how to replace lcd screen on tv brands

Scratches or cracks on flat-screen TV screens, whether they’re LED, LCD, or Plasma, can often mean an expensive professional repair, replacement parts, or even a replacement TV, especially if they are a top-rated TV. But depending on the extent of the damage, there are a few DIY tricks that can salvage the situation. Knowing how to fix a broken TV screen can save you time and a lot of money, so it’s often worth a try to apply a little elbow grease to the problem.

These DIY flat-screen tv repair tricks generally won’t cost you much- or anything at all, and anyone can do them, regardless of how handy they may or may not be–they can even save you from high flat-screen tv repair costs. Or even better, they’ll save you from replacing a high-quality TV, like if you’ve invested in one of the best TVs for bright rooms.

Before you attempt any home repairs, there are some guidelines as far as what kind of screen damage can actually be fixed without a professional (or at all.) However, before you do any repairs, you should see if your warranty covers the repairs. This is especially true if you bought an extended warranty as you don’t want to waste your money.

Spiderweb cracks are small, shallow hairline cracks that don’t go all the way through the screen and are often fixable, especially since it usually means that damage hasn’t been done to the components underneath. Scratches- especially minor ones- are more often than not capable of being “erased” or faded so that they don’t affect your viewing experience.

In the case of how to fix a TV with no picture but sound, you should check the settings to ensure that they’re set correctly. If needed, reset them and see if it resolves the issue. If not, then you may need to check for loose or damaged cables. Additionally, you may want to check out how to fix a black screen on a TV. However, if you have a picture that isn’t clear and looks blocky, check out our page on troubleshooting TV pixelation problems. We can also help you troubleshoot your problem if you have been asking, why does my TV keep turning off?

As with any kind of screen damage on a flat-screen tv, not every spiderweb crack will be fixable at home, and major cracks, vertical lines, and horizontal lines will always mean a professional repair.

You’ll have to visit an authorized repair center for replacement screen purchase, entire board replacement, backlight repair, and not infrequently, the need to replace the entire TV unit if the cost of the flat-screen tv repair would be more than the original cost of the TV. One thing that you ought to keep in mind, however, is that you should consider screen size and tv weight. Additionally, if you are energy conscious, you should learn about the different screen technologies and how much power those TVs use.

A frequent but often minor issue with TV screens and computer monitors alike are “dead” pixels or pixels that seem to be stuck on one color or overly bright pixels. While this is sometimes an indication of irreversible physical damage, fairly often, it’s something that can be fixed quickly and easily and save you from flat-screen tv repair costs. First, you will want to make sure the issue is a dead pixel, you can do this by following our guide on how to fix a black spot on a tv screen.

If you don’t see results with this method, you could also try using software designed to “cycle” through colors rapidly to “wake up” pixels, some of which are available for free.

STAT: An extended warranty as opposed to a limited warranty can cost between 10 and 20 percent of the price of your TV but can save you from replacement and repair costs in case of major damage. An extended warranty can usually be purchased with the TV. (source)

STAT: Software updates to your Smart TV can be done at home by the user at no cost, while a repair shop will charge as much as $100 for performing such updates. (source)

Fine cracks or spiderweb cracks on flat-panel screens can often be repaired or “erased” using a few different DIY methods. First, you’ll need to determine if a repair is possible. Run a soft, clean, non-abrasive cloth over the screen gently- if you feel any broken glass or jagged or rough edges, the repair will probably not be possible, and you’ll likely have to replace the screen entirely. If not, try the following:

If the above fix doesn’t work or isn’t as effective as desired, you can purchase an LCD scratch repair kit as a backup method- these can be found at many vendors at an average cost of $20 to start. If the kit doesn’t work either, you may still be looking at a screen replacement and a call to a repair center. It is also important as sometimes your TV may not need fixing, but you just need to know how can I get internet on my tv. This is especially true if you are just facing issues with the internet connectivity of your smart TV. If none of these fixes work and you are in need of a new TV, you can check out our Samsung Q90R review to get started on your search. Alternatively, you can check out our guide on the best 55-inch TV to read about one of the most popular sized TVs currently available.

If it’s a hairline or spiderweb crack-one that doesn’t go all the way through the screen- you may be able to repair it yourself using a couple of DIY methods or by purchasing a kit online. If the damage is significant, it’s likely you’ll have to replace the screen entirely.

Hourly labor rates at TV repair shops can range from $60 to $125, including diagnostic fees, but further charges depend on the repair services needed, as well as the model and brand of the TV- many repairs can have an average cost of up to $350, not including labor costs. Work like port repair, replacement panels, power board, and power supply replacement, any major display issue, new lamp units, and other common issues can vary a great deal in cost depending on TV models- replacing an entire display panel on a small 1080p screen will be much cheaper than replacing one from a large 4K TV. An included limited warranty can sometimes help with these costs, however, though they don’t always cover labor costs.

Sometimes, yes- it depends on the extent of the damage. If the screen damage is minor, such as hairline cracks or scratches, DIY methods may work, but major cracks can often damage the plasma components underneath, making the repair cost higher than the original cost of the TV itself sometimes. Consulting a repair shop that does Plasma TV repair is a good idea if the damage seems major. Repair technicians can often diagnose panel replacement, motherboard replacement, power supply repair, inverter repair, and more over the phone.

Common issues that generally can’t be solved at home include inverter repair, power cord replacement, many LED TV repairs, replacement panels, a blank screen, replacing the power supply board, control board swapping, and lamp burnout. Diagnostics testing can often reveal other issues with your set that are related to the main issue.

Sadly yes totally agree . Unless you are fortunate to come across a replacement panel on Ebay or can source a similar tv with say faulty inverter,psu,main board,tcon, your best bet is buy new!

Hi, it"d be real helpful if you"d confirm the above idea which I get is that swapping screens is not likely unless they"re an exact match but what about circ boards? I have a Sony Bravia 40 LCD that my aunt cracked the screen. TV worked great for years till then. Found a Bravia 40 LCD on Craigs but not the exact model number. His TV has powering issue. I"m thinking of buying it for $40 and putting in my power board on his . I know 40 is cheap but it"ll take me a half day to do the swap as I"m not handy on my sole day off. You think I have a chance just swapping the boards? Thanks mucho, AL

Television (TV) is a telecommunication device used to transmit moving images. Televisions can display photos or videos in monochrome (black and white), or in color, and in either two or three dimensions. The term ‘television’ can refer to a television set or a television show. Televisions are commonly used for entertainment, advertising, news, and sports.

By 2013, almost 80 percent of the world’s households owned a television set. The first televisions were cathode ray tube (CRT) devices. CRT televisions contain potentially lethal high-voltage capacitors, significant amounts of lead, and glass-walled vacuum tubes that can break violently. Beginning in the late 1990s, CRT displays were replaced with more compact, energy-efficient flat-panel televisions with liquid-crystal displays (LCDs, both fluorescent-backlit and LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, and plasma displays. By the mid-2010s, most television manufacturers discontinued CRT, DLP, plasma, and fluorescent-backlit LCD televisions. OLED displays began to gradually replace LED displays in the 2020s. Some television manufacturers have announced that they will increasingly produce smart televisions with integrated Internet and Web 2.0 functions.

Standard television sets include multiple internal electronic circuits. These components include a tuner for receiving and decoding broadcast signals. A display device that does not include a tuner is commonly called a ‘television,’ but is correctly called a video monitor.

A television showing a blue, green, or black screen is most likely caused by a lack of signal. Make sure that your satellite or cable box is powered on and the television is set to the correct output by pressing ‘Input’ —> ‘Source’ —> ‘TV/Video’ on your remote control. Press the button to cycle through the input options until your TV gets a picture back. Also, check behind the TV for any loose connections, and re-plug anything that is not connected properly. If your television is still not receiving a signal, reset the cable box by unplugging it and plugging it back in. There may be an issue with your signal or the box itself, so try switching the connections to another device. If the picture works with another device, contact your provider for service for the box itself.

If you are seeing an actor’s mouth move but are not hearing the audio in sync, go into your television’s or cable box’s audio settings and adjust the “audio delay” to get the video and audio back in sync.

If you are hearing an echo with your television’s audio system, you most likely have a separate sound system like a soundbar or surround sound system that is playing sound while the television’s speakers are also playing audio. To prevent the echo, disable or mute the audio for your TV speakers and use only your external sound system, which is likely much higher quality than the TV’s built-in speakers.

If your television picture is cutting out, breaking up, or pixelating (looks like the picture is made up of many squares), the television may be receiving a weak signal. Ensure that all connections are tight by checking all of the connections from the wall to your cable box and from the cable box to the television. If you continue to experience pixelation problems, contact your cable or satellite provider.

If the television’s picture is squashed, stretched, or cropped, something is most likely wrong with the picture size settings (zoom, wide, aspect ratio, or picture). In many cases, the best setting is ‘Direct’ or ‘Just-Fit,’ which instructs the TV to show the video as it receives the signal. If you are using a DVD player or an old gaming system connected to the television, set the video to 4:3 (otherwise, the television will stretch the picture to the modern 16:9 ratio). If you are using a computer connected to the television, turn off Overscan to avoid strange cropping.

If the television screen has lines or looks cracked, pull up the TV menu. The television’s panel may need to be replaced if the lines run through the menu, or if the screen is cracked.

If the television will turn on from the remote but not from the cable box or satellite box, the box is not communicating with the TV properly. Turn the television box off and unplug it for at least 15 seconds before turning it back on again.

If your cable or satellite has frozen, it has most likely crashed like any other computer can. Try turning it off, unplugging it, waiting 15 seconds, and then turning it back on again to reboot the receiver. Crashes are often caused by overheating, so make sure not to cover the heat vents on the receiver.

Back in the day, when a TV broke, the immediate next thing to do was get it repaired. TVs were kept for what seemed like forever. Now we have more prevalent warranties to quickly replace defective TVs. We can also fit the bill of buying a new TV as well. Replacing a broken TV with a brand-new one is no longer a rarity as costs have come down.

You can repair your TV if it has a minor electrical issue and has readily available parts that cost less than a brand new TV. Replace the broken TV if you have been using it for years, it’s in its last phase and develops an issue, and/or you are just due for an upgrade.

Although costs have come down, TVs are still delicate, and constantly replacing them is not economically feasible. And since it’s one of the most frequently used electronic items in the majority of households, its chances of breaking are higher.

Generally, this issue requires expert attention. However, you may try disconnecting the power cable from the electrical unit and plugging it back in after a few minutes. This should work if the power connection problem was temporary or a simple power transmission issue. Call your technician if your TV still doesn’t respond.

If your TV sounds normal, but the screen is black, the backlighting system is probably at fault. A backlight issue is usually looked at by an expert. However, a black screen might also mean the LCD (liquid-crystal display) panel is at fault and may require a replacement.

An LCD replacement is usually required if the screen is entirely black. If some portions of the visuals are visible, it’s the backlight, which means you have hope or the LCD need not be replaced. The service professional will change the backlight inverter board instead.

If multiple vertical lines can be seen running across your TV screen, it might be a sign that the LCD panel is showing signs of aging, and it requires immediate replacement. Replacing the LCD is a major expense, and it’s usually recommended to buy a new TV instead of replacing the LCD.

Multiple lines radiating from a point on the display and seeming to spread each time you turn on the TV is an indication that something or someone has come in physical contact with your TV, causing the internal glass to break. This issue, too, cannot be repaired and will need a change of panel.

This is the opposite of the problem mentioned above. When the picture is visible, but the audio is amiss, one or multiple things could be the cause(s). Most people readily put the blame on the speakers, which is understandable. But before doing so, check if the TV’s sound is low or on mute.

If you have a surround sound system or receiver connected to your television, check whether that’s on. If it isn’t on, turn it on because your TV will not produce any sound if it is turned off.

If the sound issue is still there, chances are the circuit board has malfunctioned. If the board is fine, the speaker hardware might have developed problems.

A flickering screen is a common issue, particularly with TVs that have lived fully. This issue usually surfaces without any sign or warning, and when it does show up, it brings down the TV with it. Turning the TV on again, however, could temporarily restore the picture.

This screen-flickering problem can be attributed to the TV’s main processor board. In other words, the board could be communicating with the backlight system through the control line to turn off the TV. You may try fixing this issue yourself at home if you know what a jumper wire is and how shorting two pins works. If all this sounds alien, contact a professional.

To fix the problem, your serviceman would have to replace the processor board or LED strip. In either case, you may have to shell out a considerable sum of money.

This could be an issue with the aspect ratio of your TV, which can be easily fixed by heading to the settings section in your TV’s interface and restoring the aspect ratio to the original ratio. This is perhaps the most straightforward issue and corresponding fix of all the TV problems listed here. If you cannot access the settings of your TV, perusing your TV’s manual or seeking help online would help.

Such weird outlining around objects and people on the screen could be due to the TV’s sharpness levels being too high. To set things right, head to the menu option on your TV and reduce picture sharpness.

Another possible cause for this could be your TV using some edge-enhancement processing, which may not be needed on high-definition screens. If this processing is the issue, consult your manual to find a fix by accessing the television’s service menu.

If the screen has partially greyed out, inspect the input devices first. Switch off the television and disconnect it from a media device(s), if connected to any. Now check whether the issue persists. If it does, check if tweaking the picture settings remedies the problem. If not, do a system reset.

The system reset functionality may not be the same for all TVs. On Samsung TVs, for instance, head to “Support,” “Self-Diagnosis,” and then “Reset.” If this doesn’t help too, it’s quite likely your TV’s T-con board is broken, soldered incorrectly, or some connection inside your TV is damaged. Professional assistance is mandatory in such cases.

If the image flickers like a strobe light, inspect all the input equipment attached to the TV. If the input devices are fine, inspect the power supply next. Surges could cause such flickering and flashing. If needed, switch off the TV, disconnect it, and long-press or keep pressing the power button for around 15 seconds to initiate power cycling. Turn on your TV after a couple of minutes.

If these steps do not fix the flickering, there could be an issue with the bulb, LED, or backlight within your television. When the light has reached its final phase, a flicker is a tell-tale sign. Not to mention, this issue needs professional care too.

If your TV is not too old and has current-gen specs, and it is from a reputable brand such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and the likes, it’s worth reviewing the issues of the TV or letting a technician look at it.

Besides the age of the TV, the size is a clear indicator of how relevant and modern your TV is. If your TV is less than 32 inches (81.3 cm), such as a 24-inch (61 cm) TV, it’s likely to be from the archives since 24-inch TVs are a bit too small as per current TV screen size standards. The now-ubiquitous 40 (101.6 cm) and 55-inch (139.7 cm) flat-screen TVs were not doing the rounds less than a decade ago.

And if the TV is around 65-inch (165 cm) or even bigger, it’s not recommended to throw the TV out willy-nilly. If a TV is 45 inches (114 cm) or bigger and only a few years old, it warrants a professional inspection.

Not all old TVs with problems should head to the dumpster or the recycling center. If you’ve had a TV working without any issues for half a decade or more and it has only recently encountered problems, check if you could salvage it before giving up on it. Several older LED or LCD televisions have better build qualities than modern televisions and may last several years after repair.

If your LED or LCD TV makes clicking sounds repeatedly or won’t turn on, you can safely put the blame on your TV’s capacitor. Repairing your TV’s capacitor might sound complicated, especially if you’re a total noob, but it’s not that complex once you dig in and put in the effort to learn how it’s done.

Issues with your TV’s power supply are also something that can be repaired easily. Though a power supply problem is not as minor as the aforementioned capacitor issue, it still could be fixed by yourself if you’re willing to do some homework. Similarly, HDMI issues, audio problems, etc., can be fixed too.

If your TV is physically damaged, such as a crack in the panel, a warped or broken frame that’s hindering TV function, etc., it’s not worth trying to restore the TV to its original condition. You may not be able to fix a physically hampered TV in the first place completely.

Even if you manage to get the TV’s physical condition to be 90% of what it was before the damage happened, it may have some workability issues that won’t come to the fore right away.

A few months or a year down the line, a certain aspect(s) of the TV may start giving you trouble, and diagnosing the matter will help you get to the root of the problem, which would lie in the physical damage that happened a few months or a year ago.

If you live in an area or region where skilled and experienced TV technicians are not available, or if the likelihood of the ones available ripping you off or indulging in unethical business practices is greater, repairing your TV is not worth the money, time, and hassle.

Some shady TV repair shops may charge you a diagnostics fee or for a service call and then would never get back to you or only call back to let you know the components for your TV aren’t available anymore. For such futile service calls, you could be charged up to $100. For that price, you can buy a new TV instead, albeit modest.

One easy, effective way to ascertain if you’re dealing with a dependable technician is getting on the phone with them before doing business. Talk about the issues you’re facing with your TV and check what the technician has to say. Their response will give you a reasonably good idea about whether the technician knows his trade or not.

Ask the technician about what they have seen with your brand of TV, what to expect when diagnosing and fixing the problem, and other relevant questions to make you feel at ease.

If you want more basic information, ask about their credentials and experience. You can also visit their office or place of service in person. If TV technicians and similar tradespersons are accredited by the state or local governing bodies in your region, find out if the technician you’re considering for your job has any to their credit.

If you’ve set your eyes on the latest OLED or QLED TV that your favorite brand just released and you were looking for an excuse to upgrade to it from your existing TV, go ahead and buy the new TV. If the one you want is out of your price range, set a savings goal to figure out when you can buy one. Don’t do rent to own or make monthly payments to an intermediary. It’s sometimes good to make impulse buys, but never good to make stupid financial decisions.

Perhaps, you’ve recently renovated your house, and your decade-old TV is sticking out like a sore thumb in the grand scheme of things. Maybe the bezels are too thick; the screen is not big enough anymore; the tech built-in is outdated; it’s not “smart,”; etc. There could be multiple reasons why it just may not be worth it to repair your old TV.

In several scenarios, a TV not working properly may not be a fault inherent to the TV itself. For instance, it could be the power outlet or the TV’s power cable not plugged in properly. If the TV is acting up, switch it off, unplug it, and let it remain unplugged for a few minutes.

In most cases, this should fix any issues you may have been facing with your TV, and unplugging and plugging in your TV is not even technically “repairing” it. In other words, even some of the major TV issues could be due to a silly cause or an overlooked error. This happens more often than not. Working in the IT field, especially early on, I saw this type of thing more often than not.

In a few other instances, the remote or cable box/satellite receiver could be causing issues. The remote, for example, may not have been programmed well. If your TV turns on, but there is no sound or picture to boot, check your cable box. Try resetting your satellite receiver by unplugging it from its source and plugging it in again after a few minutes.

If your TV’s display goes bust and the television is out of warranty, it’s recommended you buy a new TV as display-changing expenses can be close to, on par, or even greater than the cost of a brand-new unit. Based on the display tech, the prices will vary.

A TV display panel is made of several thin screens. A film is applied to the outside of the panel to protect it from shattering. These panels are fragile and could get physically damaged easily. When damaged, these are almost impossible to put back together.

There are different types of TV panels, and based on the kind, what goes between the thin screens and protective film can vary. In LCD and LED TV panels, for instance, a liquid crystal is used. Plasma TVs use gas, and OLED TVs use organic molecules called emissive layers.

LCDs and LEDs are the two leading display technologies. Plasma TVs are almost obsolete, thanks to the popularity of LCDs. OLED panels are relatively new to the market and are gaining quite a bit of traction, thanks to their reputation for producing “pure blacks” and being power-efficient.

If you use your TVs for four to six hours a day, expect the screen to come good for at least a decade – irrespective of the display type. But there are multiple horror stories of TV displays going bad much earlier than the claimed timeframe.

Damaged TV screens cannot be repaired, as mentioned earlier. If your TV’s display has developed a hardware issue, it must be replaced. But replacing the TV display is a major repair job.

The multiple glass layers constituting a TV display consist of thin conductor layers, which transmit a signal to the actual pixels from the controller board. When a glass layer breaks, usually the front one, the signal cannot move to some of the pixels.

As a result, the damage could be just a portion of the screen, a single line or multiple lines, or the entire screen. Regardless of the kind of damage, the conductive traces cannot be restored even if the glass is fully repaired.

Also, to change the display or let the new display go in, all the TV components must be removed. Once the new display panel is installed, the rest of the elements, such as the boards, sensors, speakers, rear panel, etc. Not to mention, replacing the TV display is time-consuming and requires a skilled TV technician.

Because changing the TV display is expensive – at times more than the actual price of the TV – it’s not worth getting it replaced over buying a new unit altogether. A damaged screen is an issue even if your unit is on warranty. Generally, a damaged screen or any physical damage is not covered under warranty. Even the extended warranty you purchased won’t come to your rescue.

If you’ve bought accidental insurance, however, you might have some hope. For instance, Samsung Premium Care is a service plan that covers unexpected, unintentional, and/or sudden external damage to its TVs, which includes water damage.

Why is changing a display more expensive than a new TV, you may ask. That’s because putting back a brand-new display into an already used TV is not the same thing or process as fitting it in a factory or at the time of manufacturing.

Also, not every technician has the necessary skills to install a new screen into a used TV. And with the vast array of models and makes, most third-party service professionals are not too keen on upgrading their skills, especially with the standards changing regularly.

If you manage to find the right technician, your service costs will go through the roof. Add labor cost to the new panel’s price, and you have a hefty bill to foot.

Sending the TV to the manufacturer is an option, but it depends on where you live and the actual manufacturer itself. If you live in a relatively busy district and your TV is not by some obscure brand, a repair is possible. If otherwise, you’re not in luck.

You may consider selling your TV with a broken display for scrap or to someone who has the expertise and is willing to repair the unit and use it or resell it, or you may even trade in your TV for a brand new one with a retailer. Not all retailers, however, will be keen on placing any value on your broken TV. Even if they do, the trade-in price would be meager.

Unlike the tube TVs of yore, flat-screen televisions are not easy to fix. The thinner any tech gets, the more difficult it becomes to dig in and repair them. The tale with flat-screen TVs is similar.

Compared to CRT TVs, modern smart or non-smart TVs have fewer parts. In other words, they are highly integrated. Service technicians might carry out necessary power supply repairs or fix a particular switch. If the issue is any bigger, manufacturer-specific spare components will be needed, and procuring them can be difficult.

Modern TV manufacturers are aware of this and choose not to do anything about it because there is money to be made with their current strategy. In other words, modern electronics such as TVs are made to fail and discarded. Companies making these TVs have newer models to sell to you, and it just doesn’t make any business sense for them to help you keep your existing TV for longer.

Therefore, instead of producing a product that lasts decades, they make a product that is durable enough to live through its warranty period and then falter or give up the ghost altogether. In economics, this phenomenon is referred to as “planned obsolescence.”

Talking about display repair (again), many modern TVs are not backed by spare displays. Manufacturers know their consumers will not pay for a repair that costs more than the actual TV’s price. They, therefore, do not bother making extra panels. All the displays they make for a particular model go into an existing, brand-new TV.

TV prices, like prices of most consumer electronics goods, have been on the decline. Therefore, if a TV repair presents itself and the costs of setting it right are more than half the price of a brand-new TV, it’s recommended you nix the repair and buy a new one instead.

However, not all repairs are major or unrepairable. Some issues may not need expert attention. For example, if the unit is turning on and off on its own, the fault could be at its power source. Simply unplugging the television from its electrical outlet could remedy the situation.

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Someone with professional experience repairing electronics may be able to fix a TV screen themselves, but most people will want to call a professional.

While the average TV repair cost can range between $60 and $350, screen repairs are typically more expensive. According to Angi, TV screen repair costs run from $200 to $1,000. The wide span in pricing has to do with local labor costs, replacement parts, diagnostic and transportation fees, and the type of TV. Is it worth fixing a cracked TV screen? The cost to repair a television screen will often be more than the cost of buying a new TV, but it’s always good to get a repair quote since some screen problems can be fixed easily for a budget-friendly rate. If the TV is still under warranty, the screen may be a candidate for repair at a reduced price, although many television warranties do not cover damaged or cracked screens. Many people may decide it’s not worth it to pay more than 50 percent of the original cost of the television just to have it repaired and will look for the best TV deals on a new model.

Those who are interested in finding places that fix TVs can do an online search to find reputable television repair professionals in their area. This guide will examine the factors that influence TV screen repair cost, additional costs and considerations, the different types of TVs, and some frequently asked questions about TV screen repair cost.

How much does it cost to repair a TV screen? Cracked TV screen repair cost depends on a few important factors that can include the TV type, TV brand, local labor prices, and repair shop costs and fees.

The type of television that needs repair is one of the major factors that influence cost. Newer and more technologically advanced TVs will typically cost more to repair, although older television models may be expensive to repair since the parts are hard to find. Keep in mind that repairs or screen replacements on some types of TVs may not be possible. Some of the most common types of televisions include flat screen, LCD, LED, 4K, OLED, plasma, and smart TVs. Each type is discussed below.

Even TVs from the best TV brands may need repairs. Some people may decide to buy a specific brand of television because of the resolution, individual features, technology, or cost. The brand also directly influences repair rates because of specific problems that may be related to a manufacturer. Below are some of the most common brands of TVs found in homes and the average price range for repairs.TV BrandRepair Costs with Labor Included

Labor costs are usually a significant part of TV repair costs. Many TV repair businesses charge between $60 and $125 per hour, and some may charge a flat fee between $90 and $300, depending on the type of repair. If the repair work is completed within the home, a trip fee may be added to the total bill. For TVs that need to be taken into a repair shop but are too large to fit into a car, a transportation fee will commonly be added for the TV’s pickup, drop-off, and return. The average TV repair usually takes between 1 and 3 hours.

The best appliance repair services and television repair shops each have their own way of charging for repairs, transportation, and fees. Some may have a minimum charge, and others may price by repair only. Many TV repair techs will charge a fee to determine the repair issue, and some may waive the fee if the repair shop fixes the problems. Customers who live in rural areas may need to ship their television to a repair shop, which can cost from $99 to $175. Using a reputable delivery service that offers tracking and delivery confirmation is vital.

When budgeting for TV screen repair cost, customers may find that there are additional costs and considerations that can change the overall price. These can include a diagnostic fee, the difference in pricing between repair and replacement, at-home repair versus in-store repair, required additional repairs, and warranty coverage.

While some TV repair shops provide a free estimate of what needs to be repaired, others will charge a diagnostic fee. This fee can range from $40 to $85 or more, but some repair shops will waive the fee if they make the repairs. It’s recommended to get an estimate in writing and ask up front there is a diagnostic fee to avoid any surprise charges.

Repairing a cracked TV screen typically involves replacing the entire display panel. There are some flat-screen issues that can be repaired, so it’s always good to check with a repair professional to see if a screen can be repaired or if it’s a good candidate for a TV screen replacement. If a screen is severely cracked, chances are it cannot be repaired and it would make more financial sense to replace the TV instead of opting for a screen replacement. Most times, the cost of a TV screen replacement is more expensive than the cost of buying a new TV. When the time comes to replace a TV, it’s important to know how to properly dispose of an old television.

At-home TV repair typically costs more than in-store repairs. The pricing is more expensive due to the travel costs that are added to the bill. In-home repairs usually cost between $25 and $125 per hour for labor plus a trip fee. If the parts are readily available, many TV repairs take between 1 and 3 hours. If the TV requires additional repairs and needs to be transported to the repair shop, a transportation fee is commonly added to the total. Some repair companies will pick up and drop off the TV for no additional cost, so be sure to ask if there are additional charges for that service.

Sometimes a TV will need additional repairs for it to work properly. Below are some common television repairs and the average cost for each.Type of Television RepairAverage Price Including Labor

TV backlight repair cost.A TV backlight provides color and brightness by illuminating the display panel. Depending on the type of television, the backlight may be an LED light strip or CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) strips. The average price per LED light strip replacement part is $2.50 and between $20 and $25 per CCFL strip. If the CCFL strips are difficult to find, a TV repair technician can convert the backlight from CCFL to LED at the price of $12 to $30 per LED strip. If a new inverter is needed to run the LED light strips, it can cost between $7 and $74, not including labor. The average cost for TV backlight repair ranges from $100 to $150, and at-home repairs will cost more than in-store repairs due to the travel fees.

TV black screen repair cost.Black screen TV repair cost ranges from $100 to $200. If the TV picture fades to black, some common culprits are the control board, inverter, or malfunctioning backlights.

TV bulb replacement cost. TV bulb replacement can cost between $60 and $115, with the average cost at $84 including labor. The price for replacement bulbs can run from $18.50 to $80, depending on the type and brand of TV. Bulbs are used in older projection TVs or LCD TVs. They illuminate the display so the screen can show the picture. This is the most common type of repair if there is sound when the TV is on, but no picture.

TV HDMI port repair cost.HDMI port repair costs from $95 to $350. A common problem with an HDMI port is that it’s fallen out of position, but the circuit board that connects to the HDMI port could also be damaged. Circuit board repairs range from $200 to $350, including labor.

TV inverter repair cost.A TV inverter powers the backlight so a picture can be seen on the screen. It’s common for an inverter to be replaced rather than repaired and in some cases, the capacitors can be replaced when they fail instead of the entire inverter needing to be replaced. TV inverter repair can cost between $100 and $200, including parts and labor.

TV panel repair cost.The cost to repair a TV panel is between $200 and $400. Many times the panel cannot be repaired and the owner will have to buy a new TV. If the cost of repairs is comparable to the cost of buying a new TV, oftentimes the repair technician will recommend forgoing the repair and buying a new model.

TV power supply board repair cost.A TV power supply board is in charge of turning the TV on and off. These types of repairs can cost between $200 and $400, and depending on the size, type, and brand of TV, a repair tech may recommend buying a new TV instead of replacing the entire power supply board. There are instances where a repair professional can replace individual capacitors instead of replacing the power board, but it’s typically more cost-effective to replace the entire board instead of spending the time diagnosing which capacitor needs to be replaced.

TV speaker repair cost.Repairing the speakers on a TV runs from $75 to $250, depending on whether the speakers need to be rewired, replaced, or cleaned.

TV water damage repair cost. The cost to repair water damage runs from $150 to $400. If the damage is extensive, the TV will need to be replaced, but in some cases, a repair tech can take the TV apart, let it dry out, and replace any water-damaged components.

Before paying for TV screen repair, the customer will want to check to see if the TV is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, then see if screen repairs are covered. It’s common that warranties do not cover TV screen damage due to accidents, but extended warranties will sometimes cover defective parts or a malfunctioning screen. Purchasing an extended warranty typically costs between 10 and 20 percent of the original cost of the TV, and it will be void if a DIY repair is done on the TV.

The type of TV directly influences the cost of repairs. Newer and more advanced TVs are typically more expensive to repair, although there are times when the more technologically advanced TVs might not be able to be fixed. Below are the most common types of TV and the average prices for repairs.

The descriptor “flat-screen” refers to many different types of TVs, from smart TVs to 4K and LCD televisions. The term calls attention to the fact that the screen is flat instead of curved or convex as seen in older TV models. Replacement glass for flat screen TVs is typically not available since TV panels are manufactured as one unit.

LCD screen repair cost ranges from $60 to $400. LCD TVs use a liquid crystal display with backlights to display an image on the screen. Older LCD TVs may use CCFL backlighting. If the CCFL backlights fail, a repair technician may have a difficult time finding replacement parts, but they can replace them with LED backlighting. This type of TV is very popular, and these TVs come in a wide range of styles and sizes to fit any room. It’s common for the screen, backlights, and various other components to need repair over time.

LED TV repairs run from $60 to $475, depending on the scope of the repair. LED TVs are a type of LCD that utilize LED backlights to light up the liquid crystal display. These types of TVs are usually more energy efficient and produce more vibrant and colorful images on the screen. It’s common for the LED backlights to need repair or replacement over time. The cost to replace one LED backlight strip ranges from $100 to $125, including labor and parts.

A 4K TV has some of the most detailed images available on a TV due to the high screen resolution. Some 4K televisions employ OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) or LED. Since the screen cannot be repaired on this type of TV, 4K screen repair cost is not an issue; the entire unit will need to be replaced. The average cost of other repairs for a 4K television runs from $100 to $275. Some common repairs for a 4K TV include the inverter, control board, or LED backlight strips.

Repairs to an OLED TV run from $100 to $400. As the step above a standard LED TV, an OLED television has a higher contrast and blacker blacks on screen. OLED TVs are typically expensive to buy and to repair.

Some plasma TVs can be repaired, and it typically costs from $100 to $400 for repairs and between $40 and $85 for diagnostic testing. Plasma televisions are constructed of gas-filled pixels that light up with an electric current. While not as popular now as they were in the early 2000s, plasma TVs built between 2004 and 2009 are known as being more difficult to repair. Some repairs can be more expensive due to shipping and delivery of individual parts and local labor pricing.

Smart TVs connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network to download and run apps and various updates. While they are more technologically advanced than other types of TVs, they still have parts that break down and need repair. The average cost to repair a smart TV is between $100 and $400. The cost of smart TV screen repair depends on the specific problem and whether it can be fixed. Customers will want to keep in mind that the cost of some TV screen repairs far exceed the price of a new TV.

Repairing a television screen can cost between $200 and $1,000. If the TV is relatively new and there is a screen malfunction or defect, the warranty may cover repair, screen replacement, or even a new unit from the manufacturer. If the TV screen has been damaged due to neglect, an accident, or has water damage from flooding, chances are a warranty will not cover those issues. Some screen problems can be repaired for a reasonable price, but if the screen is cracked or severely damaged, it makes more financial sense to buy a new television instead of investing in an expensive repair. Below are some reasons to search out a professional television repair technician and have them take a look at the damaged TV screen.

The TV screen is one of the most expensive parts on a television to repair. If the screen is cracked, it makes more sense to replace the TV with a new model since the cost of repairs is typically more than the cost of a new TV. Since replacing a cracked screen with a new panel can cost upwards of $1,000 or more, the price for a comparable new model would usually be less than the price of repairs.

If the TV is turned on and there’s sound but no picture, some of the most common reasons would be burned-out LED or CCFL backlighting, a bad bulb, or the inverter needs to be replaced. The average cost to replace backlighting runs from $100 to $150, from $60 to $115 to replace a burned-out bulb, and between $100 and $200 for a new inverter, including parts and labor.

Relatively minor screen problems like color distortion or flashing pixels can sometimes be repaired, but keep in mind that some fixes aren’t possible, and the cost of repairs may be more than the cost of replacing the TV. Television screens are the most expensive part of the unit, and a repair technician may advise to replace the TV instead of spending between $100 and $400 for a repair. If the issues are due to a defect or malfunction, the warranty may cover the price of repairs.

While it might be tempting to fix a television issue as a DIY project, it’s often best to leave the repairs to a professional unless the TV’s owner has professional experience repairing electronics. If they are not comfortable with the repair process, it’s recommended for a customer to contact a reputable local repair shop to take a look at the TV and see if it can be repaired. Since there is always a risk of electrocution or damaging the television even more by improperly making repairs, it’s not a bad idea for a customer to call a pro to handle any TV screen issues. Customers will want to keep in mind that the television manufacturer’s warranty may be void if a DIY repair is attempted.

The cost of repairing home appliances or a damaged TV screen can be a budget-friendly alternative to buying a new television—unless the screen is cracked; then the price of repair would be more expensive than replacement. Below are some tips to save money on TV screen repair cost.Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from local reputable television repair shops in your area to find a price that works with your budget.

Check the warranty. Check the manufacturer’s warranty to see if TV screen issues are covered. If the screen display is malfunctioning or defective, you may qualify for a replacement.

Use the 50 percent rule.If the price of repairs totals 50 percent or more of the original cost of the TV or the price of a new model, it would make more financial sense to buy a new television with a good warranty.

Request to use salvaged parts. If the repair shop offers the option of using salvaged parts from other TVs, you can save money compared to buying new replacement parts.

Asking a television repair professional the right questions can help avoid miscommunication and save money. By asking the following questions, customers can better understand TV screen repair cost and the various steps of the process.Are you insured?

Repairing a broken or malfunctioning TV screen is a good way to save money, and many people have questions regarding televisions and the repair process. Below are some frequently asked questions about TVs and TV screen repair to help guide the decision-making process.

Yes, flat-screen TVs can be fixed, including issues with the screen. A flat-screen television typically can’t be repaired if the screen is cracked or severely damaged.

It’s not recommended to leave a TV on all night because of the risk of overheating. Overheating could cause damage to the internal components and the screen.

Some minor screen issues can usually be repaired, but since the screen is the most expensive part to repair, sometimes replacing the TV makes more financial sense. Some types of TVs have internal parts that can be damaged when a screen repair is attempted, so it’s recommended to have a professional repair tech handle any repairs.

No, turning the TV off does not shorten its life. It’s not recommended to leave the TV on all the time since it can cause overheating and damage to the internal parts.

The death knell of your television has to be a cracked or broken screen. Outside of a TV catching on fire, it signals the end of your television experience. Or does it? Can a broken tv screen be salvaged from an errant drop or a momentary rage from a video game?

The short answer is no. TV manufacturers such as Sony, Vizo, Samsung, LG, etc., do not sell screen replacements. Add in the fact there isn’t a secondary market for tv screens due to the cost. Replacing a broken or cracked screen would be more expensive than buying a new TV off the showroom floor at your local big box retailer or online.

Local electronic repair shops would turn you away as it’s not worth their time, and they should be looking out for you, the customer. If they say it can be done, I’d run away because the business model of replacing or fixing broken/cracked tv screens doesn’t exist.

And before you hit YouTube up for a DIY, take a note from the pros. If they aren’t willing to take your money, that should be a sign it isn’t salvageable.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is the fact a lot of the goods we buy, like televisions, come from a set number of factories. In the case of TV screens, that factory is most likely the BOE Technology factory located in Hefei, the capital city of China’s Anhui province.

To give you an idea of the scale of this factory, the assembly line is over a mile long, and the company counts Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony among its customer base. The cost of the factory? $7 billion USD for a line that produces one screen that passes QA out of every three off the line. And that’s for LCD panels. The process is even more complex if you include panels such as OLED and Mini LED.

Let’s say a company decides to offer replacement tv screens for breaks or cracks. If the screen costs $800 out of the total cost of $1000 for the tv, the labor alone would easily eclipse the purchase price of a new tv. Financially, it’s not a winner for the company or the consumer.

Maybe. It depends on what happened. If you tossed the remote at the screen, the answer is no. Most televisions have a one-year manufacturer warranty covering display issues, defects, etc. The warranty will spell out what will not be covered, including cosmetic damage (cracks and breaks), improper operation, user modifications, customer misuse, acts of god (weather), and repairs attempted by unauthorized repair centers.

Outside of manufacturing defects, if the screen has a break or a crack, you’re looking at buying a new tv. Probably not what you want to hear, but thankfully the price of TVs has come down quite a bit over the last few years.

Now that you’re stuck with a broken television, you’ll want to dispose of it. Before you start to eye the nearest dumpster, there are proper ways to dispose of electronics like a tv. First, you could sell it. While the screen isn’t salvageable, the rest of the components are, and repair shops will happily take it off your hands to break it down for parts.

You can list it on various marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Depending on your location, you can google electronic recycling for businesses that will purchase or pick up the item for free.

If that’s not an option, contact your local Public Works for the dates and drop off points for electronics. Each city offers days for the public to drop off used and broken electronics such as TVs for recycling. Best Buy also has a national recycling program for a small fee.

Buy a screen protector. With fixing the issue a non-starter, prevention is your best option. Like your phone, you can purchase screen protectors for TVs. Granted, these are designed for regular use. Don’t haul off and sling a fastball to test the durability. It will offer protection against everyday use. Retailers like Best Buy or Amazon will point you in the right direction for the brand of TV you own.

Mount your tv.Most breaks occur with the TV falling off its stand. With a wall-mounted tv, you remove that risk, and it has a sturdy anchor point. It won’t prevent everything, but you should be ok if you are golfing in your living room.

No video games.The horror. I’d go with the first two options, and maybe some anger management from those rage quits. Why else are you getting the 4K television if not to kick back and game a bit?

The above is probably not what you wanted to hear unless you have your eye on that new OLED and accidentally threw an elbow at your ancient TV on purpose. Screen repair options are nonexistent, and if you get lucky, the cost will outstrip the price of a new television.

Make sure you dispose of the broken tv correctly and opt for some prevention like a screen protector and a solid wall mount. Those two items should prevent most potential issues leading to a cracked screen unless you are practicing your WWE moves, so go forth and enjoy yourself.

Unfortunately, in most cases, you cannot fix a broken TV screen. TV manufacturers do not sell screen replacements, and there is no secondary market for used screens. That’s because the screen is the most expensive part of the TV, by far. Replacing it would cost more than buying a new TV!

In many cases, your local electronics or TV repair shop won’t even consider working on your broken TV screen. They know that it’s just not worth their time.

If you bought your TV recently, chances are incredibly high that it came from China. Specifically, the BOE Technology factory in Hefei, the capital of China’s Anhui Province.

The BOE factory, where most US TV screens are made today, is almost a mile long and cost about 7 BILLION dollars to build! Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc. all buy their TV screens from BOE.

“Liquid Crystal display screens are made by putting two thin sheets of glass together. On one of the sheets transistor “cells” formed by first depositing a layer of indium tin oxide (ITO), an unusual metal alloy that you can actually see through. That’s how you can get electrical signals to the middle of a screen.

Then you deposit a layer of silicon, followed by a process that builds millions of precisely shaped transistor parts. This patterning step is repeated to build up tiny little cells, one for each dot (known as a pixel) on the screen. Each step has to be precisely aligned to the previous one within a few microns. Remember, the average human hair is 40 microns in diameter.”

This is the number one reason your TV screen is so costly – they are incredibly challenging to build, and as a result there are only a few companies in the world that make them.

I’ve also heard that only 1 out of every 3 TV screens pass testing at the END of the manufacturing process. That means 2 out of every 3 screens made are worthless!

The screens are made in China and then have to be shipped across the world to be sold in the US. The cost to ship them is high, and a lot of damage can happen during the journey.

So the complexity, and shipping both contribute to the high cost of TV screens. It’s why no one sells the screen separately, it just doesn’t make financial sense.

If your TV screen has an imperfection, discoloration, lines, streaks, spots, etc., then there is a good chance that your warranty will cover it (if it’s within the allotted time period). Most TV warranties are in place for the first year, and they cover these types of manufacturer defects.

And the even better news here is thatthe majority of issues you’re likely to encounter with your TV will happen within the first year (when you’re covered by the manufacturer).

You can always try selling it. Your broken TV isn’t worth much, but to the right person, it’s worth something. Someone who knows what they are doing will take your TV apart, and sell off each individual piece.

Technically, you could do this yourself, but it’s time consuming and you risk damaging the parts. I wouldn’t bother. Instead, try listing the whole TV for sale. Getting something for a broken TV it is better than nothing.

If it turns out no one is willing to buy it, you can try listing it on those same marketplaces for free!Tons of people usually respond when they can get something for no cost, even if it’s broken.

Find a local electronics recycler. There are a lot of these out there. You can look up the closest one to you using Earth911’s website. Type in “TV” and then your Zip Code to find the nearest option to you. Once you find the closest location, you just have to drop off your TV.

Local electronics stores typically recycle products that they sell. A great example of this is Best Buy. They have a nationwide recycling program. But keep in mind, they will charge you a small fee!

Your town likely collects e-waste. Check out your town/cities trash website and see what their policies are for electronic waste. Some towns have special pick up days, others have drop off locations. I would just call your city’s public works department and ask for a place to recycle or dispose of old electronics.

Buy a TV screen protector. You can buy a screen that covers your TV and protects it against damage, and many are waterproof! These provide great added protection from possible bumps and contact with liquids from pets and children.

Mount your TV on the wall.This way your television is up off the ground, and out of reach. It won’t stop your kids from throwing a toy at it, but at least they can’t bump into it, or accidentally knock something, or someone into it.

Don’t allow video games. This might sound harsh (especially for the kids), but I’ve heard too many stories of Nintendo Wii controllers being accidentally thrown at the TV. If you don’t hook up a video game console to your TV, this can’t happen.

Most TV repair shops won’t even bother trying to fix a broken screen. In the end, between a screen replacement and the repair costs, you’d spend the same amount for a brand new TV!

If your TV is cracked or damage because of something you did, your warranty is unlikely to cover it. In that case, consider selling your broken TV or disposing of it.

TVs have been part of our lives for decades. But now and then, they break or need an upgrade. When a TV breaks beyond repair, it is only natural to replace it as soon as possible. But what to do with the old, broken TV? Putting it in a trash bin is not an option; it is even illegal in most places. Some TVs, mainly the ones with LCD screens, are hazardous to the environment. You must dispose of the old TV properly, and there are several ways to do it.

It doesn’t matter if the TV you’re trying to get rid of has a broken screen, dead pixels, fried circuit boards, or a dead motherboard. You can always do something with it, and some people would even want to buy it. So, here’s everything you can do with a broken TV that you can’t fix.

Sometimes even new TV sets break down, and the manufacturers would gladly replace them when still under warranty. Just note that cracked screens or visible dents and scratches will often disqualify your device for a warranty claim.

Some TV manufacturers will offer to repair your broken TV; if this is not possible, they will give you a new one. Most companies issue a one-year warranty, so check the date you purchased your TV.

If the manufacturer accepts your warranty claim and issues a new device, you should consider buying an extended warranty for your new TV. It will last you up to three years, but it will also have a more comprehensive coverage than the initial manufacturer warranty.

You can cover the costs of getting a new TV by selling your broken TV for cash. Then, think of buying a new smart TV with a Wi-Fi receiver that you can turn into an entertainment center.

But let’s be honest, selling old TVs is not as easy as it used to be. Especially the old, cathode-ray tube (CRT) ones. Even recycling these oldies is difficult as many recycling centers will not accept them. Those that would ask for a fee so they take it from your hands. But all this doesn’t mean it is impossible to sell old TVs. Many people still find a use for them. They either use them for parts or simply create something new and useful with DIY projects. You know what they say: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. So here are some places where you can try selling your old broken device.

Craigslist will allow you to sell your old broken tv locally and skip all the delivery expenses. If you are unsure what price to put for your listing, just check other ads for similar models.

Don’t forget to write an informative description of the TV you are selling. Include the brand, model, type of the screen, and any possible breaks and damages it might have. This way you will be contacted only by those buyers who want your tv.

eBay has over 180 million prospective shoppers, and it is a great place where you can find someone interested in buying a broken tv. eBay operates across the country, and you should expect delivery costs that will cut your earnings. You can avoid this by opting for local pick-up only.

Unlike Amazon, it is free to sell used items on eBay, but keep in mind you will have to pay a fee once your TV gets sold. Consider adding the fee into the initial asking price. That way, you won’t lose much of your earnings.

Facebook Marketplace is Facebook’s platform for selling and buying used and new stuff. You can find anything there, from pet equipment, real estate, and used electronics. It is easy to find people near you who need a broken TV for parts or their next art project.

Repair shops usually buy broken TVs that they can refurbish and resell. However, they also need replacement parts; for this purpose, they sometimes buy old TVs that can’t be fix