Wavy Black Lines on RCA big screen.?

Question

I just got a RCA 32in HDTV (L32WD12). I have basic cable which doesn't come w/ any HD channels. I have noticed that sometimes there are wavy black lines that run horizontally up and down the screen.

This Only happens when watching TV. I have use the S-video, my XBOX 360, and no problem. It only happens when watching the basic cable.

Also is it possible with a basic cable connection to set up surround sound. I have yet to find a way but am looking for some input. Thanks..

Answer 1

The wavy lines could be a problem with your cable feed.  It may also be a problem with the coax cable you are using.  It can even be indicative of a problem with the tuner circuit itself.  If it only happens on some channels, then it may be a problem with the station itself.

You will have to troubleshoot to determine.

I'd try using a known good coax cable and connect a good VCR via the coax and observe the picture while playing a known good video cassette recording.  If it continues to be wavy, then it may be a tuner problem.  If it isn't wavy, then that discounts the tuner.

As for surround sound from the basic cable connection of an analogue broadcast, if the TV has MTS capability (it most likely does) and the rear of the TV has stereo audio outputs, then you can get surround sound from programming that is broadcast in stereo and is matrixed for analogue surround (Dolby Pro Logic).