Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - no picture

My Panasonic Color TV, model CT-27G22, has no picture. I was feeding my VCR into the TV so I could record and using two remotes. I think I just pressed the wrong buttons on my remote (glasses off) and *poof* no picture. I have tried pushing button combinations and, while I didn't fix the problem, I compounded it temporarily by also losing the sound. As far as I am concerned, I now have a really big radio. I would normally consider a black screen as a feature because it's distracting for the cable music stations. I have since disconnected my stereo, vcr, headphones from the TV, only the cable feed is left. I have tried unplugging the TV (the cable and phone people recommend this for various problems), but only for 20 minutes. When I turn the set off, I do see the white line in the middle of the screen.

The manual troubleshoot chart doesn't have my exact symtoms, but for black picture, no sound, they suggest that the receiver is in video mode with no signal, but I can find no explanation of what that is.

Can this TV be saved?

Sounds more like you changed the input selection, ie) changed it from rf-coax (or ANT IN) to s-video or composite video. The manual wording suggests this too. I tried to find your set but couldn't find anyhting other than a few parts and replacement remotes. What types of inputs does this tv have?

Thank you for taking time on Thanksgiving to answer. We have 5 TVs so I was able to cheer the Broncos on (I live in Denver).

I removed all the feeds after the screen went black--trying to isolate the problem. The manual isn't a great help; it is more interested in describing the features of the remote, not how to get out of trouble. Now I have removed the cable feed--hoping to see snow--but no luck. I do see a tiny blob of light in the lower right corner when I turn it on.

Another site recommended unplugging the tv for 4 hours, then turning it on, and whacking it real good on the side. I would further recommend doing that ALONE as it's very hard to explain.

I am pretty sure now that it was just coincidence that I was pushing buttons on the remote and had no picture. It did give 8 years of service, which is pretty good these days, I suppose. Would you say that's about right? Or should I call a shop?

Thanks again,
Susan

Thats a tough call. It's probably worth $40 to find out what the problem is and get an estimate on fixing it. While its in the shop, do a little shopping and see what a new tv will cost.

Pretty sound advice. Thanks for being there. I wonder if my Dad missed his dad the way I do.
/Susan

Count on it!