This guide refers to many TV settings in general terms. Your TV may refer to these settings by a different name. We recommend you have the TV manual available for reference.
The Cause of Common TV Problems
A TV can malfunction or appear to malfunction for many reasons, but we can place most problems into a few categories.
Brightness: The TV is too dark.Color: The TV’s color is unappealing.Aspect ratio: The TV’s image looks squashed or stretched.Motion: The TV’s motion is too smooth or stutters.Hardware defect: The TV won’t turn on or is physically damaged.
You can fix the first four issues by changing TV settings. Hardware defects and physical damage, however, will require professional repair.
How to Fix a TV With a Dark Image
A TV with a dark image can be, at best, difficult if not impossible to watch. It may not be bright enough to see in a lit room or fail to show detail in dark content. Here’s how to fix a TV with a dark image.
How to Fix a TV With Color Issues
Most TVs offer a wide variety of color settings that significantly change how the TV looks. Adjusting these settings may fix unusual color issues and help you customize the TV to match your preferences.
How to Fix a TV With a Squashed or Stretched Image
Nearly all modern TVs have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, and most content is made with this in mind. However, you may see squashed or stretched content when connecting devices designed for older displays. Flip between modes to see if the color is more to your liking.
How to Fix a TV With Motion Issues
A modern TV displays various content with different frame rates and uses an onboard processor to smooth motion. Not everyone likes the results, however. However, if you’re viewing older 4:3 content, look for a 4:3 Aspect Ratio or Normal picture size setting. It will display the content with black bars on either side, which is the correct way to view 4:3 content on a 16:9 widescreen TV. It should default to a setting appropriate to your TV, but, in rare cases, you will need to set it manually. In general, you should turn off a TV’s motion clarity setting if the TV’s image appears too smooth. Select a less aggressive motion clarity settings if you see halos, blocks, or other issues around fast-moving objects. Increase the motion clarity setting if you think the image stutters or has a low frame rate.
How to Fix a TV That Won’t Turn On
Try replacing the batteries in the remote and make sure the TV is plugged in. Otherwise, a TV that does not turn on when you press the power button likely has a defect that needs repair.
How to Fix a TV With a Cracked Screen (or Other Damage)
A TV with a cracked screen (or other physical damage) will need to be repaired by a professional. Like older CRT televisions, modern flat-screen TVs are not designed for owners to fix. A cracked screen repair is likely expensive if it’s not under warranty. The screen is the most costly component of a modern TV.
