CRT TVs with "Service Remotes" to get to service menu hack

[MarkOZLAD]

I had two CRT TVs that I was working on that the service manuals said required special "Service Remotes" in order to get into their service menus.

One was a TEAC CT-M5122H and the other was an NEC Croma Vision PF51V21.

The "service remotes" for these TVs probably not even available anymore and one spares site had them listed at $AUD84 but even they couldn't find one. So they're expensive or unobtainable or both! I did notice that this website was listing the service remote and the replacement remote at the exact same price. This got me thinking. I remembered a video I saw a while back where a guy found extra hidden remote buttons...

Long story short, for the NEC I broke open the remote and noticed that there was a button that was hidden by the remote fascia. I pressed the button and voila the "Test" label appeared and I got access to the service menu. Drilling out the hole in the fascia was easy and now I have access to the service menu! (i use a screwdriver or pen to press it)



For the TEAC I opened it up but then I noticed there were two small holes already in the fascia. Turns out you could stick a paper clip into them and get access to the Service Menu and Hotel lock.




I know I'm not the first to do something like this but I thought I'd document it here in hopes it helps someone else.

[mvsfan]

All the manufactures should have done this. Sonys are kinda ridiculous to get to the service menu.

[buttersoft]

All the manufactures should have done this. Sonys are kinda ridiculous to get to the service menu.

I actually prefer it when sets used a combination of common remote buttons + button pushes on the TV. I have a few sets without remotes, and trying to use a phone app or similar to get SM access is impossible if special buttons are needed.

[MarkOZLAD]

I actually prefer it when sets used a combination of common remote buttons + button pushes on the TV. I have a few sets without remotes, and trying to use a phone app or similar to get SM access is impossible if special buttons are needed.

I tend to agree.

I was spewing when I found that the NEC (supposedly) needed a service remote. Universal remotes just don't get you into the service menus for these TVs. Was so relieved when this simple trick worked.

[austin532]

I had the same discovery with mine as well. Two hidden buttons inside. Unfortunately neither of them bring up a service menu. One adjust the horizontal position of the user menu and the other turns factory mode on or off. Pressing 4 and 5 together brings up a weird stereo adjustment. That's the furthest I've got.