Panasonic CT20SL14J television has a locked channel. Access code was changed by my son to a code he no longer recalls. Anyone know how to reset without calling a panasonic technician? Much thanks. Howardohio
Well, you could try holding them down for several seconds with it on, and then try holding them down for several seconds with it off. You could also try pressing the action button first when you hold them down, and then try pressing the power button first when you hold them down. If none of those ideas help, sorry.
Yes it does. The problem is that the "access code" was hacked by my kids and they subsequently forgot the replacement code they entered. Thanks Matt. - Howard
Panasonic has the manual for your TV available on-line. From what I can tell, this is not a V-Chip issue, which is why the V-Chip reset isn't working. Panasonic has built additional "lock" features into the TV. The "lock" password can be different from you V-Chip password if you wish it to be.
It seems silly, but even according to your manual, you'll need to contact an authorized servicer if you lose/forget the code to a lock that is set to "always". I find it strange that Panasonic did not build in a more user-friendly override for this. It's rather foolish in my opinion.
You may have to pony up this time and call Panasonic. They may be able to walk you through a process over the phone. If so, write the procedure down as you perform the steps, that way you can refer to it later if this happens again. You can also submit that information to the TechLore Community, so it's available to you and anyone else who may need it.
If a service man is required to come out, keep an eye on what he does and let us know. There will undoubtedly be a charge for this, but if you're a smooth talker you may be able to convince Panasonic that this is a design defect and have them pay for it this time. It's unlikely, but anything is possible.
Chris57 had it right. The web site does give the directions but they are a little vague. On the SET not the remote hold down the power button and the action button while the set is on for about 10 seconds. A "self check" message appears in the upper corner. Hit the power button to turn off the set. Then hit the power button again to turn on the set. The access code will be erased and ready fro re-entry. Thanks to all at techlore. - Howardohio
Chris57 had the right method for unlocking the parental lock. Hold down the Action button first, then while still holding it down, press and hold the Power button. Hold them both down until the Self Check menu appears on the tv screen then release the two buttons and hit the power button to shut off the tv. When you turn the tv back on, go into the setup menu, go to locks and put in your new code. Thanks Chris57!
Try the info here: http://vchip.atspace.com
Thanks, but it did not reset. I'm not sure what the "standby mode" is or how to get into it.- Howardohio
Well, you could try holding them down for several seconds with it on, and then try holding them down for several seconds with it off. You could also try pressing the action button first when you hold them down, and then try pressing the power button first when you hold them down. If none of those ideas help, sorry.
When you are on this locked channel, does the TV display the message "LOCKED" in the upper-left corner of the TV?
Yes it does. The problem is that the "access code" was hacked by my kids and they subsequently forgot the replacement code they entered. Thanks Matt. - Howard
Panasonic has the manual for your TV available on-line. From what I can tell, this is not a V-Chip issue, which is why the V-Chip reset isn't working. Panasonic has built additional "lock" features into the TV. The "lock" password can be different from you V-Chip password if you wish it to be.
It seems silly, but even according to your manual, you'll need to contact an authorized servicer if you lose/forget the code to a lock that is set to "always". I find it strange that Panasonic did not build in a more user-friendly override for this. It's rather foolish in my opinion.
You may have to pony up this time and call Panasonic. They may be able to walk you through a process over the phone. If so, write the procedure down as you perform the steps, that way you can refer to it later if this happens again. You can also submit that information to the TechLore Community, so it's available to you and anyone else who may need it.
If a service man is required to come out, keep an eye on what he does and let us know. There will undoubtedly be a charge for this, but if you're a smooth talker you may be able to convince Panasonic that this is a design defect and have them pay for it this time. It's unlikely, but anything is possible.
Chris57 had it right. The web site does give the directions but they are a little vague.
On the SET not the remote hold down the power button and the action button while the set is on for about 10 seconds. A "self check" message appears in the upper corner. Hit the power button to turn off the set. Then hit the power button again to turn on the set. The access code will be erased and ready fro re-entry. Thanks to all at techlore. - Howardohio
That's great that you got it working. Way to go Chris57 for helping a fellow TechLore member. That's what this community is all about!
And thanks to howardohio for posting the steps that will help everyone else with this issue.
Chris57 had the right method for unlocking the parental lock. Hold down the Action button first, then while still holding it down, press and hold the Power button. Hold them both down until the Self Check menu appears on the tv screen then release the two buttons and hit the power button to shut off the tv. When you turn the tv back on, go into the setup menu, go to locks and put in your new code. Thanks Chris57!