Blank Programme Guide

[anneed]

Has anyone else been having problems with the electronic programme guide on their TV?

I've got a Panasonic which is working perfectly apart from the EPG which has been virtually blank for the last few weeks. It's linked to a Panasonic DVD recorder and the guide on that seems to be working fine. The EPG on my ancient but reliable digibox and video combi telly upstairs is also OK so I don't think it's the signal.

I emailed Panasonic who say they are 'aware of the situation' and asked me to send details about where I live and what software the TV is using. I'm awaiting their response.

[david63]

There was a major upgrade to Freeview channels about three weeks ago and they all needed retuning

[Stephen]

I have Panasonic as well and all is fine.

As David said try retuning. You can do this either automatically, when you first switch your unit on it gives you the option saying 'there are new channels, update or exit', or you can do it manually where you need to go into settings to do this.

Unfortunately if you already have programs all set up for recording you will lose these when you update. Any programs already recorded and on your Panasonic recorder hard drive (if you have one) will be fine.

[anneed]

I've tried all that. Both retuning normally and going back to shipping condition. Doesn't help.

My TV's several years old now. Maybe newer sets are immune to whatever the problem is.

[Stephen]

I've tried all that. Both retuning normally and going back to shipping condition. Doesn't help.

My TV's several years old now. Maybe newer sets are immune to whatever the problem is.

If it works fine on your other units anneed then it points to a fault with your TV, be that a connection issue or the TV itself.

You have probably done this but I'll say it anyway. Check all connection leads into the TV are good, even if they appear good try unplugging and reconnecting. If still no joy, get someone to watch the screen while you jiggle the connecting leads on the TV to see if anything happens.

Have you tried disconnecting the DVD recorder from the TV and see if that helps.

[oldbluefox]

Plugging the aerial lead direct into the TV sounds a good suggestion Stephen. At least that will eliminate any possibility the problem lies with the DVD recorder or those leads.

[anneed]

Cheers for the advice but I'll wait to hear from Panasonic before I start pulling cables out. They did say it was a 'situation' they were aware of so it can't just be my TV that's affected.

I sent them more info and got this today:

"I have sent the details of your situation further and, as soon as we have an answer, we will get back in contact with you."

I'll let you know what they say.

Anne

[Stephen]

Hi anneed.

I cannot see how Panasonic can say they are aware of a problem. The program guide either works or it doesn't. And as it works OK on your other recording units, to me it points to the TV +- freeview hardware/software or a cable connection problem.

Oh well, I hope you soon get it sorted

[david63]

Stephen - it could be a firmware issue in the TV and they are trying to resolve it.

[anneed]

David, 'Firmware' is exactly what they said in their message. They asked me to send which version of said firmware my telly was using. I'd never heard of the word before - and when I followed their instructions to get the info my TV used the more familiar term 'software'. What's the difference?

[Stephen]

Stephen - it could be a firmware issue in the TV and they are trying to resolve it.

That's what I meant David when I said it sounds like a 'TV +- freeview hardware/software issue' .

[david63]

... my TV used the more familiar term 'software'. What's the difference?

In principle there is no difference between software and firmware but firmware is permanent whereas software is transient.

Taking a computer as an example - it has firmware that is used to start the computer up and invoke the software that allows you to do something on the computer.

[Quizzical Bob]

David, 'Firmware' is exactly what they said in their message. They asked me to send which version of said firmware my telly was using. I'd never heard of the word before - and when I followed their instructions to get the info my TV used the more familiar term 'software'. What's the difference?

Firmware changes less often that software. Firmware is normally stored in solid-state memory such as Flash or EEPROM whereas software is normally on something like a magnetic hard drive.

[anneed]

David I can just about follow your explanation - thank you.

Bob - nope, that's gone right over my head. But thanks anyway!

[Silver_Shiney]

Look at it this way Anneed - (in over-simplistic terms) you can delete software, you can't delete firmware

[anneed]

Aha, I understand that Silver Shiney. So if it's a firmware problem can anything be done to correct the problem?

[david63]

Aha, I understand that Silver Shiney. So if it's a firmware problem can anything be done to correct the problem?

Only by Panasonic

[Quizzical Bob]

Aha, I understand that Silver Shiney. So if it's a firmware problem can anything be done to correct the problem?

Only by Panasonic

If it's the TV then these would normally be updated over air when available. The manufacturer has to book a time slot and then they are transmitted for a period of time. You would need to turn your TV on during this time. My advice is to ask Panasonic when they will be updating and that they email you when they are ready. Some TVs can be updated through a USB slot on the back with a file that you download over the internet.

[Peter D]

I have wired both my TV and Sat box to the Internet. Very easy to do.

Purchased the hardware from Argos.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID ... 025798.htm

That way both TV/Sat box are are on-line and I can update when required.

[Quizzical Bob]

I got home to find that my TV wanted to do a re-scan so perhaps you need to try reinstalling the channel list by doing a manual scan?

What is the make and model of your TV Anne?

[anneed]

Hi Bob,

As stated it's a Panasonic and the model is TX-26LXD60

It does tell me when a new DVB service is found - usually some rubbish that I don't want anyway. What also bugs me is that I can't delete channels so I've ended up with a huge list of unwanted stuff.

It is also set up to search for new software and when I checked it did say it was using the most up to date version. I reckon they are working on a new one to sort this problem.

[Quizzical Bob]

I've just taken a quick look at the TV manual and on page 33 it tells you how to get to the Profile Edit menu where you can set your favourites and delete the channels you don't want.

https://dlc.panasonic-europe-service.co ... =TX26LXD60 and accept the Ts & Cs.

[anneed]

Yes I did know about that, Bob, but I'm so pathetic I couldn't understand it. Never mind, at least I can watch my TVs and I can still use the guide on my DVD recorder.

It's been so nice of everyone to try to help me, I do appreciate it.

anne

[Stephen]

Yes I did know about that, Bob, but I'm so pathetic I couldn't understand it. Never mind, at least I can watch my TVs and I can still use the guide on my DVD recorder.

It's been so nice of everyone to try to help me, I do appreciate it.

anne

anneed.

Treat yourself and save all the hassle, nip down to Tesco and buy a new one. They have plummeted in price since we brought our Panasonic which can only be about 8 yrs ago

[Silver_Shiney]

Yes I did know about that, Bob, but I'm so pathetic I couldn't understand it. Never mind, at least I can watch my TVs and I can still use the guide on my DVD recorder.

It's been so nice of everyone to try to help me, I do appreciate it.

anne

anneed.

Treat yourself and save all the hassle, nip down to Tesco and buy a new one. They have plummeted in price since we brought our Panasonic which can only be about 8 yrs ago

The best time to buy something like that is about 6 weeks after I've bought it - there's always a big price drop