HELP! Panny TH-42PD25 image pushed 1/3rd off-screen!

Hi,

I just noticed that the analog inputs (e.g. Antenna A, Video 1) on my Panasonic TH-42PD25 are pushed off to the left so you only see the right 2/3rd of the picture. Even if I bring up the on-screen menu, it's pushed way to the left. The image is cut off and flush with the left-edge of the screen and the right 1/3 of the screen is black.

This only seems to happen on non-digital signals. For example, when using Antenna A, analog stations are pushed to the left and the left 1/3rd of the picture gets cut off. But if I switch over to a digital channel, the picture is fine and takes up the full screen.

I also tried playing a DVD. I've got my DVD player hooked up to both Video 1 and Component 1. On Video 1, the image is pushed off-screen. On Component 1, it's fine.

This problem is happening in modes Full, Just, and Zoom. In 4:3 mode, I can see the whole picture, but it is still pushed to the left.

99% of the time I am either watching my HD TiVo on the HDMI input or a DVD on the Component input, so I never noticed the problem. I know the problem wasn't there a few months ago. I just got the TV in October.

I have never messed with the service menus, so I don't think I've manually pushed the image off-center. I've tried unpluging the unit for 10 minutes but that didn't help.

Does anyone know what could cause this or how I can fix it?

Thanks,
Jay

Thanks BruZZi,

Well one way or the other (DG board or software problem), it sounds like I need to get a tech out here. I can understand a piece of hardware going bad, but wouldn't it be odd for the software to work fine for a while and then give out? It's not like I've got the TV hooked up to "Windows Update"

Jay

I'm going to call Panasonic tomorrow and I'll let you know what they have to say. If anyone thinks this is something other than a software problem or the DG board, please let me know.

Thanks,
Jay

Hmmm. High-def channels coming over the Antenna A input work just fine, so does that still make sense? For example, channel 4 is pushed off to the right, but if I click up to channel 4-1, everything is fine.

I just wanted to give everyone an update on this problem. I called Panasonic and they had me try to reset the TV (hold down OK and Power on the unit, wait for message and then unplug). As I expected, that didn't fix the problem. So they set up a service call.

When the service company called, they wanted to come and pick up the TV and take it for up to TWO MONTHS!!! There's no way I'm giving up the TV for two months. Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought I heard there was some sort of in-home warranty service with Panasonics. Does that exist?

Does anyone know of a company that does quicker warranty work in the Northern Virginia area?

Thanks,
Jay

Wow, that's great for you. I really wanted to buy mine at Tweeter since their service is better than Best Buy, but they didn't have it in stock, so I got it from Best Buy.

Does anyone else know of someone in the D.C. area that does in-house warranty service? It sounds like this is an easy problem to fix.

Thanks

Wow, seems like this has happened to a lot of people. But some people say it's a software problem and some people say it's a DG board problem. Interesting.

I guess I'll call Panasonic again on Monday to see if anyone can come out and reset the software. If that doesn't work, then I guess it will need a new DG board.

I'm almost willing to just do nothing about it. Since I never use the analog inputs, it doesn't really affect me. The HDMI and component inputs are just fine.

Thanks - I just sent him a PM.

Thanks, I'll give it a shot tomorrow. I'll post again once I know more.

Jay

I assume that resetting the software involves more than just resetting the TV to its factory defaults by holding down the Power and OK buttons. Is this correct? Is it possible for me to reset the software or do you need a technician?

Here's an update: I called Panasonic again and they confirmed that warranty service should be performed on-site for TVs my size (I have a 42" plasma). They gave me the number for a different service center and this one said they would do the service at my house.

I mentioned that some people have had the DG board replaced and others have had the software reset. He seemed to think it was a software problem.

They are coming out next Wednesday. I'll post back to let you know what happens.

Final update: The service guys came out a few weeks ago and upgraded the software and everything is back to normal. The DG board was not replaced.

Sorry about the TV dude, but then again, I can't feel too sorry for you since you are LIVING IN MAUI!!! Lucky dog!

Good luck with your return.

Jay