If your Smart TV suddenly begins displaying strange, high-contrast colors that resemble a photo negative or thermal image, you may be dealing with what is known as a solarized screen. While it may appear as though a setting has been accidentally changed, solarization is not a visual mode or picture preset. It is a hardware-related symptom that typically indicates a signal processing issue inside the television.
At TVpartsToday, the World’s #1 Hub for DIY TV Repair, we regularly assist customers with solarized screen problems that look far worse than they actually are. In most cases, this issue can be resolved by replacing an internal component rather than the display panel itself.
Want to watch a video covering a repair of this nature? Watch our video below:
Would you rather jump into repairing the set instead? Check out our helpful YouTube video on how to get started:
Identifying a Solarized Display
Solarization often presents itself through unnatural color shifts that affect the entire screen. Skin tones may appear green, purple, or blue. Dark shadows may display bright or inverted colors. Gradients and transitions can look blocky or posterized, and the overall image may resemble a heat map rather than a natural picture.
If this issue appears across all HDMI inputs, built-in apps, and on-screen menus, the cause is likely internal. When solarization occurs consistently regardless of the source, it usually points toward a failure in one of the TV’s signal-handling boards.
TVpartsToday Tip: Always test multiple inputs before opening the TV. If the issue appears everywhere, hardware is the likely cause.
The Most Common Cause Is the T Con Board
The T Con board plays a crucial role in delivering image data from the main board to the panel. It controls timing, color mapping, and signal distribution across the screen. When this board begins to malfunction, it can send incorrect color information to the display, resulting in inverted or distorted visuals.
Replacing a faulty T Con board is often the first and most effective step when diagnosing solarization. For many DIYers, this repair restores normal picture quality without requiring more complex intervention.
As the World’s #1 Hub for DIY TV Repair, TVpartsToday helps customers identify compatible T Con boards quickly to simplify the process.
Ribbon Cables Can Also Disrupt Image Signals
Ribbon cables connect the main board, T Con board, and display panel. These cables are thin and delicate, and if they become partially disconnected or damaged, signal corruption can occur.
Reseating these connections may resolve solarization in some cases. However, this step should only be performed by those comfortable working with internal electronics and following proper safety precautions.
When the Main Board Is Responsible
If replacing the T Con board does not resolve the issue, the main board becomes the next likely source. The main board processes all incoming video signals before passing them to the T Con. A malfunction in its video processing circuitry can result in incorrect color output.
Main board replacement remains a straightforward DIY repair when the correct part number is matched to the TV’s configuration.
TVpartsToday Tip: Always replace boards using the manufacturer part number located somewhere on the part to ensure compatibility. Need help? Email some pictures of your board to info@tvpartstoday.com or call us at 930-212-1975!
Rarely, the Panel May Be the Issue
In less common situations, the panel itself may be damaged. However, screen replacement is typically not cost-effective due to the price and fragility of display panels. This is why it is critical to rule out board failures before assuming panel damage.
Most solarization symptoms are resolved through board replacement rather than panel replacement.
Software Issues Should Be Checked First
Although rare, firmware or software glitches can occasionally produce display distortions. Performing a factory reset is a quick way to rule out software as the cause before moving forward with hardware diagnosis.
If the problem persists after a reset, the issue is likely hardware-related.
DIY Repair Starts With the Right Part
Solarized screens may look alarming, but they are often caused by a single faulty component. With proper troubleshooting and part number matching, replacing a T Con board or main board can restore normal color performance quickly and affordably.
At TVpartsToday, the World’s #1 Hub for DIY TV Repair, we help customers identify the exact replacement parts needed to resolve issues like solarization without replacing the entire TV. With the right guidance and components, fixing your television is often far easier than expected.
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!
We also have a helpful chatbot called the Wizard of TV Repair that may be of assistance!
Need help finding the right board or part?
Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday, the World's #1 Hub for DIY TV Repair!