Free TV Repair Referrals – Find the Best TV Repair Center and
Get your Television Repaired by an Expert in Your Area
· Find a TV Repair Service Center NOW
· Aren't All Internet Referrals Free???
· Spotting the Tell-Tail signs of a "Middleman" Referral Site
· How to Choose a Good TV Repairman
· TV Repair Troubleshooting Tips
· Plasma TV Repair Tips and Issues
· Flat Panel LCD TV Repair Tips and Issues
· Projection TV Lamp Problems and Issues
· DIY Do It Yourself TV Repair
· The Transition to Digital TV - DTV and Antenna Reception
· HDTV Issues
Aren’t All Internet Referrals Free???
No, some referrals have “Hidden” charges that may be passed on to the consumer. It DOES MATTER where your referral comes from. Some TV “Repairman” referral sites charge a very substantial fee to the servicer for the referral. Since this charge must increase the service center’s “Cost of Doing Business”, it is very probable the servicer will (since he wants to stay in business) pass this cost on to the consumer. Common sense dictates to avoid going through middlemen whenever possible. Additionally it is not likely that professionalism or quality service is the primary criteria involved in selecting a servicer to refer, but instead, the servicer’s willingness to pay for the referral.
Servicers are not charged to have their businesses listed on this site and are chosen because of their association. Birds of a feather – flock together! Highly skilled and knowledgeable repair professionals seek each other out to make themselves better and more profitable and they network to provide the consumer with the best service possible. This site exists to serve the consumer by providing referrals to quality servicers as judged by their association with other high quality servicers.
Spotting the Tell-Tail signs of a “Middleman” Referral Site
Since the Middleman referral sites are a for-profit businesses they must have some way of inserting themselves between you the consumer, and the servicer they refer you to. It is unlikely that they will provide the consumer with information that can be used to directly contact the servicer, such as an email or website address. Usually a phone number is provided which is monitored by the middleman and forwarded to the servicer. This process may be invisible to the consumer but usually a recorded message is given notifying you that the conversation is being recorded.
How to Choose a Good TV Repairman
The first thing you should look for in a service center is that its primary business is repairing TVs & Electronics and not selling them, otherwise you will likely get a “Technician” whose primary “skill” is to tell you that you need to buy a new TV. Secondly, are their technicians Certified by an independent standards organization such as ISCET (International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians – ISCET.org ) or are they Factory Trained by the major manufacturers. Thirdly, are they members of a national service organization such as NESDA (National Electronics Service Dealers Association – NESDA ) and subscribe to a Code of Ethics? Do their technicians receive ongoing education in servicing the latest technology? Lastly, is your servicer prepared to deliver the level of service you require – e.g. if you want In-Home service, do they repair the majority of your TV type in the home or do they generally bring them into the shop?
TV Repair Troubleshooting Tips
The TV turns itself Off
The Picture is OK but the Sound is Low or Distorted or Missing
The Sound is Missing or Bad on some channels only
The sound is OK but the Picture is Missing or Distorted or the Color is bad
There is a large black or gray Box that appears over the picture
The Remote Control doesn't work properly
If all else fails...
The TV turns Itself Off.
- Most newer TVs have an Error Code that is indicated by lights that turn on, or blink, on the front panel. Consult your Owner's Manual for the meaning of the error indication.
- If the error indicates a Lamp problem, see TV Lamp Problems.
- If the error indicates service is needed, Find a TV Repairman.
The Picture is OK but the Sound is Low or Distorted or Missing.
- If you are using a cable box or a satellite receiver, make sure that its volume is not low or muted. Also check that the audio cable is OK and plugged in properly at both ends.
- Look for a switch (usually located on the back) or a menu item that switches off the internal speakers or selects a "Center Channel" mode for the internal speakers.
The Sound is Missing or Bad on some channels only.
On the remote or in the audio/sound menu look for an item labeled "MTS" or "SAP" and make sure that the "SAP" function is off and that the sound is set to "Normal" or "Stereo".
The sound is OK but the Picture is missing or distorted or the color is bad.
- If you are using a cable box or satellite receiver make sure it is “ON” and that the cables are good and properly connected at both ends.
- Make sure that the TV is set to the correct channel or input.
- If the TV's internal On Screen Display works, try switching inputs or try a DVD player or similar item to check for proper operations.
- If the TV has been moved to a different location, try unplugging it from the AC power for several minutes, reconnect to power and then check for improvement.
- If the TV uses a projection Lamp it may be weak or broken. TV Lamp Problems
There is a large black or gray Box that appears over the picture.
- On the Remote or in the TV menu look for an item labeled "C.C." or "Closed Caption" and turn off the "TEXT" mode.
The Remote Control doesn't work properly
- On the remote control look for a button at the top of the remote labeled "TV" and press it. Then check for normal operations.
- If there is a slide switch, make sure that it is set to TV.
- If there is a Compact Fluorescent Light shining on the TV, try turning it off. Some CFLs operate at the same frequency as the remote.
- Replace the Batteries with known good ones.
If all else fails or the set is just not right or acting weirdly...
- Try unplugging the TV (and Cable Box or Satellite Receiver) from the AC power for 1 minute, and then try again. This will RESET the computer(s). Sometimes the computers can get confused by a variety of causes and unplugging the units is the best way to make them RESET.
- Find a TV Repairman
Plasma TV Repair Tips and Issues
Plasma TVs can produce some of the best pictures around but care should be exercised in their use and installation. Plasma TVs generally run very warm so proper ventilation is important. Avoid mounting them above an active heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent.
Another issue with Plasma TVs is “Image Retention” also known as “Phosphor Burn”. The screen can “retain” (remember) a bright image that was stationary for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, if you watch a lot of narrow or “Letterboxed” programs you will be able to see a difference in the picture where the borders were. Lowering the “Contrast” for letterboxed programs or movies may reduce this problem.
Flat Panel LCD TV Repair Tips and Issues
Flat panel LCD TVs is one of the newest technologies now capable of rivaling the other established technologies like plasma. LCD TVs have some advantages over plasma such as being much more energy efficient and less reflected glare off the screen. LCD TV’s also do not have an Image Retention problem but they do have more “Motion Blur” and have a lower “Contrast Ratio” (difference between absolute black and white).
An LCD screen is very fragile. It has been known that a small child can damage it by repeatedly “tapping” (translate – banging) on the screen with his fingertips. Also more care should be taken in cleaning the screen as it is more prone to scratching. Moisten a soft lint-free cloth to clean the screen. Never spray anything directly onto the screen.
Projection TV Lamp Problems and Issues
Several types of projection TVs use a special Lamp as the light source.
Q: How Can I determine if my TV has a Lamp?
A: If your TV is a projection type TV such as DLP, LCD, HDILA, LCoS, SXRD it probably has a Lamp. CRT type PTVs and Flat Panel type TVs do NOT have Lamps or they are not replaceable. Most TVs that use a lamp have an LED (light) on the front panel labeled "Lamp".
Q: Where is the Lamp located?
A: Do NOT open the lamp compartment unless you KNOW that the TV is unplugged from the AC power. Most Lamp compartment doors are located on the rear or side of the TV and they are somewhat obvious and usually labeled. Other TVs have the lamp compartment in the front behind a bezel that may be secured with thumb screws in the back. See your Owners Manual if you are unsure or better yet -Find a TV Repairman.
Q: What tools do I need to get the Lamp Assembly out?
A: Consult your Owners Manual. DO NOT attempt to remove the lamp if it is hot! Some TVs use thumb screws and require no tools, but most only need a common #2 Philips and/or a medium flat tip screwdriver. Some TVs use a HEX wrench. If you are unsure or do not have the correct tools - Find a TV Repairman..
Q: How can I determine if the Lamp is Bad?
A: Do Not attempt to remove the Lamp if it is hot! Do NOT touch the face of the lamp. Look into the lamp and see if there is broken glass in it or if the glass tube is discolored at its base, if so then the Lamp is Bad. A lamp may look like new and even light for a while and still be BAD. There is NO reliable way to test a lamp that looks good. If your TV's Lamp Error indicator says the Lamp is bad, then it most probably is (BUT not always).
Q: Can I replace the Lamp myself?
A: Most manufactures design their TVs so that you can replace the entire Lamp Assembly yourself and these instructions are included in your Owners Manual. Other manufacturers intend that the lamp be replaced by a technician only. And some models the Lamp must be replaced by a technician. BEST ADVICE - Purchase only the original Lamp Assembly listed in the Owners Manual if you plan to replace the Lamp yourself. Substitute replacement assemblies or Lamp only replacements (without the "cage") can prove unreliable at best and dangerous at worst. If you are not sure - Find a TV Repairman..
Q: I installed a new Lamp but I still have Lamp problems!
- Did you use a factory original part? If not, this could be the problem.
- Most TVs have a timer that must be reset when you replace the lamp. The instructions for this procedure are located in the Owners Manual or come shipped with the new lamp. Some manufacturers do not publish this information or may even require a special "service" remote control for some models to reset the lamp timer.
- You may have a defective Lamp Ballast (electronic power supply for the Lamp) or other problem - Find a TV Repairman.
DIY Do It Yourself TV Repair
Most TV Repair situations require specialized knowledge and skills to accomplish a successful repair. Even though there is an abundance of information on the Internet concerning DIY TV repair, there are often steps and cautions omitted from the instructions. The Internet and even video instructions is no substitute for the years of experience and training provided by an electronics service professional. Occasionally the repair might be simple enough for the knowledgeable consumer to perform but this is the exception. Most often, a minor mistake or omission causes even “simple” repairs to fail. Even the replacement of a circuit board can be complicated by the mechanics of special connectors. Best Advice – Find a TV Repairman
The Transition to Digital TV - DTV and Antenna Reception
What is Digital TV, How is it different from the TV I Grew up with?
My TV isn't Digital, do I need a Converter Box?
My Digital TV or DTV Converter Box won't receive all the stations.
What kind of antenna do I need to get good DTV reception?
I am located in a poor DTV reception area, what can I do?
More DTV and Transition related Links
What is Digital TV, How is it different from the TV I grew up with?
The TV that you grew up with is known as “Analog TV”. The difference between DTV and Analog TV is similar to the differences between LP phonograph records and music CDs or VHS video tapes and DVDs. This has nothing to do with the resolution or “quality” of the picture. Analog signals can have more resolution and be higher quality than digital signals. An example of this would be comparing a good standard TV signal (analog) with a video clip found on the Internet (digital). Life is Analog and there are more colors and shades and movement in real life than can be captured by a digital medium. Digital signals “approximate” analog signals. The more resolution a digital signal has the more accurate is the approximation. The advantage that digital signals have is that they are much less susceptible to noise and they can be compressed to use less bandwidth (“space” in the frequency spectrum). An example of this would be to compare an LP with a CD. As the record wears, it has more noise (pops, static, hiss etc), but it is considerably larger than a CD. A few minor scratches on an LP are very noticeable, but are not even audible on a CD. A poor (weak) Analog TV signal can still be “seen” (with snow or ghosts etc) but a poor DTV signal may not even be displayed. Much like a badly scratched DVD you might get a perfect picture in places but in others the picture completely “breaks-up” or is not even visible. Examples of DTV digital noise would be blocks appearing in parts of the picture or the picture “freezes” or disappears intermittently. A marginal (bordering on weak) Analog TV signal may look pretty bad most of the time, but a marginal DTV signal may look perfect most of the time.
My TV isn’t Digital, do I need a Converter Box?
If you have Cable TV or Satellite TV – You do not need a converter box. Your service will not change until your service provider notifies you in the future.
The DTV Transition only affects TVs using antennas to receive a broadcast signal.
My Digital TV or DTV Converter Box won’t receive all the stations.
The main problem with receiving Digital TV in some areas is that most of the DTV Frequencies are in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) range and not the normal VHF (Very High Frequency) range as with most analog stations.
- UHF stations are much more difficult to receive because UHF has fewer “Ground Waves” (signals that follow earth contours). UHF reception requires “Line of Sight” for reliable reception. This means that the antenna must “see” the transmitter tower. Hills will block the signal. Trees are usually not a significant factor, but tall buildings can be.
- UHF requires a different type of antenna than VHF.
- Re-Scan the channels. Some channels may move, especially after the transition.
What kind of antenna do I need to get good DTV reception?
- Most TV stations are now broadcasting in the UHF range, but now that the “Transition” has occurred, some areas have both VHF and UHF stations. Check with your TV Stations if you are unsure where they are transmitting.
- Avoid using Amplified (electric) antennas. The amplifier will generally cause far more problems than it solves (this is the short answer).
- This is the type of antenna recommended for UHF reception if there are no hills between you and the transmitter tower: Antennas Direct | "DB2" The Best Indoor HDTV Antenna.
- If you are located in a valley or there is a hill near you that blocks your “view” of the transmitters, then it’s not recommended that you pursue antenna reception. Get Cable or Satellite service.
I am located in a poor DTV reception area, what can I do?
The best recommendation may be to get Cable or Satellite service. You may spend a lot of time and money and still get unsatisfactory results.
- Mount your antenna outside as high as possible.
- Follow proper grounding procedures for lightning protection.
- Use high quality (satellite grade) RG-6 coax cable.
- Weather proof all connections
- Use drip loops
- This is the type of antenna recommended for UHF reception: Antennas Direct | DB8 Long Range Multidirectional HD Antenna.
More DTV and Transition related Links
DtvAnswers.com
DtvTransition.org
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
AntennaWeb.org
TvFool.com
HDTV Issues
Are there Differences between HDTV and DTV?
What is Aspect Ratio or "Format"?
Why doesn't the Picture always fill the Screen Right?
I have an HDTV but HD channels don't look any better than SD!
Are there Differences between HDTV and DTV?
Not all DTV (Digital TV) is HDTV (High Definition TV). Some DTV is SDTV or simply SD (Standard Definition TV). This is the resolution and aspect that we are all used to. As the name implies HDTV has more picture information, detail or resolution than the old standard.
What is Aspect Ratio or “Format”?
The “Aspect Ratio” (also called “Format”) is the ratio of width to height. The standard we are used to is 4:3 (1.33). This means that the width is 4 units and the height is 3 units. This has nothing to do with screen size – only the ratio of width vs. height. The aspect ratio of widescreen HDTV is 16:9 (1.78) and the aspect ratio of some movies is even greater. This is why some DVDs are “Letterboxed” (black above and below picture) even when viewed on a widescreen TV. Note: Some HDTV is broadcast in 4:3 Format.
Why doesn’t the Picture always fill the Screen Right?
This is probably the most confusing and frustrating issue related to viewing both SDTV and HDTV signals, especially now during this time of transition to HDTV. This problem is because there are two primary types of program formats being viewed on TVs with differing screen Aspect Ratios. Some programs (or commercials) are presented in 4:3 (1.33) while others are presented in 16:9 (1.78). A traditional TV (4:3) signal will not normally fill a widescreen (16:9) TV screen. And conversely a 16:9 program can’t be viewed on a traditional 4:3 TV without chopping off the sides or letterboxing the picture. To compensate for these differences the HDTV manufacturers offer viewing features designed to distort the geometry of the signal to fill the screen. This function is usually accessed by a button on the remote labeled “Aspect” or “Format” or “Width” or “Size” or “Picture Mode”. The easiest way to determine the correct viewing aspect is to simply cycle through the different modes and choose the one that looks most natural while filling the screen and not loosing picture information around the edges. It should also be noted that the best viewing aspect will change between programs and commercials so it is best to simply choose the best format for the program you are currently viewing. Some HDTVs have a function that automatically widens 4:3 programs. This function may cause some confusion and may be disabled in the TVs menu. To further complicate things, some cable boxes and satellite receivers also have a similar function that may need to be changed as well, and both box types have settings in the box setup menu that need to be set to match the type of Aspect Ratio your TV has.
I have an HDTV but HD channels don’t look any better than SD!
This is a problem that is seen far too often with cable boxes and satellite receivers. Unfortunately you can not rely on the “Professional?” installer from the cable/satellite Company or “big box” Store to properly connect your TV. There are several different factors that affect this problem. First your receiver Box has to have HD capability. Secondly you need to use the correct cable and Input to the TV. You can’t receive HD signals through the Analog Tuner (Chan 3). You must use a 5 wire Component ([video] Green, Blue, Red, [audio] White, Red) cable or an HDMI or DVI cable to connect the receiver box to the TV. And then the TV must be set to the corresponding Input. Lastly, the output of the box must be set to HD (1080i), with a 16:9 aspect ratio (assuming widescreen TV). Typically this is accomplished on an HD cable box by turning off the box and then pressing the “Menu” button on the box itself to access the appropriate setup menu. If you have questions or problems with this procedure, contact your cable service provider. Consult the owner’s manual or satellite service provider for this procedure if you have an HD satellite receiver.