Why Does My Panasonic TV Turn On but the Screen is Black with Sound? - Troubleshooting Guide

When your Panasonic TV turns on and the screen is black with sound, this can be a distressing issue. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot the problem, so you can get your TV working again. We will explore common causes and offer step-by-step solutions.

Understanding the Issue

If you closely examine the screen, you might be able to see a faint image by moving around to catch the light just right. In some cases, using a flashlight can also help. This faint image suggests that the backlighting has failed, which is a common cause of this issue.

Backlighting on Different Models

On older "LCD" TVs, the backlighting was a series of fluorescent tubes behind the display panel. In modern "LED TVs" or "LED/LCD TVs", the backlight is typically arranged around the edges or, in more expensive models, a grid of LEDs behind the display panel. Regardless of the model, these components play a crucial role in displaying the images on your TV. A malfunction in the backlighting system can result in a dead screen.

The Need for Service

Since the backlighting issue likely requires professional attention, it's important to seek service. Unfortunately, as it is with most consumer electronics, it often isn't economical to repair major components like backlighting. Nevertheless, it's worth contacting Panasonic technical support to have a professional assessment and possibly get a quote for repair or replacement.

Further Troubleshooting Steps

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Connection with Roku

First, ensure that your TV is properly connected to your Roku device. Press a button on the Roku remote to see if the Roku home screen appears. If the home screen appears, the TV is likely functioning. However, if your TV is turning on by itself without any button press, you should disable HDMI-CEC (HDMI Consumer Electronics Control) on both the TV and the Roku.

2. Disable HDMI-CEC

HDMI-CEC is a feature that allows devices to communicate with each other over an HDMI connection. If this feature is enabled, it can sometimes cause issues with your TV turning on by itself. To disable HDMI-CEC, follow these steps:

t ttAccess the settings menu on your TV. ttNavigate to the HDMI-CEC or System Control menu. ttTurn off the HDMI-CEC option. ttSave the settings and test to see if the issue is resolved. t t

If disabling HDMI-CEC resolves the issue, you can enable it again after addressing the backlighting problem. If not, contact Panasonic technical support for further assistance.

Additional Tips

Keep the following tips in mind during troubleshooting:

t ttKnow your model number and serial number for reference when contacting technical support. ttEnsure that your TV is properly powered and that there are no loose or damaged cables. ttVerify that the power settings on your TV are set to the appropriate mode (e.g., on, standby, or power-saving). t t

By following these steps, you can often resolve minor issues on your Panasonic TV, including screen black-out problems. However, if the backlighting issue persists, it's best to reach out to professional support.