Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

[newtotvrepair]

Hi all:

Yes, I know this TV is junk. (Ilo 32" HDTV from Walmart)

None of the buttons, except on/off work on the TV (no volume control), nor on the remote control.

I replaced the main board (DTV3218ATM V2.3 QAM), but that didn't do anything. (yes, I have no idea what the real part is that needs replacement.)

The problem began when I plugged in the HDMI cable and something went dead/poof, leaving only the on/off button working.

Any ideas on what the real problem is? Perhaps the T-con? Does the new board have a new TV remote code that I could put in my universal remote to solve the problem?

Thanks in advance,

N2TR

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Just to clarify, if you connect a source to whatever input the TV is stuck on you -do- see a picture?

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

tom66,

The tv works fine, as I am using a digital antenna via the coax input, and the converter box works for changing channels. I have been able to view the tv screen just fine for a years now. The problem is that none of the buttons on the remote or the top of the tv work at all, except on/off. In other words, I have no volume control, can't access the tv menu, input menu, etc...

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

OK. First step is to get some pictures of the button assembly, as the fault may simply be a jammed/stuck button. Is the power button separate, or on the same board? If you have a digital camera, try pointing it at your remote -- an infrared remote light output is visible on most digital cameras as a white or purple light.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

All on the same board. Are you asking for a picture? Here it is.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

I pointed camera at both remote control and at tv IR sensor with no results

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Can we see the circuit board behind the buttons?

When using the trick with the digital camera, you should press a button to see if there is a response. Make sure the batteries are fresh.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

I have fresh batteries and pressed the button. No luck. As for the inside view, I just had the tv apart and the button board is all one piece or so I thought (see photo below.) I just tested all buttons again and they all "click", so none are stuck.

Here is a view of the power button and the button assembly (as per photos on ebay)

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Stuck buttons can still be stuck internally even if they click -- in order to rule them out, you need to use a multimeter across them on ohms mode to see if pressing them makes them change.

Since your remote isn't producing IR, and assuming your camera doesn't have a very good IR cut filter (premium SLR will; budget compact won't), then you may have a second fault with the remote.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

It's a Nikon professional camera...it works

The reason I suspected the "main board" is because something definitely fried the moment I plugged in the HDMI cable off my computer. Do you think it could be something as simple as just the button assembly? It's only $15 to replace with a used one. BTW, the on/off button works from the remote control, so does that mean the IR works on it?

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Yes since on/off works on remote that is probably working.

A stuck button can sometimes cause the TV to ignore other inputs e.g. from remote, but the power button is usually handled separately. It could be that when you reached around to plug in the HDMI you pressed and button and it got stuck. It would be unlikely that a power surge would do this.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

I am pretty careful with my actions, especially when connecting components. I was behind and below the TV to plug in the HDMI as that is where the connection is.

So, it is sounding like possibly a stuck/broken button assembly that is preventing the remote control's IR signal from being received at the IR sensor? It that what you're suggesting?

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

BTW, as for the surge possibility, when I booted the computer with the HDMI cable connected the screen went suddenly blank and no other controls worked. It was definitely cause and effect..

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Do you know how to test a button using a multimeter?

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Found this explanation: look at ur multimeter. put ur pointer at x1. now use ur test points as said above. press power button,meter should give some reading if not then power switch is defective(open).

Will have to open the TV up again. Do you think it could be anything other than the button assembly? BTW, thanks for all your help here..

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

That isn't relevant for a digital multimeter, but will work with an analog multimeter -- use the ohms range. If you don't have an analog meter post a picture of your meter.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

Rather than going that route, can you just tell me if it is possible that the problem is anything other than the button assembly?

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

There is a chance it is the main board.

[newtotvrepair]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

I've already replaced the main board with a new one, so is it safe to assume then that it must be the button assembly?

In other words, are there any possible parts it could be other than those 2?

[tom66]

Re: Ilo 32" HDTV buttons or remote control don't work

I cannot think of any.