When troubleshooting a problem where the Gemstar-4 assembly is suspected, it is important to realize that, the problem is most likely not a hardware failure, but could very well be customer operation, hook up or possibly a data download problem.
The first step in trouble shooting a TV Guide+ problem is to ensure the customer has the unit setup correctly. The owners manual will have step by step procedure.
There are several tests the technician can perform to check the TV Guide+. One is factory reset. This will place the mouse back to the original factory settings. This will clear all the setup and any and all channel mapping or program listing data. If performed, a complete setup and download of both the channel map and program listing data will be necessary.
Perform the following steps for a Factory Reset.
ON MONO sets
- Press "Menu" button on remote.
- Press [6] button on the remote.
- press [1] button on the remote.
- Press 'Go Back' on remote.
- Press [9] on remote.
- Press [9] again on remote. Instrument immediately clears settings.
- Press "Clear" to Exit.
- The unit must be set up again and allowed to obtain completed download or use download test tape.
On Stereo Sets
- Press 'Menu' button on the remote.
- Press [7] button on the remote.
- Press [1] button on the remote.
- Press 'Go Back' button on the remote.
- Press [9] button on the remote.
- Press [9] button again on remote.
- Press 'Clear' button on the remote.
- The unit must be set up again and allowed to obtain completed download or use download test tape.
A Factory Diagnostics will test five different function of the Gemstar assembly. The five tests are ROM, RAM, VBI, GLINK and IR.
The ROM and RAM test will verify the proper operation of the memory IC in the module. If one of these test fail, the module will need to be replaced. For VBI test, the set must be tuned to the data channel but the VBI test does not show fail, does not mean the module is defective. One test to run to verify if the problem is within the set or with the data downloaded to set, run the Factory Loop test tape.
The Factory Loop test tape contains a full TV Guide+ download. If downloaded problem still exists check the closed caption video to the Gemstar assembly at J13104 pin number 2.
The GLINK test will test a special retail demonstration fixture. This test will show fail, unless the GLINK fixture is connected. Perform the following steps to run the Factory Diagnostics.
On Mono Sets
- Press 'Menu' button on the remote.
- Press [6] button on the remote.
- Press [1] button on the remote.
- Press 'Go Back' button on the remote.
- Press 'Info' button on the remote.
- Press 'Clear' button to 'Exit'
On stereo sets.
- Press 'Menu' button on the remote.
- Press [7] button on the remote.
- Press [1] button on the remote.
- Press 'Go Back' button on the remote.
- Press 'Info' button on the remote.
- Press 'Clear' button to 'Exit'
FACTORY LOOP TAPE INSTRUCTIONS
The Factory Loop Tape contains simulated broadcast lineup and listing information and may be used for checking the operational status of the Guide+ feature. Playing this tape in a VCR that is connected to television, having Guide+ System will help to determine if the hardware; [Guide+ Module] is at fault or there is a data reception, or set up problem.
NB: Always perform the Factory Reset prior to using Factory-Loop Tape.
Equipment Requirements.
VCR/RF COAX CABLE/TELEVISION WITH GUIDE+ FEATURE/FACTORY-LOOP TAPE
- Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the RF/Ant Output of the VCR, and connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the Cable / Ant / RF input of the TV.
- Toggle the VCR's"3/4" out switch to [4].
- Turn On the TV and VCR.
- Insert Factory loop tape into the VCR and press Play.
- Tune the TV to Channel [4] and confirm that the tape is playing.
- Press "Menu" key in the Television Remote.
- Press [7] key on the television remote.
- Press [1] key on the television remote.
- Follow the On-Screen prompts to setup the Guide+ feature. When requested enter one of the following zip codes
USA-02032; Direct setup, No Channel Map selection.
USA-01730; With Channel Map selection.
Canada; T9AB2; Direct setup. No channel selection.
Canada; T8Z0W4; With channel selection map.
Once Guide+ setup is complete, turn the TV OFF. The Guide+ should display c channel lineup in 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the answer given to the screen.
Prompt: "Do you have Cable? (No -- 20 min, Yes -- 35 min). To check for Guide+ channel lineup after 20 - 35 minutes.
- Turn the television ON.
- Press 'Guide" on the Television remote.
- If channel line up is not displayed, turn the Television Off and le the tape continute to run. Detailed program information is also contained on the factory Loop tape, however it is not necessary to download the program lineup to determine if the hardware is operating correctly. If the Channel Map is downloaded and displayed, it can be assumed that the hardware is receiving, decoding and displaying the Guide+ Signal
ABOUT THE TAPE
- The clock setting at the beginning of the tape is December31st. 4:30AM.
- Estimated time to receive a channel line up: Cable-No = 20 to 25 minutes. Cable - Yes = 35 to 40 minute.
- Program listings: Program information. Y = Titles, Descriptions, etc, are broadcast on the half hour [5:00, 5:30. 6:00]. These downloads takes approximately 15 minutes. The television should be Off during the scheduled downwards to receive the program information.