TV too dark, Menu settings can't compensate

[A31Chris]

I have an RCA Guide+ Gold Gemstar model #F27442.

Its a good TV but its too dark in movies or shows that have a dark ambiance, like the X-files. Its watchable but you can miss a bit of the detail etc. It was actually discarded by the previous owner and found by my roommate and given to me. I think the dark issue is why. Now I've tried to go online to find out how to make it brighter when the menu options wont go bright enough. I know on a lot of PC CRTs there is a solenoid you can turn up the brightness on when the default settings dont go far enough. I dont know how to do that on this TV. A few months ago doing internet searches for how-to on this TV have yielded pay-for tech help but nothing 'out-there' do it yourself without money being involved. I just need the bright turned up a little. And there is no obvious way to do it by looking at the back of the TV. I think I even took the back off about a year ago and checked things out. Can't be sure. Anyways, can anyone give me a heads up on this situation? Thanks.

[SpywareDr]

Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Computer and Video Monitors:

• Dark Picture
  
  
• Brightening an old CRT

More: http://www.google.com/webhp?complete...w=1272&bih=989

[A31Chris]

Thanks for that. This is a CRT TV though and while I'm sure its probably pretty similiar it shouldnt be near the end of its useful life yet. Its not that old. Thanks tho!

[fink]

One thing to be aware of is that older crt televisions can be a shock hazard even when unplugged. There can be a large, old style capacitor inside that will retain a charge for some time and touching the terminals can be very unpleasant.


http://www.electronicrepairguide.com...discharge.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_12211167_dis...-color-tv.html

[SpywareDr]

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screens were used in both TVs and Monitors.