Should I Repair or Replace My TV? Here’s How to Know
Your television is an important part of your home entertainment system. So, when the screen becomes damaged, it can be a big problem which often leads to the common question – can TV screens be repaired? Unfortunately, not all TV screens can be repaired. The type of television you have, for example, LED or LCD TV, as well as the extent of the damage will determine whether or not a repair is an option. In some cases, it may be possible to have the screen repaired by a professional. However, in other cases, screen replacement may be the only option.
Types of TV Screen
The main types of television screens include LCD, LED, Plasma, QLED, and OLED. Each type of screen has its unique characteristics. LCD and LED screens are the most common type of television screens. An LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, is a specific type of flat panel that can either allow light to pass through it or block it out. The segment blocks in the panel are filled with liquid crystals. Though LED TVs may look different, they use the same technology as LCD TVs. The difference is that instead of being illuminated by a fluorescent bulb like an LCD screen, an LED screen is lit by several LEDs (light-emitting diodes).
The next is plasma. The plasma screen is made up of gas sealed between two panes of glass during the manufacturing process. The gas reacts to an electrical charge, causing the pixels on the screen to light up. The fourth kind of screen is QLED. QLED TV uses quantum dot LED technology – a type of LED that uses a backlight. The light from the LED backlight hits microscopic molecules called quantum dots within the display, which then emit different colored lights.
Finally, there’s the OLED TV. OLED is an abbreviation for organic light-emitting diode. Unlike other models, it doesn’t utilize inorganic materials, such as carbon, to generate light supplied by an electric current. That means OLED TVs are much thinner than LED and QLED models since they don’t need a backlight to function. Some of them are even flexible or curved, with some designs able to roll up!
Depending on the type of TV screen you have, repair may or may not be an option. Let’s find out more about repair options for each type of screen.
Types of TV Screens That Can Be Repaired
LED
The reason why LED TV screens are often repairable is that there are many spare components available for these types of TVs. Every LED TV manufacturing brand will store an ADHOC set of spare components for at least 5 to 7 years after launching the product.
OLED
While it is possible to repair an OLED TV screen, the problem may not always lie with the OLED panel. If the issue exists beyond the panel, then only a replacement panel, which can be as costly as a new television, will resolve the dilemma. Hence, it is important to consult with a professional TV repair technician to determine the source of the problem before opting for a replacement panel.
LCD
Out of all TV repairs, those concerning LCD screens are the most common. Even though it is possible to replace them, it often requires replacing the entire display panel. As a result, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire LCD TV set.
Can plasma TV screens be repaired?
No, plasma TV screens cannot be repaired. Unfortunately, if the plasma screen is damaged or crashes, it cannot be repaired. In this case, you would need to replace the TV screen entirely, which may end up costing more than the original price of the television.
This is because plasma screens are no longer manufactured, which makes it difficult to find replacement parts. Even if you do manage to find the required parts, the installation process is complicated and requires specialized equipment.
Can flat-screen TVs be repaired?
Yes, you can repair your flat-screen television or fix the broken TV screen. TV repair professionals are trained to provide TV repair service for any type of television including LED, OLED, LCD, HDR, and HD. They can also repair other components of the television including the power supply board, and circuit board, and carry out other common TV repairs. So, whether you have a cracked screen, a black screen, or any other problem with your television, consult with a reliable professional in any of the TV repair shops around you.
Does my warranty cover a broken TV screen?
Most companies’ TV warranties do not cover a cracked or broken television screen, however, a defective screen may be covered under a super extended warranty. A super extended warranty is an insurance policy that you can purchase that will cover repairs or replacements for your television. These policies are typically more expensive than a standard warranty, but they will cover accidental damage like a cracked screen.
Before taking any further action, check your warranty coverage by contacting the store where you bought the TV. Note that if there is screen damage due to a defective part, the repair or replacement might be free under the terms of your warranty.
How much does it cost to repair a TV screen?
The cost to fix a TV screen differs based on the screen type and size, as well as where you take it for repair. However, there are times when the screen cannot be repaired and you will need to purchase a brand-new TV. The reason for this is that the screen is usually the most expensive part of buying a television, and it is also very fragile.
To get a more accurate estimate of the repair costs for your TV screen, we recommend contacting a professional TV repair person in your area. They will be able to give you a better idea of the cost after they have diagnosed the problem.