On Friday evening, I pressed Sat, and my 32" Avant VCR turned, degaussed and the sound came on, but a black picture.
Not no picture, as looking close up I could see the pxels.  Same on all video sources.
Masterlinked to PC2 in the kitchen, I can see all video sources on my PC.
I was away for Friday night, so switched it off at the mains.
This afternoon, I switched power on and pressed Sat. The curtains started to open, revealing a perfect picture behind, but before they completely opened, the picture went black again.  It's as iff the curtains are shut.
Any suggestions please, bearing in mind I am not tech savvy. All connections have been checked.
I am totally lost without my trusty Avant.

Andy T.

Andy, what does it do if you start it with [TV] ?

(Normally this should reveal a 'snow' picture if no aerial is connected).

And the sound etc stays on ?

Eeek ... lets hope its not another Avant tube dying :(

Just the same with any source including TV. Sound is perfect and all functions work.
Don't think it's the tube Neil, as for a second, I got a perfect picture.

Fingers crossed :)

Anybody?
Keith??

Is it waiting for the PIN?

It's a long shot but try switching off everything  connected to ML and then powering it all back up. If that doesn't work try unplugging everything from the Avant including the masterlink and see if that works on TV - if it doesn't then it has to be something in the TV, if it does work, try connecting everything back up one at a time to find the problem.

Agree. Sounds as if something is over riding the picture. The curtains, unlike those on the AV9000, are electronic though and I suppose this circuit might be faulty.

Well, i don't think so because Andy says the curtain opens, picture shows and than goes black..

@Andy: i'll just whisper it because it doesn't have to be, but i had the same problem with an Avant and indeed the tube was gone: changing the G2 brougth back a flickering, coloured picture.

I'm afraid you need a tech there to make sure this is the problem (Nobby ??)

Before you end up in tears: that doesn't have to be the end of it anymore, i've changed 2 tubes in Avants 32 curved for brand new LG/Phlips ones (same brand B&O usues from the same factory) with succes for a fair (non-B&O) price, there's a thread abt all of that here on the forum.

Andy - you have mail.

Andy,

I am sorry to hear that your AVANT has apparently failed.

Whilst most people focus on the tube in these type of situations because it is a common problem as you know, but based on what you have said so far, this may not be the case.

You gave an indication in your original posting where you used the word "pixel" but I guess you really mean't "raster". Even when you are viewing the curtains opening there is a screen raster. If there IS a raster you are seeing which you will need to re-check, then this means:-

• The EHT (Extra High Tension) transformer is working and there is the voltage at the anode of the tube, however it may not be the correct voltage. i.e. it could be low which would stop the display of a picture.
• Also the tube cathode drivers are working.

I would ask you to have a careful look again at the screen when you switch the TV on, in particular focus on if there is any differnence between the screen in the off mode vs. the on position. If you see any sign of a raster, it will be very very faint, then that will be positive.

No matter what the problem turns out to be, you will need an engineer to fix this for you and I have noted that Graham has indicated he has sent you an e-mail on the subject.

Peter :

Agree. Sounds as if something is over riding the picture. The curtains, unlike those on the AV9000, are electronic though and I suppose this circuit might be faulty.

jandyt,

in the hopes of a simple solution...

peter has an interesting comment... IIRC, you have a security camera plugged into the upper "camcorder" sockets on your avant. these sockets take precedence on startup, no??? have you tried starting up with it unplugged?

fingers crossed for you!

Thanks everyone for your concern.
Yes Keith, there is definately raster.
The e-mail I got, was from Dave at King Street, who has kindly offered me a 28" Avant VCR for nowt, to tide me over until I get my 32" fixed. Collecting it tomorrow.
I disconnected everything except the power cord and left it over night, to no avail.
Good memory Jeff! Yes that included the CCTV camera.

Are you going to get it fixed? Wouldn't it be better (cheaper too) to get a whole new avant RF?

Jandyt:

Yes Keith, there is definately raster.
The e-mail I got, was from Dave at King Street, who has kindly offered me a 28" Avant VCR for nowt, to tide me over until I get my 32" fixed. Collecting it tomorrow.

Well, given your feedback Andy I would suggest that the fault will be one of the following:-

• Whilst the basic functions of the tube appear to be functioning because you have a raster, one of the "control" grids (of the tube) or the drivers to them could have a fault.
• Power Supply HT (High Tension) supply to the video drivers could be low or missing.
• Fault on the Video processor which is not providing RGB signals to the tube cathodes.

You may decide that it is not worth fixing the AVANT and use it as an opportunity to purchase a newer version.

Have you tried giving it a whaloop? Here endeth my technical knowledge!

I have, strangely enough! Beo4 might leave some nasty marks though.