen TVs to display a full screen picture when the HD Box is tuned to a 4:3 program.
4. Set the TV TYPE to 4:3 Pan-Scan. This enables the HD Box to remove the black bars above and below the picture when possible.
5. Some SD programs are broadcast in the letterbox format with black bars above and below the picture. Some wide screens TVs offer a zoom feature that may be able to remove the black bars (see the TV manual for information about zooming 4:3 video).

My HD digital set-top box and my HDTV have been connected, but I cannot get any picture on the HD channels

1. Make sure you have tuned to a HD channel in your area.
2. Ensure connections are correct.

I am tuned to a high-definition channel; however the picture is not displayed on the full screen.
Not all programs are in HD format and therefore programs will not always be full-screen. Not every show currently broadcast by a HD station is in HD format. Because you are getting a picture the HD channel, you can assume your equipment is functioning properly.

1. Check your HD monitor settings in the user manual.
2. If the HD Box is connected to a High Definition TV, it is possible the HD Wizard was not set up. Running the HD Wizard will make the proper adjustment for the screen to stretch or zoom.

I am getting a clear picture, but the colors are not correct.

1. Make sure your component video cables are connected correctly. (Y is connected to Y, Pb is connected to Pb and Pr is connected to Pr). Crossing these cables will mix up the picture colors.
2. Check to make sure connections are good, cables can become loose.
3. If the connections are correct, adjust the convergence and luminance on your television set until the picture looks normal.
4. Adjust the color, contrast, brightness and tint, if desired.

Why is the aspect ratio of different programs inconsistent?
The aspect ratio of the content is controlled by the service providers (HBO, ESPN etc). You can check on the provider websites to see which programming is in 16:9 HDTV. As time goes by, there will be more and more HD programming in 16:9 aspect ratios.


Why does the picture quality vary across different high-definition programming?
The picture quality of the high-definition programming is determined by the content provider. If you are receiving video on a high-definition channel, your HD service is functioning properly.


I have an HD DVR connected to the HDTV using the HDMI Connection. You use optical or coax to send digital audio from the HD Box to the surround sound receiver, Dolby Surround Sound is not operating properly.

1. Check to make sure Receiver is supporting Dolby Surround sound
2. Check the program guide to see if broadcasted in Dolby Surround Sound
3. May need to change audio settings in the HD Box
   • Use remote and press the Settings button twice
   • Scroll down to Audio:Digital Out
   • Press The right arrow (>) Scroll and Highlight Dolby Digital
   • Press to accept