Have you ever turned on your TV only to be greeted by flickering colors, strange lines, or a completely blank screen - but the sound still works perfectly?
Or maybe your picture looks like it’s trying to load but just can’t get it right? Picture twisted or distorted?
Perhaps you've got a strange sequence of colors flashing across the screen? (This is usually referred to as a "Color Test Pattern", btw!)
You might be dealing with something as simple (yet crucial) as a faulty LVDS cable. This unsung hero inside your TV is responsible for carrying high-speed video data from the main board to the screen, and when it starts to fail, your picture can suffer in some pretty dramatic ways. Let’s break down exactly what LVDS cables do, how they work, and how to tell if one might be the reason your favorite show looks more like modern art.
Would you rather jump into your repair instead? If so, check out our helpful YouTube video below on How to Get Started:
Understanding LVDS Cables
Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) plays a critical role in how modern TVs - especially LCD and LED models - transmit high-speed video data from the main board to the T-Con board and ultimately to the panel. LVDS, also known as TIA/EIA-644, is a physical layer signaling standard introduced in 1994.
It operates at low power while achieving very high data rates using inexpensive twisted-pair copper cables. These cables carry serialized differential signals, meaning information is sent as the voltage difference between two wires, rather than a single-ended signal referenced to ground. (Sony LVDS cables shown below as example)
To get a little technical... In a typical LVDS setup, the transmitter injects a constant current (around 3.5 mA) into the wire pair. A resistor at the receiving end (usually 100–120 ohms) converts this current into a small voltage difference of about 350 mV. The T-Con board reads these differences to reconstruct the video signal.
This differential signaling offers several advantages in a TV application: reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI), immunity to common-mode noise, and lower power consumption compared to older signaling standards. Because the currents on each wire are equal and opposite, the resulting electromagnetic fields cancel each other out, helping prevent signal degradation - an especially important factor when transmitting high-definition video over a delicate cable assembly inside the TV.
An important thing to note is LVDS cables are not interchangeable with other display cable types. Even within the same TV model family, variations in panel manufacturing can mean different LVDS pinouts or cable lengths, which is why replacing them requires precision. If an LVDS cable becomes damaged, loose, or oxidized, symptoms can include distorted colors, flickering, ghosting, or no image at all. Since these issues can sometimes mimic T-Con board failures, it’s essential to rule out cable damage before replacing more expensive boards.
Our stock of LVDS cables is limited to Sony model TVs, but we are still happy to help you identify your cables anyway! Just send us an email at info@tvpartstoday.com
LVDS Cable Troubleshooting – Symptom-to-Cause Chart
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| No picture, sound works, faint image visible with flashlight test | Not LVDS – likely backlight or power supply board issue | Check LED strips and power supply board first |
| No picture at all (including flashlight test), sound works | Damaged LVDS cable, bad T-Con board, or faulty main board | Reseat LVDS cable, inspect for damage; replace cable first if damage is visible |
| Colors inverted or scrambled | Loose or partially seated LVDS cable | Reseat both ends of the cable securely |
| Flickering or intermittent video | Broken LVDS wire, oxidized connector, or failing T-Con board | Inspect and clean LVDS contacts; replace cable if damage is present |
| Vertical or horizontal lines on screen | Pin damage or internal short in LVDS cable | Replace cable with matching part number |
| Ghosting, shadows, or image lag | Poor signal integrity from damaged LVDS cable | Replace LVDS cable and verify part number match |
| Distorted colors after panel replacement | Incompatible LVDS cable for new panel | Order correct LVDS cable by part number, not just TV model |
TVpartsToday Tip: If you need to replace an LVDS cable, always match it using the exact part number printed on the cable label - not just your TV’s model number. When troubleshooting “no picture” or image distortion, checking and reseating the LVDS cable should be one of your first steps before moving on to replacing the T-Con or main board.
💬 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!
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