FAQ for Owners: Mitsubishi LT-46131, LT-46231, LT-37131, LT-37132

Where are the Manuals?

Mitsubishi LT-46131 and LT-37131: Mitsubishi.com or CarltonBale.com

Mitsubishi LT-46231 and LT-37132: Mitsubishi.com or CarltonBale.com

What are the differences between the two sets LT-46131 and the LT-46231?
The LT-46-231 has the following features that the LT-46131 does not have:

  • Piano Black (shiny black) front bezel and speaker grill (instead of silver)
  • PerfectTint (additional tint control)
  • an extra component input (3 instead of 2)
  • TV Guide Onscreen
  • NetCommand unified learning remote
  • Fully- (instead of partially-) illuminated main remote
  • Second remote (simplified–17 buttons instead of 45)
  • IR output jacks for hooking IR repeaters up to external (hidden) components

What are the Settings for Best Performance? (use a calibration disk, your own eyes, and start here)

Cinema-like

Medium

Bright & Dynamic
Backlight

30

43

52
Contrast

61

51

55
Brightness

33

30

31
Color

37

26

31
Tint

23

31

31
Sharpness

15

25

36
Color Temp

Low

High

High
Picture Mode

Natural

Brilliant

Brilliant
Deep Field Image

Off

On

?
Sharp Edge

Off

On

?
Video Noise

Low

Low

Low
Perfect Color
Magenta

30

31

31
Red

28

31

31
Yellow

29

31

31
Green

30

22

22
Cyan

32

35

35
Blue

28

28

28
Perfect Tint (LT-46231 only)
Mag

31
Red

31
Yellow

31
Green

31
Cyan

31
Blue

31

Possible Service Menu codes (use at your own risk!!)

TV Reset

  • To reset all customer settings.
  • Press MENU-1-2-3-ENTER
  • All customer settings except V-Chip are reset.

Initialize – User Level

  • To reset all consumer adjusted settings and memories to the original factory defaults.
  • Press FORMAT and INPUT buttons on the front control panel at the same time.
  • All memories and settings outlined in the Owner’s Guide will need to be set again.

Initialize – Service Level

  • To reset all consumer adjusted settings and memories to the original factory defaults.
  • MENU + 2470
  • Highlight INITIALIZE and press ENTER
  • All memories and settings outlined in the Owner’s Guide will need to be set again. Also erases V-Chip password.

Factory Restore

  • To recover from data/adjustment errors in the ISF menu.
  • MENU + 2457 + 0
  • Highlight RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULTS and press ENTER
  • All service, user, and ISF data is set back to factory defaults.

How do I get the fault codes to flash out if my TV is experiencing a problem?

  • Press the MENU & INPUT buttons on the front panel. This should make the power light flash a certain number of times, in a unique sequence for each fault condition. A Mitsubishi technician can use this code to troubleshoot the fault.

Are there Discrete Power / Input Remote Control Codes from the Stock Remote?

  • To enable Discrete mode:
    • Set the remote control switch to TV mode
    • Press and hold the power button until it flashes
    • Press “0” – wait for two flashes of the power button
    • Press “0090” – wait for two flashes of the power button
  • The remote is now set up in direct input selection mode.
  • Power turns things on. Stop (on the VCR section) turns it off.
  • Press “Input” and then either a Number or one of the function keys – each combination matches up with a particular input.
  • Press “Format” and then a number from 1-7 – depending on which input you’re on and what type of signal, you’ll go directly to the selected format (aspect ratio.) The numbers match up with the order of the formats as described in the manual.
  • To disable Discrete mode:
    • Set the remote control switch to TV mode
    • Press and hold the power button until it flashes
    • Press “0” – wait for two flashes of the power button
    • Press “0935” – wait for two flashes of the power button


How can I contact Mitsubishi Tech Support – direct Irvine, CA USA (not first-tier overseas support)?

  • Phone: 949-465-6000
  • It’s the headquarter office
  • Hours are M-F 8-5 PST with lunch off 12-1

MITSUBISHI DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. (MDEA)
9351 Jeronimo Rd.
Irvine, CA 92618
www.mitsubishi-tv.com
[email protected]
[email protected]

MDEA SERVICE REFERRALS
800-332-2119

MDEA WARRANTY DEPARTMENT
800-888-8245
949-465-6323 fax

MDEA PARTS DEPARTMENT
800-553-7278
800-825-6655 fax

Owners Manuals (all models)
http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/18344/OwnersGuides.html?mid=89866

MDEA CONSUMER RELATIONS
800-332-2119
Mitsubishi provides service through a network of independent service centers and self-servicing dealers. Repair support and online service and training literature is available only to authorized service centers or service centers who subscribe to their service site for an annual fee. Mitsubishi does not sell parts through distributors. Service manuals are available through the parts department. Some may be found online through unauthorized sources such as
http://www.schematicsforfree.com/archive/dir/Video/Products

How do I Connect at PC using DVI and get the Correct Video Mode?

  • For anyone that is using the 46-131 connected via DVI to a Windows PC, I have an update on the changing screen resolution problem that occurs after switching from a HDMI source to DVI. I have been able to get the PC to display on the 1080P setting correctly using the following sequence:
  1. Tune to a 1080I channel (assuming you are using a STB like me) while using the HMDI input
  2. Now, switch from your HDMI input to your DVI input
  • If I do this, the PC displays in the correct 1080P mode.
  • If I have my STB tuned to a non-HDTV channel in 480I and I switch to DVI, the PC displays using the wrong mode.
  • I have a S2 Tivo (480) and the new TiVo HD (1080) both coming through HDMI to the TV. If the receiver is set to the old one, the DVI PC screen switch will be scaled wrong, if on the THD, switches perfectly. This happens whether I am switching from the HDMI directly, or from the OTA Antenna, while the S2 is on the HDMI feed.
  • I would like to point out there is an extra setting under the display adjustments menu when receiving a PC signal. In addition to cycling through the standard color and contrast settings, a new setting called “auto adjust” appears. When I clicked this, all the overscan issues on my Vista desktop disappeared. I have a Lenovo T60 with an ATI Radeon if that helps anyone.

How do I connect an analog (VGA) cable to the TV?

  • These models have a DVI-I input that can accept both analog and digital computer signals. If you want to connect an analog signal, you’ll need to purchase a 15-pin VGA to DVI-I adapter plug.
  • If your television is a 46231 or 37132, you should go to an input other than the PC input then enter the NetCommand menu. On the righthand side of that will be a field labeled “PC/DVI Input” — use the right arrow to get over to it and the up/down arrows to change the value to “Analog”. If the current input is PC the field will be greyed out and you won’t be able to modify it.
  • If your television is a 46131 or 37131, I’m not sure what menu that field will be on, but almost certainly you will not be able to change the value while the input is set to PC.
  • The maximum resolution using VGA to connect to the DVI-I port is 1366 x 768. Using DVI from the computer to the DVI-I port gives the full 1920×1080 resolution.

What is that Cricket Sound (power supply buzz) that comes out of the TV when it’s turned on?

  • A very few owners have reported a “cricket sound” when they turn their TV on. This is apparently only an issue with a limited number of the very first units produced. The sound is produced by the power supply and is a known issue for Mitsubishi. You can either have a technician come to your house and replace the power supply under warranty or, if it is within the first 30 or so days of purchase, you can exchange the set at the place of purchase for a replacement.

What is “The White Line”?

  • The “white line” is a 1- or 2-pixel wide line that can sometimes appear along the top or along the sides of the picture. The line is not white but rather just a little bit lighter than the rest of the picture. It is not a problem with the LCD panel but rather a result of the image processing. It can occur on the edge of letterboxed video (which is not on the edge of screen).
  • The line is generally unnoticeable from a few feet away and most owners do not feel it is an issue. Mitsubishi LCD TVs are not the only display devices to have this issue (I’ve noticed it on my Sony projector as well.)

Where can I discuss this TV with other owners?

Do I need a Cable Card to tune-in HD stations from my local cable provider?

  • You probably do not need a Cable Card for local HD stations. These Mitsubishi LCDs have a built-in tuner for digital cable. FCC regulations require that all local network stations be unencrypted when re-transmitted by a cable operator. So the turner in these displays can display the digital cable HD stations. With Comcast Basic Package in Indy, I get all of the local HD stations plus a few music-only stations. Now, if you want a non-network station such as HBO, you’ll need to get a cable card as HBO would be encrypted by the cable provider.

Can the FireWire (IEEE 1394) Port be used to as a source for an external recorder?

  • Yes, it can be used to send unencrypted Transport Streams to an external recorder.
  • It can only record unencrypted programs from the RF inputs (antenna or cable tuner inputs), not from encrypted CableCard channels (with the Copy Never flag enabled.)
  • The TV can be programmed to tune in to a specific station and start the recording automatically over FireWire.
  • It works very well with a FireWire D-VHS HD Video recorder to record the Transport Streams.
  • It works with external FireWire hard drives — but not just any drive with a FireWire port. It has to be a special drive enclosure that supports the AVC over FireWire protocol. Examples of these drive include:RCA 2160, Toshiba Symbio, CinemaVu.
  • It can be connected to a computer running the Vividlogic DTVR software. This allows the computer to record from the TV and the TV to play recorded shows back from the computer.
  • The external recorder records whatever is on screen, so if you enable a picture-in-picture display, that will be recorded.

Does the TV have to be Powered ON for shows to be recorded by an external device?

  • No, it doesn’t, but it does have to be in stand-by mode. In the TV settings menu, there are two options for the Power-Off state: Low Power (everything turned off) and Standby (just the screen is off, tuners, etc. are still on.) I don’t use any external FireWire recorders, so I use the Low Power option.

What is Stretch Plus?

  • 480 Stretch Plus lets the user adjust the screen up and down using the arrow keys on the remote so you center the picture with more detail than stretch. I love this feature.

Where can I purchase a service manual?

Why can’t I get TVGOS TV Guide Data after the Digital Transition

  • This guide data was originally provided over analog broadcast stations only. I called Mitsubishi Support (I have an LT-46231)they said there was a new firmware/software upgrade and send a thumb drive with instructions. The version I have after install the new F/W is VLP33 008.32. My TVGOS also now works using OTA digital.
2014-05-27

70 Comments

  1. Andy – I had the exact same problem with my 46″ last month – we tried 4 cable cards – Suddenlink Cable said it was the Mitsubishi television – Circuit City said they would order me a new television and change it out for free, then they changed their mind and said the problem was with the cable card. I got tired of arguing with both sides for 2 weeks and just went with the cable box – of course, one of the main reasons I went with the Mitsubishi was for the cable card feature – now, I have to rebuild my mantle to allow for the cable box. 🙁

  2. I too have a LT-37131 that randomly shuts off. I have no cable card and have had a repair man out twice, but he doesn’t really attempt anything, just toys with the remote and settings. I have had it at my apartment and now a house (two completely different power sources) and experienced the problem in both places. The problem has significantly lessend overtime but still occurs.

    HELP ME TOO.

    1. A friend gave me a 2006)lt37131 it. shuts off buttons on front don’t work it plays girl games but just said it had a time and to enter pass code to stay on I have no remote does it have a fan it mine don’tso ibput it on stand onbfloorwith tan behind it it quit shutting down until this time limit crap with pass code how am ibsupposer tobenter it with no remote and no buttons working lolulll

  3. October 2006, I bought the LT-37132, until 2 weeks ago the TV was perfect. Then the TV shut off, blue LED flash then I was able to power back up. From day 1 I am using a surge protector. The problem is getting worse, the TV shuts down more often and today it shut down 3 times. The third time the blue LED did not flash, it just stayed off, unable to turn on TV. About 1 hour later the blue LED came back on. It seems like something in the TV is overheating and causing the TV to shut down. My TV is a little 1 year old, is this covered under warranty ? is there a recall ? is this a known problem ? did anyone have this fixed ? if so, what was the problem and how much did this cost ?

    Please Help !!!!!

  4. Rob/Ryan,
    What ended up happening with your TV that was randomly shitting off? Mine is in the repair shop and they cannot figure out what is going on with it.

    1. We would really like to have our Mitsubishi
      LT 46131 wall mounted. How can we get rid of the stand

      1. Author

        The TV has a standard VESA mounting pattern on the back. Any Universal TV Wall Mount should work. Just measure the distance between the mounting screw holes on the back of the TV to make sure you get the correct size mount. This one SHOULD work, but make sure measure first: https://amzn.to/3B06tU7ds

  5. Matt, Yes my TV just randomly shuts off. My TV sits in a cabinet, however the back of the cabinet is open, good ventalation. I heard that the back of the inside of the TV collects a lot of dust. The dust might cause the TV components to heats up causing the TV to shut down. I did not want to take the TV into the shop because the problem is so random and pay $100 for a No Trouble Found. If you or anyone has a fix please post it.

    Thanks

  6. Matt, I have not done anything about it yet. It is a rare occurance, once a week or less. I will likely be talking to mitsubishi soon. Let me know if the repair shop finds anything.

  7. All,
    Last weekend I moved my TV within the same cabinet while it was off. In fact, the TV was off at least 1 hr prior before moving the TV (TV was cold). After repositioning the TV I then turned it on, it did not turn on. I moved the power cord going into the base of the set, after moving the cable around, the TV started to work. I think my problem is the power cord going into the bottom of the base of the TV is loose or not making a good electrical contact. If the TV goes out again I will move the power cord around or else take the cover off the back of the TV to see if there is a visual loose connection.

  8. We have a Mitsu LT-46231. Moved it to a different spot in the house. There are 2 HDMI inputs on the back of the TV. One works now and the other doesn’t. I can’t get any response to inputting the 2nd HDMI cable. Tried a reset and nothing worked. We are running Satellite HD-DVR into one input and trying to hook a Panasonic DVR into the other. DVR is not displaying picture. Sound WAS working but now the input is totally unresponsive. Any help? Thanks!

  9. I’ve had to remove many of these models that have been installed for people. There is an obvious defect but I don’t think they are going to admit it. I would returns these back to the place where you bought it if you’re having problems with it.

  10. I’ve owned a LT-37131 for 2 years now, and this random shut off problem described here has occurred every few months, but only on one particular free-over-the-air channel. And then, about a week ago, it started to happen all the time… but still only on this one particular channel. The curious thing is that it occurs both from the Antenna *AND* from the Clear QAM cable signal.

    Because it’s occurring repeatedly only on one channel, and on both signal sources (Antenna and Clear QAM Cable), I’m pretty sure it is not a power supply problem. It feels very much like a software glitch having something to do with a variation of a particular broadcast signal.

    Does that make sense? Seems like a crazy theory, but there it is anyway.

    That said, is there a firmware upgrade for the LT-37131? If so, how do you apply it?

  12. I have a newer and slightly larger model, the LT-52244 Diamond. Would these settings be useful for my set? Any suggestions for the LT-52244 settings? Thanks in advance!

    1. These settings probably wouldn’t apply, but you could give them a try an see. These use different LCD panels and electronics, so other than the brand, they are not very similar.

  13. It may be a little late in the life of this product to try solving this problem, but I thought i’d give it a try…

    I’ve found that when I view SD programs from my TiVo S3 through my Mitsubishi LT-46231, the image is slightly stretched and cropped. I had posted details of this issue to the TiVo community forum:

    http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=424600&referrerid=171697

    but didn’t get any TiVo-specific replies that confirmed the problem. So maybe it’s a Mits issue?

    Things to note:
    – If I view the TiVO using the MIts “standard” format (stretching the image horizontally to fill the screen), the cropped content shows up (even though it’s stretched), so the TiVo appears to be putting the full picture out.
    – If I view an SD broadcast through the TiVo, and compare it to the same signal viewed directly on the Mits, the Mits view of the broadcast doesn’t exhibit the same cropping issue.

    So my questions to you are:
    – Would this be a problem with how the Mits handles external sources, or a TiVO problem?
    – If the former, is there a way to adjust how the Mits scales and crops SD content coming in through an external source?

    Thanks for any help you can offer.

    Cheers,
    Mitch

  14. I am having a problem with the input #3 not working on my TV. I am trying to connect a WII to it and it won’t work. Does the TV have to be set on something specific to get that input to work? Any help would be appreciated! Jennifer

  15. LT-37132 turns itself off after 2 hours and blue light flashes many times. Can turn back on after light stops flashing.

    1. Author

      You most likely have a failing power supply, but could be something else. It can be diagnosed and replaced by a TV repair technician.

  16. I am trying to get speakers for my aunts LT-46231. My uncle installed a sub before he passed. Will a sound bar work? what type of connections should I be looking for?

    1. Author

      Your best bet would be to use the RCA left/right connectors. Not sure that optical digital is possible.

  17. My LT-46231 sat through its warranty period unused in my dad’s bedroom before he decided he didn’t need it. I brought it home in new condition but it has had the shutting off randomly problem. Worse on one OTA station than others, but does it on all stations. Can restart after blue flashing most of the time. Occasionally have to reset to turn back on. It loses memory every time this happens (E.G., clock and previous channel data lost and goes to channel 2). Happens more frequently soon after turning on. Sometimes loses data after normally turning off. Have done nothing since no warranty. I see a lot of these posts are quite old, so hoping someone has come up with root of the problem. No power supply noise. Also can’t believe I read that a factory tech told someone that their LCD TV had a fan cooling a light bulb? My TV is in open air with a good power source (I am an electrician), and a good roof antenna with a good ground. Thank you for any reply you may offer.

    1. Author

      Les, it could be a power supply problem. Your best bet is to take it to a TV repair location to get an official diagnosis. However, it may be difficult to find spare parts, in which case, a new TV would be your best solution. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

    2. Any luck solving this issue. I am cutting the cord on cable and tried installing an OTA antenna. The 46231 seems to memorize the channels and the signal quality seem okay but after a minute or so freezes and the TV shuts itself off. Had no issue like this with cable, satellite or Apple TV or even DVD player. This TV has lasted going on 13 years. Would hate to ditch this TV over this issue. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

      1. Go to YouTube and type in Mitsubishi tv repair it will tell you how to repair it could save you throwing away a good tv . I replaced three capacitors for $2.00 . Tv has a defect and no recall for failing capacitors .

  18. Great tv for many years. After power disruption with tv on, the tv shut down. Now when pressing the power button the blue led lite flashes for a few minutes with an occassional click coming from behind the tv and nothing. Any thoughts?

    1. The problem originated outside the house…low voltage due to a severed neutral cable. Once that was repaired, the TV apparently has reset itself. Working great again. Hopefully I will be able to take it for granted a few more years!

  19. I have LT 46, THe green BLINKING lite blinks and no picture. Replaced all boards except the board that all cables are pluged into, its the one on the far right. Any help would be great,

  20. We have an LT-37132A that works beautifully. Everything functions. It had the best picture we ever had on a TV. Then a ‘bruise’ (not very technical, I know) appear in the top right quadrant. It gradually grew down and toward the center, sort of like a trail of molten lava.
    I know this TV is way out of today’s market, but is that a repairable issue? What could it be? It is the ONLY TV we every found that fits our built-in entertainment center. Now, a wall mount hangs awkwardly in front of that with a TV we got in time for the Superbowl hanging on it. I’d love to fix the Mitsubishi if at all possible.
    Thanks for any help!

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