Television FAQs

[Insignia-Admin]

These are the official Insignia FAQs. Keep in mind that some FAQs may apply to specific models.

If you cannot find a feature mentioned in the FAQs, make sure that feature is available in your product by checking the Product Specifications and User's Manual by clicking the Support / Downloads tab here.

If you would like to request a specific FAQ please leave us a comment in the Suggest an FAQ board.

1. How do I setup my TV?

2. I am programming my universal remote, what code is needed?

3. How do I hook up my external device (e.g., cable/satellite box, Blu-ray/DVD player, Game System, ...

4. How do I attach my stand?

5. I am receiving the error message “No Signal”.

6. How do I set up my channels or run an autochannel search?

7. I am missing channels or a single channel?

8. My picture is not filling the screen. I have black bars around my picture.

9. I have an image issue (e.g., stripe on the screen, blue lines/dots, red line, etc.).

10. I have poor picture quality.

11. Nothing happens when I push buttons on my remote.

12. My TV is not working at all (i.e., will not turn on using remote or button on TV, LED flashing).

13. The DVD player doesn’t work.

14. The DVD player won’t play some DVDs.

15. Can I get more information about this TV?

16. How do I turn on/off closed captioning?

17. I have no sound or my sound has static noise.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Have you tried using your Quick Setup Guide to help you through this process? If more help is needed, please follow the steps below.
• Connecting Devices

• Do you need help selecting the best connection?
  • To get the best digital audio and picture, use an HDMI connection.
  • Component is the 2nd best followed by S-Video and A/V cables (RCA Cables, Composite Cables).
• What type of cable are you using?
  • HDMI Cable

 - Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI jack on the back or side of your TV and to the HDMI Out jack on the HDMI  device.

• Component Video Cables are red, green and blue.  The audio cables are red and white.

 - Connect a component video cable to the COMPONENT jacks on the back of your TV and to the COMPONENT  Out jacks on the component device. 

• S-Video Cables are round with 4 pins in the middle. The audio cables are red and white. 

 - Connect an S-Video cable to the S-VIDEO jack on the back of your TV and to the S-Video Out jack on the S- Video device. 

 - Connect an audio cable to the L AUDIO and R AUDIO jacks on the back of your TV and to the Audio Out jacks on  the S-Video Device. 

• A/V Cables (RCA Cables, Composite Cables) have a yellow video cable, and red and white audio cables. 

 - Connect A/V cables to the AV IN jacks on the back or side of your TV and to the AV Out jacks on the A/V device. 

• Setting Up Channels: 
• Are you using a cable/satellite box, cable connected directly to the TV, or an antenna? 
  • If you are using a cable or satellite box you must use the remote that came with that box to change channels. 

 - Make sure you have the correct input selected to view channels via the cable or satellite box.  For example, if the  cable or satellite box is connected via component cables repeatedly press the INPUT button on your remote to  select Component to view your channels. 

• If you are using cable connected directly to the TV: 

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Cable.
5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

• If you are using an antenna:

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Antenna.
5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels in your viewing area and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Use the following table to obtain the correct remote code:
  • TIP: The brand name is often visible on the front of the universal remote control, and the model number is often visible on the back.
  • TIP: If your universal remote control isn’t listed in the chart, refer to your universal remote control’s instructions and try codes for the brands Orion, Emerson, Memorex, Sansui, Sylvania, or Zenith.

Insignia TV codes for universal remote controls (for all Insignia TVs manufactured after Jan. 1, 2007)
Universal remote control manufacturers and models
Philips PHDVD5, PH5DSS, PMDVR8, PDVR8	RCA RCU807	One for All URC-6690	Sony RM-VL600
115	135	0464	8043
Set-top box manufacturers and models
Comcast M1057	Dish Network VIP508, VIP622	Motorola DRC800	TIVO Series 3, HD	DirecTV RC23
0463	720	0463	0091	10463

• Codes for other universal remotes are available online at:
  • NS-LDVD19Q-10A: http://insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-LDVD19Q-10A.html
  • NS-LDVD26Q-10A: http://insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-LDVD26Q-10A.html
  • NS-LDVD32Q-10A: http://insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-LDVD32Q-10A.html
• Follow your universal remote control’s instructions to enter the code.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Have you tried using your Quick Setup Guide to help you through this process? If more help is needed, please follow the steps below.
  
  
• What type of cable are you using?
  
  
  • HDMI Cable

1. Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI jack on the back or side of your TV and to the HDMI Out jack on the HDMI device.
   
   
2. To play from an HDMI device:
   1. Turn on your TV, then repeatedly press INPUT to select the correct HDMI input.
   2. Turn on the HDMI device, then set it to the correct mode. See the documentation that came with the device for further instructions.

• Component Video Cables are red, green and blue.  The audio cables are red and white.

1. Connect a component video cable to the COMPONENT jacks on the back of your TV and to the COMPONENT Out jacks on the component device.
   
   
2. To play from a component video device:
   
   1. Turn on your TV, then repeatedly press INPUT to select the correct component input.
   2. Turn on the component device, then set it to the correct mode. See the documentation that came with the device for further instructions.

• S-Video Cables are round with 4 pins in the middle. The audio cables are red and white.

1. Connect an S-Video cable to the S-VIDEO jack on the back of your TV and to the S-Video Out jack on the S-Video device.
   
   
2. Connect an audio cable to the L AUDIO and R AUDIO jacks on the back of your TV and to the Audio Out jacks on the S-Video Device.
   
   
3. To play from a S-video device:
   
   1. Turn on your TV, then repeatedly press INPUT to select the correct S-video input.
   2. Turn on the S-video device, then set it to the correct mode. See the documentation that came with the device for further instructions.

• A/V Cables (RCA Cables, Composite Cables) have a yellow video cable, and red and white audio cables.

1. Connect A/V cables to the AV IN jacks on the back or side of your TV and to the AV Out jacks on the A/V device.
   
   
2. To play from a A/V device:
   
   1. Turn on your TV, then repeatedly press INPUT to select the correct A/V input.
   2. Turn on the A/V device, then set it to the correct mode. See the documentation that came with the device for further instructions.

[Insignia-Admin]

• To attach your stand:

1. Place a towel or cushion on a flat surface, then lay your TV/DVD combo face-down on the towel or cushion.
2. Slide the stand into the slot on the bottom of your TV/DVD combo.
3. Secure the stand with the eight provided screws.
4. Insert the stand cover. Make sure that the cover goes inside your TV/DVD combo.
5. Place your TV/DVD combo in an upright position on a flat surface.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Press INPUT and make sure have selected the correct input for the device or service you are trying to use.
• Are you using a cable/satellite box, cable connected directly to the TV, or an antenna?
  • If you are using a cable or satellite box you must use the remote that came with that box to change channels.
    • Make sure you have the correct input selected to view channels via the cable or satellite box.  For example, if the cable or satellite box is connected via component cables repeatedly press the INPUT button on your remote to select Component to view your channels.
  • If you are using cable connected directly to the TV, you need to scan for channels.
    • To scan for channels:

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Cable.
5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

• If you are using an antenna, you need to scan for channels.
  • To scan for channels:

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Antenna.

Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels in your viewing area and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Are you using a cable/satellite box, cable connected directly to the TV, or an antenna?

• If you are using a cable or satellite box you must use the remote that came with that box to change channels. 
• Make sure you have the correct input selected to view channels via the cable or satellite box.  For example, if the cable or satellite box is connected via component cables repeatedly press the INPUT button on your remote to select Component to view your channels. 
  • If you are using cable connected directly to the TV, you need to scan for channels.
  • To scan for channels:

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Cable.
5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

• If you are using an antenna, you need to scan for channels.
• To scan for channels:

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Antenna.
5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels in your viewing area and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Try entering the channel manually using the number keypad on your remote
• Make sure the channel is not hidden. Channels can be deleted from the channel list so that when you press channel up or down it will skip the hidden channels.

• To unhide a channel: 

1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Add/Skip Channels, then press ◄ or ►. The Add/Skip Channels menu opens.
4. Press ▲ ▼ ◄ or ► to highlight the channel you want to unhide, then press OK/ENTER. If the channel has a check mark next to it, the channel is in the channel list.
5. Press EXIT to close the menu.

1.  
   • Are you using a cable/satellite box, cable connected directly to the TV, or an antenna?

• If you are using a cable or satellite box you must use the remote that came with that box to change channels.

1. Make sure you have the correct input selected to view channels via the cable or satellite box.  For example, if the cable or satellite box is connected via component cables repeatedly press the INPUT button on your remote to select Component to view your channels.
2. Reception can vary by channel depending on the broadcast power level of a given station.  Contact your cable or satellite provider.

• If you are using cable connected directly to the TV:

1. Try scanning for channels:
   1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
   2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
   3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
   4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Cable.
   5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.
   6. Reception can vary by channel depending on the broadcast power level of a given station.  Contact your cable provider.

• If you are using an antenna:

1. Try scanning for channels:
   1. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
   2. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
   3. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Auto Channel Search, then press ◄ or ►. The Auto Search menu opens.
   4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Antenna.
   5. Press OK/ENTER to start scanning. Your TV/DVD combo scans for channels in your viewing area and stores the channel information in the channels list. When the scan is complete, your TV/DVD combo tunes to the first channel in the channel list.
   6. The signal strength of the channel may be low.

–         Check the signal strength of the digital channels:

1. Press CH ^ or CH v to select the channel you want and to view the selected channel strength.
2. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
3. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Channel Strength, then press ◄ or ►. The channel strength indicator appears.
5. Move the antenna around the room or close to a window. Check the signal strength of the digital channels again. The optimal location may vary by channel.
6. Press EXIT to close the menu.

• The UHF band (channels 14 and higher) is more directional than VHF (channels 2-13) and more sensitive to obstacles (such as trees, tall buildings, and mountains) that lie between your antenna and the broadcast tower. Getting good UHF reception can be more difficult than VHF. 
• If you're getting marginal reception of digital signals, both the picture and sound might freeze or break up to the point that it's not watchable. If you're really on the fringes—either too far from a tower or with too many obstacles in the way—you'll see a black screen that says "No signal." 
• Reception can vary by channel, depending on the location and broadcast power level of a given station.
• Make sure your antenna is connected securely to the TV.
• Use a basic indoor set-top antenna designed to pick up both VHF and UHF.

OR

Use a set-top antenna that has a built-in signal amplifier.

OR

Use an antenna mounted on your roof or in your attic

• For more information about antennas and the available channels in your area, visit www.antennaweb.org

[Insignia-Admin]

• This is due to the aspect ratio.  An increasing amount of digital TV and movies is presented in wide screen (16:9). 
• Different sources and TV stations may broadcast different aspect ratios. The aspect ratio may need to be changed as you change to a different source or TV station.
• To change the appearance of the screen, cycle through these five options by pressing the ZOOM button on the remote:
  
  
• Normal: Selects the aspect ratio that matches to source’s aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) 
• Zoom: Enlarges the picture. The top and bottom may be cropped. 
• Wide: Displays a full-screen image. 
• Cinema: Stretches the image at the edges while maintaining a clear image in the center of the screen.
• Panorama: The image is stretched to fill the screen.

[Insignia-Admin]

• Make sure your cables are connected correctly and securely to the jacks on the TV.
• The cables you are using may be bad, try a new set.
• If you are using an antenna, the signal strength of the channel may be low.
  • Check the signal strength of the digital channels:

1. Press CH ^ or CH v to select the channel you want and to view the selected channel strength.
2. Press TV MENU, then press ◄ or ► to highlight the Channel icon. The Channel menu appears.
3. Press ▼ to access the Channel menu.
4. Press ▲ or ▼ to highlight Channel Strength, then press ◄ or ►. The channel strength indicator appears.
5. Press ▲ or ▼ to select the channel you want and to view the selected channel strength.
6. Move the antenna around the room or close to a window. Check the signal strength of the digital channels again. The optimal location may vary by channel.
7. Press EXIT to close the menu.

• The UHF band (channels 14 and higher) is more directional than VHF (channels 2-13) and more sensitive to obstacles (such as trees, tall buildings, and mountains) that lie between your antenna and the broadcast tower. Getting good UHF reception can be more difficult than VHF.
• If you're getting marginal reception of digital signals, both the picture and sound might freeze or break up to the point that it's not watchable. If you're really on the fringes—either too far from a tower or with too many obstacles in the way—you'll see a black screen that says "No signal."
• Reception can vary by channel, depending on the location and broadcast power level of a given station.
• Make sure your antenna is connected securely to the TV.
• Use a basic indoor set-top antenna designed to pick up both VHF and UHF.

OR

Use a set-top antenna that has a built-in signal amplifier.

OR

Use an antenna mounted on your roof or in your attic

• For more information about antennas and the available channels in your area, visit www.antennaweb.org
• Other devices (e.g., surround sound receiver, external speakers, fans, etc) may be interfering with your TV.  Try turning one device off at a time to determine which device is causing the interference.
  • Once you have determined which device is causing interference, please move it further from the TV to eliminate the interference.