Possible Tuner Problem?

Connect the cable to the coax connector on the back called Ant. Go to setup and probably tuner. Select cable. Scan for channels.

The manual for this TV can be found here. If you are watching broadcast television, or cable TV service that does NOT require use of a set top "cable box" tuner, you would connect the coax cable from the UHF / VHF antenna or cable into the ANT cable connector on the rear of the TV as shown on page 8 & 9 in the manual.

You would then tell the TV setup to scan for available channels as shown on page 12 of the manual.

If you are using a seperate tuner - like those supplied by Cable TV, Dish, DirectTV, Satellite, etc. you should use (1) the HDMI 1, 2 or 3 inputs (HD) 720P and up; (2) the RGB inputs of AV2 for best picture quality 720P or better (HD), (3 & 4) the AV1 & AV3 (on the side next to HDMI) for 480i and possibly 480P (SD) and finally the ANT connector for 480i. If you have a computer that offers VGA jack to connect to an external monitor, use the PC connector on th erear of the TV to send it HD images.

Page 27 & 28 detail manual channel editing.

Good luck!

If the tuner in the set is bad connect to component or even composite inputs on the rear of the set and bypass the tuner built into the set.

What are you using for signal and what makes you think the tuner in the set is bad?

http://www.ehow.com/how_4867953_connect-tv-using-vga-cable.html

You just can't. Not without an external receiver.

Your TV is simply missing a piece of hardware - it is called TUNER - that can understand the signal that runs through the cable (or an antenna) and decode it into simple video signal.

So the only solution is to buy an EXTERNAL TUNER device (also called external receiver or external set top TV box).

Those are rather cheap compared with what they used to be, but if you care for an advice from professional it is: sell your TV and use the revenue towards the purchase of a new one. All TVs currently in the mainstream sales channels have that thing built-in.

Some of the older models that you will find on Craigslist (like yours) do not.

it is usually not a problem for users with cable TV because most cable TV boxes also have a built-in tuner. If you are talking about how to connect your TV to your local cable company then the right thing to do is call your cable operator and tell them you want a newer receiver that outputs standard composite (one yellow one red one white) or component (green, blue, yellow and white and red) - if your TV has the later.

Hope this helps. If it does please rate accordingly.

Cheers,
www.coppelltvrepair.com

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/VIERA-Plasma-HDTVs/model.TH-50PZ80U
http://www.freeservicemanuals.net/user.asp?m=mariocardelli&page=4
Use these downloadable service manuals to troubleshoot your problem

You need to have your television tuner tested for faulty components. Your problem is caused by the components in you tuner overheating and losing functionality. The tuner need to be thoroughly test and repaired. You can reach Panasonic customer support at this telephone number. 1-888-843-9788. They should be able to tell you what the problem is and where to take it for repair. I hope this information helps you with your problem.

The tuner may be defective, or the reception is too poor for the set. A service tech who is qualified to work on your model of set can go out to your place with some field test equipment and verify the performance of the set for you.

The tuner and or IF modules, or main video processor module may be at fault. These modules can be replaced if necessary.

Before having a service call, read the instruction manual to make sure that all the user settings are correct to recieve programs from the tuner section. You can call the Panasonic tech support for assistance.

Jerry G.

You did not list which console you have and what type of cables it has.

Looks like your plasma has:
1 component
1 composite
1 VGA
1 S-Video

If this is an xbox360 or PS3 then you will want to use the component connection, but this one is already used by the cable tuner. Don't worry there is a solution. The xbox360 and ps3 output a higher resolution that your plasma can handle, so use the component with those systems.

If it is an older console, predating the xbox360, then use the composite or S-video connections.

Since you are short on video inputs, you might need a video switch. A switch with both component and S-video connections for future add-ons.

You can find them all over the web, or your local video store like walmart and best buy. Here is a switch i found on ebay that should work:
http://tinyurl.com/3aoev9

here is the ebay search i used:
http://tinyurl.com/2ograc

Make sure you buy extra cables, most of these boxes do not come with cables, so buy what you need.

I prefer video switches that don't require a power outlet, but it's your choice. Some of the powered switches, have remotes for the lazy people, but I don't need anymore remotes on my table, keep that in mind.

Check the cable line thats attached to the bad set on another set side by side. If the other set still has no channels your going to need to trouble shoot or replace the tuner control bad and the tuner assy.