Error using U-VERSE TV with Samsung Touch Of Color 24" T240HD TV

garrisjs · ‎04-22-2009

Hi,

I'm as low-tech as it gets, so I apologize if I sound like a complete idiot, but when it comes to electronics, well, I'm a complete idiot.

Here's my question:

I just got U-Verse TV and Internet last week.

Today, I bought a "Samsung 'Touch of Color' T240HD LCD HD TV Monitor"

I noticed that every now and then, the show I'm watching freezes and I get a black screen that says "Component Unavailable"

then after 2 seconds my show flashes back on and it's good for another 15 mins or so.

Has anybody experienced something like this?

I don't get this error on my Panasonic HD TV and I didn't get this error on my old SDTV (the one I switched out for the new Samsung HDTV).

Also, I think some people use the Samsung as a computer monitor (because I see inputs on the back of the Samsung to hook a computer up to it)

Is that a problem?

Any help or tips you can offer is greatly appreciated!

PowerCycle · ‎03-27-2009

Switch from HDMI cable to Component Cable (blue,green,red)... Change your TV input. Make sure that all cables are plugged in tightly..

When the screen goes black with the "component unavailable" on the screen, can you still hear the sound from the program you were watching??

I think you are just loosing the Video signal.. Try another type of video cable.

garrisjs · ‎04-22-2009

Thank you for the reply. I do not hear sound when the screen flashes black with the error text "component not available"

Also, I am currently using the component (r,g,b) wires (because someone with AT&T tech support recommended using them instead of HDMI)

I'm guessing switching from component to HDMI wouldn't be a wise move to solve my problem?

thanks again

PowerCycle · ‎03-27-2009

garrisjs wrote:
Thank you for the reply. I do not hear sound when the screen flashes black with the error text "component not available"
Also, I am currently using the component (r,g,b) wires (because someone with AT&T tech support recommended using them instead of HDMI)

I'm guessing switching from component to HDMI wouldn't be a wise move to solve my problem?
thanks again

I see... HDMI isn't actually bad. Some HD TV works best with it, some dont.. There is nothing to lose in trying. Unless you have to buy the HDMI just to try it. But really, it may work with your TV.

If HDMI or Component wont work.. .You can try S-Video slot there.

Im prepared to find out that the next post below mine will give you a better advice. Not much of an expert with it. I guess the techie people are still asleep. Wait tomorrow and you'll get better advices that will solve your problem from the experts here.

Message Edited by PowerCycle on 04-23-2009 12:35 AM

mibrnsurg · ‎07-15-2008

garrisjs wrote:
Thank you for the reply. I do not hear sound when the screen flashes black with the error text "component not available"
Also, I am currently using the component (r,g,b) wires (because someone with AT&T tech support recommended using them instead of HDMI)

I'm guessing switching from component to HDMI wouldn't be a wise move to solve my problem?
thanks again

I've used a HDMI cable from 7/15 to now w/no problems whatsoever. ATT Support says that so that a small percentage won't call and complain it doesn't work w/HDMI. I think you might have hit the nail on the head, you bought a computer monitor and certain ones generally have problems w/being a TV. Nowadays TVs must come at least w/ a digital tuner and monitors have no tuner at all. If you want to try an HDMI cable, here's a 'cheap' but good one:

http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1310

Good luck

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO

Message Edited by mibrnsurg on 04-23-2009 02:18 PM

RCSMG · ‎12-10-2007

garrisjs wrote:

Thank you for the reply. I do not hear sound when the screen flashes black with the error text "component not available"
Also, I am currently using the component (r,g,b) wires (because someone with AT&T tech support recommended using them instead of HDMI)

I'm guessing switching from component to HDMI wouldn't be a wise move to solve my problem?
thanks again

I suggest you try hdmi cables to see what results you get. That tv may love hdmi. Just use the shortest cable you can because the shorter the better. And you don't need to spend lots of money on an hdmi cable either.

PowerCycle · ‎03-27-2009

Yep.. New HD TVs works best with HDMI. Most TV manufacturers are already incorporating the use of HDMI cable as the main audio and video transmission cable. Try HDMI... It wont hurt.

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

mibrnsurg wrote:
garrisjs wrote:
Thank you for the reply. I do not hear sound when the screen flashes black with the error text "component not available"
Also, I am currently using the component (r,g,b) wires (because someone with AT&T tech support recommended using them instead of HDMI)

I'm guessing switching from component to HDMI wouldn't be a wise move to solve my problem?
thanks again
I've used a HDMI cable from 7/15 to now w/no problems whatsoever. ATT Support says that so that a small percentage won't call and complain it doesn't work w/HDMI. I think you might have hit the nail on the head, you bought a computer monitor and certain ones generally have problems w/being a TV. Nowadays TVs must come at least w/ a digital tuner and monitors have no tuner at all. If you want to try an HDMI cable, here's a 'cheap' but good one:
http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1310

Good luck

Chris

Chris, as soon as I saw "computer monitor" backed off from this post because like you, wondered if it even had a built in digital tuner. Checked Samsung.com and this model does have a built-in standard and HDTV tuner. They recommend connecting with HDMI.

PowerCycle, would not suggest using the "s-video" connection because only HDMI and component cables carry a HD signal.

garrisjs, you wrote: "Also, I think some people use the Samsung as a computer monitor (because I see inputs on the back of the Samsung to hook a computer up to it) Is that a problem?". If "monitor" is in a product name/model number is is designed primarily as a computer monitor, not saying it will not work as a HDTV. Would guess you paid less for this "monitor" instead of a regular HDTV. Would check to make sure all your current wiring is connected tightly. There is some odd reason you have a good signal and than lose it. You may want to unplug monitor, do a soft reboot of STB by holding in power button for 10 sec, then plug monitor back in while STB is rebooting. If that does not work try a hard reboot by unplugging STB for 20 sec and plugging it back in. Would try a HDMI cable as Chris suggested. If problem continues would first call Samsung support and then UV technical support.

Good luck and keep us posted!

From Samsung.com

Multi-Purpose Monitors With Built-In Tuners

The following current Samsung LCD monitors have a built-in HDTV and Standard tuner and can be used as a High Definition (HD) TV or Standard TV without a digital set top box or tuner:

T200HD
T220HD
T240HD
T260HD
2280HD

For more information about these monitors, click HERE.

Monitors With HDMI Jacks

The following current Samsung monitors have HDMI jacks:

T240
T260
275TPlus
2263DX
2493HM
2693HM

You should be able to use any one as an HDTV monitor by connecting it to an HDTV set-top-box or tuner that has an HDMI output jack, using an HDMI cable. You should also be able to connect any of these monitors to a DVD player that has an HDMI output jack, using an HDMI cable. The 2263DX, 2493HM and the 2693HM also have built-in speakers.

mibrnsurg · ‎07-15-2008

Uni, you know what I'm worrying about for him now, on the T240 HD page that display does not show a cable, satellite or any STB as one of the inputs on HDMI and only physically lists OTA thru the tuner and no mention of pay boxes anywhere and he is having problems w/component that is hardly mentioned as a problem anywhere. Plus it has 2 HDMI slots and DVI, which is normally not added w/HDMI as HDMI superceded DVI.

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

mibrnsurg wrote:
Uni, you know what I'm worrying about for him now, on the T240 HD page that display does not show a cable, satellite or any STB as one of the inputs on HDMI and only physically lists OTA thru the tuner and no mention of pay boxes anywhere and he is having problems w/component that is hardly mentioned as a problem anywhere. Plus it has 2 HDMI slots and DVI, which is normally not added w/HDMI as HDMI superceded DVI.

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO

Chris,

I had written as my last sentence to "get your issues resolved soon before the expiration of the return date". I erased it and maybe shouldn't have. I am really unfamiliar with using a monitor as a HDTV even though that is what it is said can be used for. Gee, guess if you don't even have a monitor model with a built-in tuner in then STB will function as the SD/HD tuner? Don't even want to go there!

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

Chris,

They do indeed mention using components to connect to TV and no mention of using HDMI except for other components such as DVD.

T240HD TV Monitor had only 2 reviews: one was all raves for using as PC monitor and this was the other one:

Where I live it's too far to pick up any HD channels, but the good ol' SD channels come in fine. The only thing I don't like is that when the PC goes to sleep (connected to the HDMI port) the screen will constantly show NO SIGNAL - you have to turn the monitor off. If on the DVI, it'll go to sleep with the PC. Other than that - very satisfied!"

garrisjs,

At this point I would contact Samsung support, explain your problems, and ask them the correct way to connect your T240HD TV Monitor to a U-verse STB (set top box) in order to receive a HD signal. You can also try the rebooting and checking the wire connections first. Would try and keep Samsung on the phone untill you have your connections made and everything is up and working correctly. Let us know what they say.

Good luck.