How to Fix Distorted or No Picture Element Smart TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Picture issues can occur on your Element Smart TV if you're having issues with an external source or with your television service provider. Whether your picture has turned black, white, or has distorted in some way, this guide will take you through troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the picture issues you're experiencing.

2. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

3. Additional Information

To better assist you, please answer this question.

4. Adjust Antenna

If the TV is connected to an indoor antenna, try to adjust or re-position the antenna until you get stronger signal strength.

5. Check Coaxial Cable

1. Make sure that the coaxial cable is firmly attached at the back of the TV and that there are no broken wires.
   

1. If the TV is connected to a cable or satellite box, ensure that the box is turned on and the cables are firmly connected from the box to the TV, and to the wall or outside source. Try changing the cables, if necessary.
   

6. Test Another Channel or Source

If You Are Watching TV

If you are trying to watch TV (whether it be over-the-air or via your cable / satellite provider), switch to another channel. The channel you are tuned into may be having broadcast difficulties.

If You Are Using an External Source

If you are watching a DVD or Blu-ray, try another disc. If you don't have access to another disc, try a different external source connected to your TV, such as a cable box or video game console.

• To switch your TV to a different external source, press the SOURCE button on your remote.
  

7. What's next?

8. Interference Check

Sometimes image quality can be affected by local interference, such as an electrical appliance or power tools. Appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, or power tools like drills and saws can cause interference even while not running.

1. Turn off temporarily any of the above devices and check if the issue persists.
2. If that fixes it, try and move that device further from the TV.

9. What's next?

10. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

11. Check Cabling

Identifying what kind of cable connects the box you wish to be seeing on the screen (cable box, DVD player, etc.) of your TV is very important. This will help make absolutely sure that the correct input settings are being used and that there is not a loose or bad connection with the cables being used. The kinds of cables being used and where they are connected will be different in every home theater setup.

The most common types of cables you may encounter when looking at your Home Theater equipment:

• HDMI
  

• Component Video - make sure each cable is in the correct spot.
  

• Composite Video - make sure each cable is in the correct spot.
  

1. Start with the box you're attempting to get the picture from, like your Cable box or DVD/Blu-ray player.
   

1. On the back of the box, check to see what kind of cables are connected and trace them to see what and where they are plugged into. While checking, make sure each cable is securely connected and pushed in firmly all the way.
   

1. In this example, the HDMI cable that comes from the cable box is connected to the HDMI 2 input on the TV. This means the TV would need to be set to HDMI 2 to see the picture from this cable box.
   

1. Check that all cables are securely connected and take note of the names of the ports that those cables are plugged into so those specific inputs can be tested.

12. Test Another Channel or Source

If You Are Watching TV

If you are trying to watch TV (whether it be over-the-air or via your cable / satellite provider), switch to another channel. The channel you are tuned into may be having broadcast difficulties.

If You Are Using an External Source

If you are watching a DVD or Blu-ray, try another disc. If you don't have access to another disc, try a different external source connected to your TV, such as a cable box or video game console.

• To switch your TV to a different external source, press the SOURCE button on your remote.
  

13. Interference Check

Sometimes image quality can be affected by local interference, such as an electrical appliance or power tools. Appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, or power tools like drills and saws can cause interference even while not running.

1. Turn off temporarily any of the above devices and check if the issue persists.
2. If that fixes it, try and move that device further from the TV.

14. What's next?

15. Defective Source or Media

Based on our results, it is possible that the video source you are using is malfunctioning, or the media or disc you are using could be damaged or defective.

Physical Media

1. Eject the disc and make sure it is not dirty, scratched or damaged.
2. Ensure you are using the correct disc for the device.
   

USB Device

1. If USB device doesn't show up, device might be defective.
2. If content on USB device doesn't show up or shows up incorrectly, content is either corrupt or incompatible.
   

If the physical media or device you are attempting to use with your external source does not appear to be damaged, the external source itself may actually be malfunctioning.