Most of us take television for granted, until something goes wrong. However, it is useful to remember that television receiver is a specialized piece of equipment, charged with very high voltage of electricity, so it should be treated with respect. On the plus side, there are now dozens of different video games which can be plugged in to torn a TV set into a partner for all sort of sports, target shutting, game playing and so on. Home video recorders mean you never have to miss a favourite program or decide between two conflicting programs. You can even make your own videotapes and play them back – be an instant TV star. While most of TV repairs are outside the scope of this book, here are a few useful tips for greater enjoyment of your home entertainment equipment.

What to adjust - controls are divided into viewer operated (vertical hold, horizontal hold, etc.) and service control. Viewer operated controls can be manipulated safely until you get a satisfactory image but service controls (usually recessed behind the rear cover of the set) should be adjusted by a qualified technician who has a right tools.

Safety – a TV set is safe only when intact, that is with all the correct knobs in place on the correct shaft and the back cover securely in place. Never operate the set with the back cover off as a serious shock can result.

You van still get shock even with the power disconnected as the set stores electricity, sometimes for days. Never put drinks or liquids on the top of the set. Fluids spilled inside can cause short circuits and fire.

Antenna – no meter how well tuned your set, if the antenna is inadequate or wrongly adjusted you will never have a good picture. Ensure the antenna is connected to the right terminals on the set (see your owner manual) and check for lose or disconnected antenna wires.

Trouble symptoms – defective tubes can cause many problems, including loss of raster (the glow on the screen even when there is no picture). You can have a raster without a picture, but never the other way around.