My TV set cuts off the edges of the image - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Moskie · 04-18-2005, 08:55 PM

I've got a TV that's maybe 10 years old. It's a 27 inch (I think) Zenith. As long as I've had it, I've noticed that the edge of the image is cut off by the case, if that makes sense. I'm probably missing 1/2 to 1 full inch of screen all the way around. For most TV shows, this isn't really an issue, but for video games and sporting events (where useful information might be displayed against an edge), it can be quite annoying, as there might some info that I can't see.

I assumed that I was SOL in terms of fixes to this problem, as there doesn't seem to be any useful settings within the menu/options of the TV itself that would help... but I got wind that there might be something I can adjust, perhaps inside the case on the CRT, that would alter the size of the image displayed. Something along the lines of making the image smaller, so that nothing would be cut off by the case.

Does anyone know if that is actually true? Is adjusting a CRT like that usually possible? Any info to lead in the right direction would be much appreciated.

docbungle · 04-19-2005, 12:04 AM

With a tv that old, I'd really doubt it.

cyrnel · 04-19-2005, 12:22 AM

That's overscan, and is how all older sets were designed. Edge and corner accuracy was inconsistent until mid/late 80's so this let them hide the distortion. Lower end sets used it longer. If it's only 10yrs old you can probably adjust it. Try every menu, every knob, every button. You may see openings in back to small slotted POTs. If you try those, use an insulated screwdriver and don't touch the metal, and don't turn much without checking the screen or you may find the picture has become My Favorite Martian 24/7.

/late-night, caution-to-the-wind response.

flat5 · 04-21-2005, 06:22 AM

You might call a Zenith TV service shop. Tell them the model number of the set and ask them to check up on if the overscan can be adjusted. Ask them to call back if it can and you'll have them do it.

sashime76 · 04-21-2005, 09:27 AM

Sony TVs (CRT) typically have two adjustment controls, one for picture size and one for raster. I'm not sure if your Zenith has the same thing but probably something similar. I don't recommend doing it yourself (shock hazard) but you can make adjustments if the TV does have these two control on the circuit board. I worked on TV assembly line for almost a year ages ago.

Moskie · 04-21-2005, 06:12 PM

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll look into calling a Zenith-certified repair place (or something) to see if it can even be done. But I'm not so sure I'd be interested in hauling the thing to them to have it done, and then have to pay for it... well, I'll see if I can get an estimate on the price. Anyone have a guess as to how much it would cost to have done?

flat5 · 04-25-2005, 10:40 AM

shop labor charge for one hour, I guess.

04-18-2005, 08:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	My TV set cuts off the edges of the image I've got a TV that's maybe 10 years old. It's a 27 inch (I think) Zenith. As long as I've had it, I've noticed that the edge of the image is cut off by the case, if that makes sense. I'm probably missing 1/2 to 1 full inch of screen all the way around. For most TV shows, this isn't really an issue, but for video games and sporting events (where useful information might be displayed against an edge), it can be quite annoying, as there might some info that I can't see. I assumed that I was SOL in terms of fixes to this problem, as there doesn't seem to be any useful settings within the menu/options of the TV itself that would help... but I got wind that there might be something I can adjust, perhaps inside the case on the CRT, that would alter the size of the image displayed. Something along the lines of making the image smaller, so that nothing would be cut off by the case. Does anyone know if that is actually true? Is adjusting a CRT like that usually possible? Any info to lead in the right direction would be much appreciated. __________________ Greetings and salutations.

04-19-2005, 12:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
docbungle It's all downhill from here Location: Denver	With a tv that old, I'd really doubt it. __________________ Bad Luck City

04-19-2005, 12:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	That's overscan, and is how all older sets were designed. Edge and corner accuracy was inconsistent until mid/late 80's so this let them hide the distortion. Lower end sets used it longer. If it's only 10yrs old you can probably adjust it. Try every menu, every knob, every button. You may see openings in back to small slotted POTs. If you try those, use an insulated screwdriver and don't touch the metal, and don't turn much without checking the screen or you may find the picture has become My Favorite Martian 24/7. /late-night, caution-to-the-wind response. __________________ There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195

04-21-2005, 06:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	Thanks for the info, guys. I'll look into calling a Zenith-certified repair place (or something) to see if it can even be done. But I'm not so sure I'd be interested in hauling the thing to them to have it done, and then have to pay for it... well, I'll see if I can get an estimate on the price. Anyone have a guess as to how much it would cost to have done? __________________ Greetings and salutations.

04-21-2005, 06:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
flat5 Very Insignificant Pawn Location: Amsterdam, NL	You might call a Zenith TV service shop. Tell them the model number of the set and ask them to check up on if the overscan can be adjusted. Ask them to call back if it can and you'll have them do it.

04-21-2005, 09:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
sashime76 Addict Location: Hoosier State	Sony TVs (CRT) typically have two adjustment controls, one for picture size and one for raster. I'm not sure if your Zenith has the same thing but probably something similar. I don't recommend doing it yourself (shock hazard) but you can make adjustments if the TV does have these two control on the circuit board. I worked on TV assembly line for almost a year ages ago.

04-25-2005, 10:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
flat5 Very Insignificant Pawn Location: Amsterdam, NL	shop labor charge for one hour, I guess.