Dead Pixels

• 1). Turn off your LCD TV if you can see dead pixels during broadcast images. Dead pixels are fixed pixels of color that don't change as the image on screen changes.
  
  
• 2). Apply moderate pressure with a damp cloth to the area affected by a dead pixel and wait for around fifteen seconds. Turn your LCD set back on.
  
  
• 3). Download pixel repair software if treating the screen with a damp cloth fails to restore the dead pixels. Pixel repair software can target and improve dead pixels on LCD screens.
  
  

Picture Format

• 1). Alter the picture format of your LCD screen if black bars are visible around displayed images. This problem usually occurs on widescreen LCD and plasma sets, where the picture aspect ratio is set to 16:9. Most broadcasts are shown in a standard definition of 4:3.
  
  
• 2). Check the aspect ratio of your TV is set to 16:9 by pressing the Menu button on your remote control and then accessing Picture settings.
  
  
• 3). Push the Menu button on your cable box remote control and change the Picture Settings from 4:3 to 16:9. Images will now adapt to the widescreen format and fill the screen. However, pictures may appear somewhat stretched.
  
  

Grainy Images

• 1). Push the Menu button on your LCD remote control if on-screen images appear blurry or lacking in color. Access Picture Settings through the on-screen menu.
  
  
• 2). Push the up and down or + and - arrows on your LCD remote to alter contrast levels, sharpness settings and color saturation. Amending these settings can improve picture quality.
  
  
• 3). Perform a factory reset on your LCD TV if fine-tuning the settings fails to improve images. Factory resets are usually carried out by holding down a button or combination of buttons on your LCD remote control. Check your user manual for precise instructions for your model.