If you’re seeing lines on your TV screen, whether they’re horizontal or vertical, it can be frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, these lines can often point you in the direction of the problem, helping you figure out whether it’s a quick fix or a sign that it's time for a replacement.
In this article, we’ll break down what those lines mean, what to check, and how to determine whether a simple replacement part or a new TV is the best solution.
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful YouTube video on fixing the lines for a Samsung TV:
Horizontal Lines on the TV Screen: What’s Happening?
When it comes to horizontal lines, the issue usually lies in the screen itself. These lines are often caused by a defect within the display panel, which is typically not repairable.
Possible Causes:
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Defective Screen: Horizontal lines are most commonly caused by problems with the screen’s internal components, like damaged pixels or a malfunctioning LCD panel.
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Screen Damage: Physical damage, such as drops or impacts, can also result in horizontal lines across the display.
What to Do:
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Unfortunately, Screen Repair is Not Cost-Effective: Horizontal lines 999 times out of 1000 mean that the screen itself is defective. Replacing the screen is usually not cost-effective compared to purchasing a new TV.
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Recommendation: If your TV has horizontal lines, it may be time to consider a new TV. If you're set on repairing it, you could try getting a quote from a local repair shop, but be prepared that screen replacement can be pricey.
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If you are absolutely adamant about trying to replace a circuit board to fix this issue, there are some extremely rare cases where replacing the T-con board can resolve horizontal lines. We almost NEVER recommend this, since it generally doesn’t resolve the issue, but if you want to try something, you can try replacing the T-con!
Vertical Lines on the TV Screen: What’s Happening?
Vertical lines, on the other hand, are often caused by a fault with the T-CON board or main board. This makes it a much more straightforward repair in many cases.
Possible Causes:
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T-CON Board Failure: The Timing Control (T-CON) board is responsible for controlling the signals that drive the pixels on the screen. If it fails, it can result in vertical lines. This is a relatively common issue, and a T-CON board replacement can often resolve the problem.
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Main Board Issues: If the T-CON board doesn’t resolve the issue, the main board might be the next suspect.
What to Do:
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Start with the T-CON Board: If you’re seeing vertical lines, replace the T-CON board first. This is often the culprit and can save you from more costly repairs.
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Check the Main Board: If replacing the T-CON board doesn’t work, the next step would be to replace the main board.
Troubleshooting: Horizontal Lines vs. Vertical Lines
|
Issue |
Horizontal Lines |
Vertical Lines |
|
Common Causes |
Defective screen or screen damage |
T-CON board failure or main board malfunction |
|
Fix |
Unfortunately, a new screen is needed |
Replace the T-CON board, then the main board if needed |
|
Repair Cost |
Expensive or not worth repairing |
Relatively low-cost fix with parts replacement |
What Should I Do Next?
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Horizontal Lines: If your TV is showing horizontal lines, the screen is most likely defective. Replacing the screen is often not a cost-effective solution. In this case, it might be best to invest in a new TV.
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Vertical Lines: Start by replacing the T-CON board. If that doesn’t fix the issue, the main board might need to be replaced.
Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
Need help finding the right board or part?
Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
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