When your TV starts acting up – whether it won’t turn on, the screen’s gone dark, or a port has stopped working – your first instinct might be to call a repair shop or consider replacing the whole unit. But hold on! You might be surprised how simple many TV repairs actually are.
Here at TVpartsToday, we talk to customers every day who successfully fix their TVs at home with just a screwdriver, a new circuit board, and a little guidance. So, how do you decide between DIY and professional TV repair? Let’s break it down!
Would you rather watch a video to begin your own DIY repair instead? Check out our helpful YouTube video on Troubleshooting 101!
✅ Why DIY TV Repair Is Often the Smart Choice
1. Most Common TV Issues Are Board-Level Failures
Modern TVs are modular by design, which means many problems can be resolved by simply replacing a circuit board. With a symptoms-based approach and a process of elimination, we can identify the most likely part that has failed in the set and replace it!
Typical DIY-friendly board swaps include:
-
Power Supply Board (TV won’t turn on or randomly shuts off)
-
Main Board (HDMI not working, no signal, frozen startup screen)
-
T-Con Board (no picture, vertical lines, or flickering display)
-
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Module (smart features stop connecting)
These components are often held in place with a few screws and ribbon cables – no soldering or specialized tools required.
🧰 At TVpartsToday, we stock thousands of replacement TV boards ready to ship, with expert support just a phone call away.
2. You Save Time and Money
Hiring a professional technician can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 or more, depending on the issue. If the part itself is inexpensive – say, a $40 power board – most of that charge goes to labor and diagnostics.
By going the DIY route:
-
You control the cost.
-
You avoid long wait times for service appointments.
-
You gain valuable repair experience (which often comes in handy again down the road).
3. Support Is Easier Than Ever
With online tutorials, repair guides, and customer support from retailers like us, you're never alone in the process. We’ll help you:
-
Identify the failing component
-
Match the correct replacement part
-
Troubleshoot any hiccups in the process
You don’t need to be a tech expert – just follow instructions and work carefully.
🔧 When to Choose a Professional Repair Instead
While we love empowering customers to fix their own TVs, we also believe in knowing your limits. Some repairs require a deeper skill set, specialized tools, or present safety risks – and that’s when it’s time to call in a pro.
1. Backlight Strip Replacement
If your TV has audio but no picture and you have determined it is not related to any of the circuit boards, you could be dealing with failed backlight strips. (See our video on “The Flashlight Test” for help with this process)
Why this is a professional-level job:
-
The panel must be disassembled completely to access the strips.
-
Mishandling can crack or permanently damage the screen.
-
It’s easy to introduce dust, debris, or misalign parts during reassembly.
🔦 Backlight repairs are especially tricky on edge-lit or ultra-thin LED models. If you are attempting a repair of this nature, we recommend watching several tutorials beforehand!
2. Screen or Panel Damage
If the glass is cracked or the display is showing bleeding colors or giant black spots, it usually requires full screen replacement – which is often more expensive than a new TV.
In these cases, it's not just about repair – it’s about cost-effectiveness. A pro might be able to diagnose whether the issue is with the screen itself or a board that feeds it, but if it is determined to be the screen, we never recommend replacing it! It just isn’t cost effective.
3. No Experience and No Time
If you’re not confident opening up electronics – or you simply don’t want the hassle – calling a professional might be worth the peace of mind. Just be sure to check:
-
Are they certified to repair your brand of TV?
-
Do they offer a warranty on their work?
-
Will the repair cost more than half the price of a new TV?
🛠️ DIY With Confidence: What You’ll Need
Thinking of fixing your TV yourself? Great! Here's what we recommend:
Basic Tools:
-
Phillips screwdriver
-
Anti-static wrist strap
-
Plastic pry tool (for removing bezels or back panels)
-
Clean, flat workspace
Optional but helpful:
-
Multimeter (to test voltage and fuses)
-
Magnetic parts tray
-
Your phone (to take pictures during disassembly for reference)
Where to start:
Use your TV model number to search for compatible parts on TVpartsToday.com or give us a call for help finding what you need.
The Bottom Line: DIY Is the Winner for Most Repairs
In the battle of DIY vs. professional TV repair, DIY comes out ahead for most common issues – especially those involving circuit board replacements. It's affordable, straightforward, and with a little support, totally doable for the average TV owner.
That said, for complex or risky repairs, especially anything involving the screen or backlight system, it’s smart (and safer) to trust a professional.
💬 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.
🛠️ DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday.