Essential video for TAU owners. Picked up two TAUs today for 15 bucks with less than stellar geometry but absolutely beautiful bright tubes. In fact the picture on these gives Trinitron a run for it’s money, but that damn geometry... The written instructions online for getting into the service menu weren’t exactly clear. This video demonstration will be a lifesaver once my remotes come in the mail, and it’s looking like the options here are robust enough to not have to open the actual TVs up. Thanks for helping to keep CRTs alive.
Thanks to your video I was able to bandaid geometry issues on my 2003 Tau enough to be serviceable (still some bowing but I can live with it). Unlike your model, mine did not give me a nice menu selection screen for the options, just simple scrolling with meaningless letters and values. If anyone else has this problem, the letter for adjusting pincushion values and geometry is letter “D”.
@@joseflando162 that's awesome, glade you where able to adjust it. The letters are hard to decipher at first. With time and a pdf manual download you will figure it out.
Thank you, it makes me super happy that I could help. I just made a video showing the factory settings of this Panasonic. The link is in the description.
Thank you very much for this. I just picked up a free Panasonic CT-32C8G to replace a JVC D series that has weak whites. This is exactly what I was looking for. Glad to know the universal remote works since this unit didn't have the remote with it.
Thank you so much, you helped me fix the TV I use to play n64 games with (n64 games look better on it than on modern TV's). I was unable to read the left half of the screen but now it's fixed, thanks!
I have many other videos on different topics of retro gaming. Fill free to subscribe and like. This helps me to spread to information and grow my small channel.
Dude thanks so much .., this helped a great deal .., I think I may have a grounding issue as the black scan lines are a bit blurry and fuzzy or possibly a Cap change .., but my picture was so dark and I got to go change brightness properly it’s like day and night 🎉thanks
I have a similar Panasonic CT-27 series model. For some crazy reason they made it super complicated with way too many steps to get into the service menu
Hello, this will not work on all Tau panasonic crt tvs. It did not work on my CT27SL15. If it doesn't work for you, there is an easy alternative. With the original remote or a universal remote; change to the input you want to make the adjustments in(changes, av1, av2,component) and hold down the volume down button on the tv and the channel "9" button on the controller for more than 2 seconds and it will bring up the service menu. Besides that, thank you for the awesome videos.
any idea what specific universal remote you're using? When I programmed the universal remote that came with my Panasonic CT27SC14 it seems to want to change from the "TV" option to "Cable" anytime I go to input a channel or use the Channel up and down button. Any guesses as to why this is happening or remotes you can suggest?
I did a video showing how even when you use the code that is giving in the manual for that television set. It still might not work properly. You might need to try codes from a different model. I had to use a vcr/dvd combo television set code for the remote to work like factory.
I picked this one up for free last week. The s-video Isnt working but Component does, Ill keep this as a back up because I just bought 2 sony trinitrons for 80 bucks total. A 36" and I think a 32" with hdmi input
Could you please let me know your settings for the "VDEF" options (V RAS, VEAMP, V-C, & V-S)? Someone screwed this TV up before I bought it and though I've tried I have no idea what the defaults are. I've got it close but could really use some help if you'd be so kind! 🙏
So it seems to me that the Serviceman Menu in Panasonic sets can actually have different values set at the factory than the defaults listed in the manuals. I think I overwrote some factory settings thinking they should be at the manual's value, which does not mean things will return to normal if you set things back to the service manual default.
Crt tv sets are a very finicky device. That's why almost everyone was tested and calibrated. Set parameters where hard to set at one level. Magnetic fields, age and just plain natural errors have effects on each. So the service manual settings are really just a estimate of what they need to be. What kind of tv do you have?
You can turn the brightness to max in the service menu. This tv is naturally dark so it will help but some games will be dark even with component cables. Some games will have a brightness setting in the game settings. Devil may cry is one game that has this.
@@JoeRetroWorld I like to keep the picture to about 20-25% because CRT brightness hurts my eyes so was wondering if I can adjust . Composite and S video don't have this excessive black levels problem
@@JoeRetroWorld sorry one more question, how risky is it to mess with the service menu on this TV. I heard a general comment about there being an option in the service menu to completely shut off the tube for refurb/ maintenance purposes . This scares me if true. Lol
@@ajsingh4545 every crt has a option to completely F@#$ up your TV. My advice is always write down everything before changing it. I say it in this video and every video I make. Only change settings that you know what they do like HSIZ is horizontal size adjustment. If it says KMNH and you don't know what it will do then don't change it. I made a video explaining this th-cam.com/video/js4TCowHeco/w-d-xo.html
Hi Joe, thanks for the video. I'm using a Panasonic CT-32SF37B and I have the settings how I want. I powered off the TV and powered back on, however it's still in service menu (the CHK still in top left corner). Any Idea how I get out of the service menu?
Hello! I have a 27 inch Panablack that my brother discarded, it works perfectly but it needs some screen adjustment. It seems he entered the service menu and changed some stuff but didn't write down the default screen settings that you mention here. Could you please share your settings with me? I guess you were careful enough to write them down. I hope you can help me, thanks in advance!
@@JoeRetroWorld Thanks for answering! Please dude, help me out. I can't find a single technician who wants to work on a CRT. I just need the values for the screen calibration; the rest is fine. I'll be waiting, thanks again!!!
@ƎVOLUTIONATED you're probably right, it's probably action and power. I don't have the tv anymore so I don't really remember. I bought a jvc d series and I like it alot more.
You should see a setting in the H-DEF line that shows H-POS for centering the screen and a other that says H-WID for the width sizing of horizontal. It's at the 2:29 segment where you can see the settings on the tv screen.
So I have done this correctly unfortunately my action button is not working on my tv. I checked it, and it seems the button in the circuit board is physically stuck pushed in but can't do anything. This means I cannot exit the service menu at all. Any help?
Unplug the tv for a week. Try turning it one everyday by pressing on. This helps remove electrical charge in the set. Hopefully this takes you back, you can spray contact cleaning with a straw and pull the button back with tweezers working the button back and forth everyday until you finally turn it one to test it.
Do you know how to factory reset the service menu to start fresh ? On vertical and horizontal my geometry looks all warped ? And can’t get it straight again
Some tv sets can be unplugged for a few hours to days to reset them. Other ones you have to manually change them back. I will try to make a video showing the factory settings to help you and others.
@@JoeRetroWorld yeah not many sites left from those days.I also have a Panasonic crt. usually same brands follow the same software so I’ll try unplugging for a few days :)
My TV looks the same. It is a CT-20SL14KJ. When I go into the service menu, under HDEF, I only see H-POS. I want to adjust the width. It is too wide. Do you have any suggestions?
It may have a sub menu you have to navigate like some sony Trinitron sets do when you pull up the service menu. Here is the video showing a Sony Trinitron service menu. Maybe this will help. Let me know. m.th-cam.com/video/hfnHJGQiD20/w-d-xo.html
@@JoeRetroWorld Thank you! I tried it but it doesn't work the way it says in that manual. It works the way you show it in your video, but I don't have the H-WID option. Maybe they didn't include it because my set is smaller (20"). Thanks for trying!
Help I was In the middle of changing the settings the tv randomly shut off. Now it turns on for 2 sec and shuts off! I can’t get it to work please please help!
Leave it unplugged for a week, then try it. Hopefully that resets what ever setting you changed that could have made it start turning off from that change. If not, it could be the flyback or a capacitor. Voltage regular, you won't know until you get it tested for mechanical failure.
didnt give me a menu, just number and letters at the bottom right. havent really changed anything, now screen is white on the chk screen and i cant get it to go away unless something else menu related is on screen lol
You need to watch the whole video. I show how the menu screen changes to just those numbers on the bottom and back to the menu you see on the thumb nail. I have a video showing the factory settings. Here it is th-cam.com/video/UNQ2lG6RGHQ/w-d-xo.html
I need help, does anyone know a way to reset the settings to default or where to find those values? I picked up a free set but the sides are all warped
JOE i made a big mistake and messed with SETID 1,2,3 without writing down the original values now settings are missing and audio is messed up on certain inputs. Any chance you could share with me the default set ID1, ID2, and ID3? We have the exact same tv model and size so if you could do this for me you would save me from dumping this tv and looking for another CRT! I'll share the shit out of your channel on reddit for helping me out!
@@ericpeavey I was just thinking about you. I had a unscheduled appointment, I will check tomorrow after work for sure. Sorry for making you wait longer.
@@ericpeavey for the mean time simply unplugging it and allowing for it to reset once all the power is used up. This can reset to factory sometimes. 1-24 hours time, each set is different.
Damn, got to the Volume down and No dice.... yes I was holding it down on the TV I don't even have a remote for the TV, so much for hitting the channel button 121 times :/
@@JoeRetroWorld gracias amigo, pero quiero saber cómo se restaura los valores de fábrica para este TV porque en el menú de servicio no aparece alguna opción de reset.
Essential video for TAU owners. Picked up two TAUs today for 15 bucks with less than stellar geometry but absolutely beautiful bright tubes. In fact the picture on these gives Trinitron a run for it’s money, but that damn geometry...
The written instructions online for getting into the service menu weren’t exactly clear. This video demonstration will be a lifesaver once my remotes come in the mail, and it’s looking like the options here are robust enough to not have to open the actual TVs up. Thanks for helping to keep CRTs alive.
Thank you and you're welcome.
Thanks to your video I was able to bandaid geometry issues on my 2003 Tau enough to be serviceable (still some bowing but I can live with it).
Unlike your model, mine did not give me a nice menu selection screen for the options, just simple scrolling with meaningless letters and values.
If anyone else has this problem, the letter for adjusting pincushion values and geometry is letter “D”.
@@joseflando162 that's awesome, glade you where able to adjust it. The letters are hard to decipher at first. With time and a pdf manual download you will figure it out.
Joe I love you man, you have saved the day so many times
Thank you, it makes me super happy that I could help. I just made a video showing the factory settings of this Panasonic. The link is in the description.
Thank you very much for this. I just picked up a free Panasonic CT-32C8G to replace a JVC D series that has weak whites. This is exactly what I was looking for. Glad to know the universal remote works since this unit didn't have the remote with it.
You're welcome
Thank you so much, you helped me fix the TV I use to play n64 games with (n64 games look better on it than on modern TV's). I was unable to read the left half of the screen but now it's fixed, thanks!
You're welcome, it makes me super happy that I can help you and others. Take care and happy gaming.
I have many other videos on different topics of retro gaming. Fill free to subscribe and like. This helps me to spread to information and grow my small channel.
Thanks, this video helped solve a problem with Brightness I was having
That's the same issue I had, that's why I made this video. Happy gaming
This video was a saviour. Thanks
Super helpful thankyou!
You're welcome, have a great weekend.
GOOD looking out. Got a PV-DF273 Tau and I'll never get rid of it after doing this.
Awesome, so glad I could help.
Dude thanks so much .., this helped a great deal .., I think I may have a grounding issue as the black scan lines are a bit blurry and fuzzy or possibly a Cap change .., but my picture was so dark and I got to go change brightness properly it’s like day and night 🎉thanks
Glad I could help, Happy gaming
I have a similar Panasonic CT-27 series model. For some crazy reason they made it super complicated with way too many steps to get into the service menu
Thank you that's helpful, now to tinker with it.
YES, I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO RESET ON TV BECAUSE IS IN OPTION ALWAYS
I have the same CRT but the image is too dark even at max setting (60 For contrast and brightness), will the service menu help ?
Yes, I had the same issue. You can brighten it up in the service menu.
How do I get rid of the code in the top left I did what you said and it’s not working
Hello, this will not work on all Tau panasonic crt tvs. It did not work on my CT27SL15. If it doesn't work for you, there is an easy alternative. With the original remote or a universal remote; change to the input you want to make the adjustments in(changes, av1, av2,component) and hold down the volume down button on the tv and the channel "9" button on the controller for more than 2 seconds and it will bring up the service menu. Besides that, thank you for the awesome videos.
Thank you
Thank you
You're welcome, Happy Gaming
any idea what specific universal remote you're using? When I programmed the universal remote that came with my Panasonic CT27SC14 it seems to want to change from the "TV" option to "Cable" anytime I go to input a channel or use the Channel up and down button. Any guesses as to why this is happening or remotes you can suggest?
I did a video showing how even when you use the code that is giving in the manual for that television set. It still might not work properly. You might need to try codes from a different model. I had to use a vcr/dvd combo television set code for the remote to work like factory.
th-cam.com/video/9fHWdH1a_J0/w-d-xo.html
esta muy bueno tu tutorial pero necesita un update ya que en las partes mas interesantes no se ve que botones usaste
hey i have a crt tv panasonic ct20r15w, i know how to enter the service mode, but i need the service manual cause i don't know the parameters!
I will see if I can find in online.
See if this website helps
www.manualslib.com/products/Panasonic-Ct20r15w-20-Color-Tv-33977.html
Thanks !
You're welcome
Hey man, anyway you could post what settings yours are all on? I know it won’t be perfect for my TV but I just got one and it’s p screwed
Ok, I will do it this week for you and 3 other people.
@@JoeRetroWorld thank you so much! Can’t wait!
I picked this one up for free last week. The s-video Isnt working but Component does, Ill keep this as a back up because I just bought 2 sony trinitrons for 80 bucks total. A 36" and I think a 32" with hdmi input
Those are hugh tv sets. Nice find,.thank you for the sub.
Could you please let me know your settings for the "VDEF" options (V RAS, VEAMP, V-C, & V-S)?
Someone screwed this TV up before I bought it and though I've tried I have no idea what the defaults are. I've got it close but could really use some help if you'd be so kind! 🙏
So it seems to me that the Serviceman Menu in Panasonic sets can actually have different values set at the factory than the defaults listed in the manuals. I think I overwrote some factory settings thinking they should be at the manual's value, which does not mean things will return to normal if you set things back to the service manual default.
Crt tv sets are a very finicky device. That's why almost everyone was tested and calibrated. Set parameters where hard to set at one level. Magnetic fields, age and just plain natural errors have effects on each. So the service manual settings are really just a estimate of what they need to be. What kind of tv do you have?
I have the exact same model, what's the default for V-C? Thank you!
Can you adjust the black levels for component video through this ? Ps2 component is very dark. Thanks
You can turn the brightness to max in the service menu. This tv is naturally dark so it will help but some games will be dark even with component cables. Some games will have a brightness setting in the game settings. Devil may cry is one game that has this.
@@JoeRetroWorld I like to keep the picture to about 20-25% because CRT brightness hurts my eyes so was wondering if I can adjust . Composite and S video don't have this excessive black levels problem
@@ajsingh4545 yes, you can adjust the black level
@@JoeRetroWorld sorry one more question, how risky is it to mess with the service menu on this TV. I heard a general comment about there being an option in the service menu to completely shut off the tube for refurb/ maintenance purposes . This scares me if true. Lol
@@ajsingh4545 every crt has a option to completely F@#$ up your TV. My advice is always write down everything before changing it. I say it in this video and every video I make. Only change settings that you know what they do like HSIZ is horizontal size adjustment. If it says KMNH and you don't know what it will do then don't change it. I made a video explaining this
th-cam.com/video/js4TCowHeco/w-d-xo.html
Hi Joe, thanks for the video. I'm using a Panasonic CT-32SF37B and I have the settings how I want. I powered off the TV and powered back on, however it's still in service menu (the CHK still in top left corner). Any Idea how I get out of the service menu?
Update: you hold action and power simultaneously to exit the menu!
Nice, I was checking how now. Then I came back to check your comment. Thanks for letting me know.
Anyways, great vid you earned a sub! My screen was so vertically stretched it was cutting off health bars in street fighter 😭. I'm all good now.
Hello! I have a 27 inch Panablack that my brother discarded, it works perfectly but it needs some screen adjustment. It seems he entered the service menu and changed some stuff but didn't write down the default screen settings that you mention here. Could you please share your settings with me? I guess you were careful enough to write them down. I hope you can help me, thanks in advance!
Ok, I will make a video going threw showing where I have all of mine set at. I just got a remote for it. I will post the video next week.
@@JoeRetroWorld Thanks for answering! Please dude, help me out. I can't find a single technician who wants to work on a CRT. I just need the values for the screen calibration; the rest is fine. I'll be waiting, thanks again!!!
@@JoeRetroWorld Did you post this follow up? Got a similar issue.
@@theskroobs538 no, I keep forgetting when I get home. I will try my best this weekend.
@@JoeRetroWorld Thanks! Would be much appreciated!
Does this work with the 27-inch tau? I can't seem to access it
@@RyanSmith-fm7bo that's what this model is.
panasonic tau ct-27sl14j 27"
when i hit power and turn it back on it still says CHK and doesnt go away. Any idea how to fix that?
I am sorry, I don't know. Here us the manual.
www.manualslib.com/products/Panasonic-Ct27sl13g-27-Color-Tv-2135525.html
@ƎVOLUTIONATED ya I figured it out. I pressed and hold the menu and power buttons on the front of the tv and it worked.
@ƎVOLUTIONATED you're probably right, it's probably action and power. I don't have the tv anymore so I don't really remember. I bought a jvc d series and I like it alot more.
0:37
How do you center the image horizontally? I have the same tv and it only lets me move the image from left to right without changing the size u.u
You should see a setting in the H-DEF line that shows H-POS for centering the screen and a other that says H-WID for the width sizing of horizontal. It's at the 2:29 segment where you can see the settings on the tv screen.
When I configure "HWID" nothing happens.. The image does not move a bit..
So I have done this correctly unfortunately my action button is not working on my tv. I checked it, and it seems the button in the circuit board is physically stuck pushed in but can't do anything. This means I cannot exit the service menu at all. Any help?
Unplug the tv for a week. Try turning it one everyday by pressing on. This helps remove electrical charge in the set. Hopefully this takes you back, you can spray contact cleaning with a straw and pull the button back with tweezers working the button back and forth everyday until you finally turn it one to test it.
My ct-27sf12t1 has weird upper corners, I'm told pcc is for that.
How do you fix the bowing on the sides?
@@RachaelFreeman-c6f I think it tells you in the service manual.
www.manualslib.com/products/Panasonic-Ct27sl13g-27-Color-Tv-2135525.html
Do you know how to factory reset the service menu to start fresh ? On vertical and horizontal my geometry looks all warped ? And can’t get it straight again
Some tv sets can be unplugged for a few hours to days to reset them. Other ones you have to manually change them back. I will try to make a video showing the factory settings to help you and others.
@@JoeRetroWorld yeah not many sites left from those days.I also have a Panasonic crt. usually same brands follow the same software so I’ll try unplugging for a few days :)
My crt tv (also Panasonic) for some reason doesn't allow me to access the Menu guide, I want to Change the temperature colors on it.
If it is used, Maybe the previous owner locked certain features.
My TV looks the same. It is a CT-20SL14KJ. When I go into the service menu, under HDEF, I only see H-POS. I want to adjust the width. It is too wide. Do you have any suggestions?
It may have a sub menu you have to navigate like some sony Trinitron sets do when you pull up the service menu. Here is the video showing a Sony Trinitron service menu. Maybe this will help. Let me know.
m.th-cam.com/video/hfnHJGQiD20/w-d-xo.html
This ain't the same tv but similar service manual to help you read through. Maybe you can find some where it talks about HPOS info.
@@JoeRetroWorld Thanks! Was there supposed to be a link to the service manual? I don't see it, so I wanted to make sure. I appreciate the help.
@@thorr2 www.manualslib.com/manual/746084/Panasonic-Ct-27sl15.html
@@JoeRetroWorld Thank you! I tried it but it doesn't work the way it says in that manual. It works the way you show it in your video, but I don't have the H-WID option. Maybe they didn't include it because my set is smaller (20"). Thanks for trying!
Help I was In the middle of changing the settings the tv randomly shut off. Now it turns on for 2 sec and shuts off! I can’t get it to work please please help!
Leave it unplugged for a week, then try it. Hopefully that resets what ever setting you changed that could have made it start turning off from that change. If not, it could be the flyback or a capacitor. Voltage regular, you won't know until you get it tested for mechanical failure.
I HAVE THE SAME TV BUT OF 20 IN. HOW TAKE OFF THE PASSWORD IN THE MENU LOCK.I AM FROM COLOMBIA THANKS
www.manualslib.com/products/Panasonic-Ct27sl13g-27-Color-Tv-2135525.html
Is this an HD CRT? And if so is there any lag?
No, this one is standard. So no lag for this type.
When I exit the service menu, I am left with a number above. i power off i disconnect and i still have number above. HELP ME
Never mind, found it. Hold Action and Power buttons on the tv until the tv resets.lol
this is kinda confusing with my panasonic PV-DF203
That's why I made this video, I take you step by step.
didnt give me a menu, just number and letters at the bottom right. havent really changed anything, now screen is white on the chk screen and i cant get it to go away unless something else menu related is on screen lol
You need to watch the whole video. I show how the menu screen changes to just those numbers on the bottom and back to the menu you see on the thumb nail. I have a video showing the factory settings. Here it is th-cam.com/video/UNQ2lG6RGHQ/w-d-xo.html
I need help, does anyone know a way to reset the settings to default or where to find those values? I picked up a free set but the sides are all warped
I don't know how to factory reset but this video is me showing the factory settings of this Panasonic tv.
m.th-cam.com/video/UNQ2lG6RGHQ/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/js4TCowHeco/w-d-xo.html
I hope these videos I made help you.
Does anyone know is there a way to see how many hours of use.
That's only for professional monitors not commercial sets.
Ese tv tiene el brillo muy bajo puedo aumemtar el brillo desde el menu de servicio ???
Yes, you can turn the brightness up in the service menu.
@@JoeRetroWorld muchas gracias
@@mmer6994 de nada
JOE i made a big mistake and messed with SETID 1,2,3 without writing down the original values now settings are missing and audio is messed up on certain inputs. Any chance you could share with me the default set ID1, ID2, and ID3? We have the exact same tv model and size so if you could do this for me you would save me from dumping this tv and looking for another CRT! I'll share the shit out of your channel on reddit for helping me out!
I am at work now. When I get home I will turn it on and check to see what the settings are for those. Don't throw it away, I will help you.
@@JoeRetroWorld you are a legend sir
@@JoeRetroWorld 🙏🙏🙏
@@ericpeavey I was just thinking about you. I had a unscheduled appointment, I will check tomorrow after work for sure. Sorry for making you wait longer.
@@ericpeavey for the mean time simply unplugging it and allowing for it to reset once all the power is used up. This can reset to factory sometimes. 1-24 hours time, each set is different.
Damn, got to the Volume down and No dice.... yes I was holding it down on the TV I don't even have a remote for the TV, so much for hitting the channel button 121 times :/
You have to have a remote, a cheap $5 universal remote will work.
My CHK won't go away after I fixed all the settings :(
Your what?
@@JoeRetroWorld got it. Had to hold down action and power.
The service menu prompt wouldn't go away
Necesito ayuda para mi Panasonic TC 21 GX 30lc😢
www.manualslib.es/manual/630532/Panasonic-Tc-21Gx30Lp.html?page=5#manual
@@JoeRetroWorld gracias amigo, pero quiero saber cómo se restaura los valores de fábrica para este TV porque en el menú de servicio no aparece alguna opción de reset.
@@ronalcalpa5935 th-cam.com/video/UNQ2lG6RGHQ/w-d-xo.html
i dont know where the action button is
Dooes your TV have the same buttons?
@@JoeRetroWorld no because i have a different model
En el mío no funciona
THANKS FOR ANSWER Y SEND ME THE MANUAL
You wanted to know how to reset the TV. The manual answers a lot of questions I don't know.