The T-Con board, short for Timing Control board, is a vital component in LCD and LED TVs that manages the precise delivery of image data to the TV’s screen. It sits between the main board (which processes incoming video signals) and the LCD panel (which displays the image), translating digital video signals into finely tuned electrical pulses that control each row and column of pixels. Without the T-Con, the panel would not know when or how to activate the pixels to form a coherent image.
Ready to jump into your repair instead? Check out our helpful YouTube video covering How To Get Started below:
🔌 How the T-Con Board Works
1. Receives Digital Video Data from the Main Board
-
The main board processes inputs (HDMI, streaming, tuners, etc.) and outputs raw video data using LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) or eDP (Embedded DisplayPort).
-
This data is sent to the T-Con board via a ribbon or cable connection.
2. Converts and Times the Signal
-
The T-Con board decodes this high-speed video stream into precisely timed voltage pulses for the panel.
-
It orchestrates gate drivers (rows) and source drivers (columns) to energize specific pixels at the right moment.
3. Controls Pixel Voltage and Color Accuracy
-
It regulates voltage waveforms that affect grayscale, contrast, and color depth.
-
This ensures each subpixel (Red, Green, Blue) receives the correct voltage at the correct time for accurate image rendering.
🔄 Relationship Between T-Con, Main Board, and Screen
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Main Board | Processes video/audio, sends digital image data to T-Con |
| T-Con Board | Converts and synchronizes image data into panel signals |
| LCD Panel | Displays the image using signals from the T-Con board |
-
The main board acts like the TV’s brain - decoding and preparing content for display.
-
The T-Con board is the “timing manager,” translating the main board's digital output into physical instructions for the LCD panel’s pixel grid.
-
The screen itself cannot function without this synchronization - it would show a blank or erratic image.
📦 In Some TVs: T-Con Is Integrated into the Main Board
-
In modern, slim, or budget TVs, the T-Con board is sometimes combined with the main board.
-
This reduces cost and saves internal space but can make replacement more expensive, since the entire main board must be swapped even for T-Con-related issues.
🧩 Panel-Specific Compatibility
-
T-Con boards are not interchangeable across all TVs, even within the same brand or model family.
-
They must match the exact LCD panel model, as timing, voltage parameters, and connection layouts are panel-specific.
-
Look for part numbers (e.g., “1-007-125-11”, a Sony T-con part number).
🛑 Common Symptoms of a Faulty T-Con Board
| Symptom | Cause Linked to T-Con |
|---|---|
| White or gray screen | No signal reaching LCD drivers |
| Flickering or flashing picture | Timing synchronization failure |
| Vertical lines | Driver chip issues or panel signal error |
| Distorted or inverted colors | Improper pixel voltage control |
| Half-screen image or ghosting | Partial failure or loose ribbon cable |
In many cases, sound will still work, and the TV will appear to power on normally - making T-Con issues harder to diagnose without visual inspection.
🛠️ Inspection, Testing & Replacement Tips
-
Locate the T-Con: Typically mounted on a metal shield at the top or center behind the LCD panel.
-
Cable Check: Loose or oxidized ribbon cables can mimic T-Con failure - reseat carefully.
-
Testing: Swap in a matching T-Con board to test (must match panel number).
-
Replacement: Be gentle - T-Con ribbon cables and panel flex connectors are fragile and easy to damage.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip:
If your TV turns on with audio but the screen shows lines, flickering, a white display, or half an image, it’s often a T-Con board issue. Before replacing it, reseat the ribbon cables to and from the board - many display problems are caused by loose or oxidized connectors. If the T-Con is built into the main board, replacing the full main board is usually required.
💬 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.