TV and electronics repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What tv and electronics repair is

A technician diagnoses and repairs televisions and household electronics with problems such as no picture, no sound, failing backlights or power faults. You need it when the TV or device has stopped working properly and you want the fault found before you buy a replacement.

Signs you need it

  • The TV turns on but the screen is black or shows no picture
  • The sound cuts out, buzzes or the speakers crackle
  • Lines, flicker or dark patches appear on the screen
  • The TV or device will not turn on, or it shuts off after a few minutes
  • The remote, the input ports or the built in tuner has stopped working

What the pro does

  • Checks the power supply, the input signal and the screen or panel
  • Tests the backlight, the boards and the connections for faults
  • Identifies the failed part and confirms the cause with test results
  • Replaces the failed part, such as a board, a power supply, a fuse or a connector
  • Tests the TV or device under normal use and returns it with a summary

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size and type of screen, such as LED, LCD or OLED
  • The part needed and whether it is still made for that model
  • Whether the set is still under warranty
  • Whether a board or panel replacement is needed, which costs more than a simple part
  • Whether the device is old enough that repair is hard to justify
  • Whether the TV must be picked up and returned by the shop

What a written quote should spell out

  • The diagnosis and the test used to confirm it
  • The parts used, with model and whether they are new or used
  • Labor for each step and any pick up or delivery
  • Whether the repair is worth doing compared with replacing the set
  • Warranty for the parts and the labor

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the TV still under warranty, and would the repair affect it?
  • Is the fault in the screen, the board or the power supply?
  • Is the part still available for my model?
  • Is repair worth doing compared with buying a new set?
  • Will you pick up and return the TV, and is that included?
  • What warranty do you give on the repair?

Red flags

  • Says the screen must be replaced without a test
  • Will not tell you the cause before doing the repair
  • Asks for payment before the diagnosis is done
  • Opens a TV under warranty without checking the warranty terms

What you can do yourself

Check that the TV is plugged in, the input is set correctly and the cables are firm, then restart the set and test with another device. Do not open a TV or any electronic device with a high voltage supply, since capacitors can hold a dangerous charge. Call a technician for any power, board, backlight or screen fault.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for TV and electronics repair. Check with your state or local licensing agency about any business registration that applies, and ask the technician to show proof of training or past repair work.

TV and electronics repair questions

Is it worth repairing an old TV?

It depends on the fault, the part cost and the set's age. A technician can give you the repair cost and tell you whether a new set makes more sense.

Why does the screen show lines?

Lines can come from the panel, the cable or the board. A technician will test each one before recommending a part.

Can I fix the power supply myself?

No. Power supply boards hold dangerous voltage, even when unplugged. Hire a technician for any power fault.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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