Introduction

If your video looks distorted, red, 3D, or just plain dull you can use the following tips to determine if your TV has a convergence problem. 

First - Lets check to see if you have a problem with your convergence chips.

Typical symptoms for a convergence problem are....

1) Video looks 3D, Distorted, Etc

2) Video bows in from the sides or top/bottom.

3) Convergence adjustments don't work.

Here are some pictures of a typical convergence problem.

Photo #1  - Convergence Problems

Notice how the colors are line lined up correcly - The screen looks 3D but its not warped.

 Photos #2  - Convergence Problems

Sometimes the screen will look warped and the colors will look distorted as shown in the photo below. 

 Photos #3  - Convergence Problems - Another example - Notice how the letters on the screen look distorted. This set also has a slight warp in the video. 

Ok - Lets begin......

Using your original TV remote pull up the picture menu and goto the convergence setup screen.

Try to adjust the convergence for the RED color first. 

Move the RED cross hair

LEFT - RIGHT - UP - DOWN.  

At first the red crosshair may be hidden behind the white crosshair but as you begin to adjust it should become visable.

After you check to see if you can move the RED in all directions adjust it back so that it aligns behind the white cross hair. 

Repeat the above steps for the BLUE color. 

If you are not able to move the RED or BLUE cross hair in all directions your convergence chips are most likely failing and should be replaced. If this is the case you can check our repair kits section for a parts kit and instruction guide on how to do the repair yourself.  If you can't see the blue crosshair at all - even after trying to adjust it - the crt coolant may be the problem. See below for more details.

If your convergence chips are good the problem is most likely cloudy CRT fluid in the tubes. 

Typical symptoms for cloudy fluid include.....

1) Dull Image

2) Red or Orange color dominates screen

3) Images have white halos

4) Screen just looks dark, dull, etc. 

Note: Make sure you don't have a convergence problem 1st as outlined in step 1.

If you suspect that the CRT fluid is the source of the problem check out our repair kits section for a complete kit.  

Example Photo of a TV that need to have the CRT fluid changes. Notice how dark and dull the video looks.  

Here is the same TV after the coolant was repalced. Notice how bright the colors are now.  

Important Notes

Never continue to use a TV that has a convergence problem. Power it down and unplug it from the wall. Continuing to run the set for an extended perion of time can cause damage other components.   

Never mess with the focus block as shown in the picture below unelss you know what you are doing. If you mess with the focus block you will have a difficult time restoring the picture.