Why TV Repair Might Be a Better Option Than You Think
When your television starts acting up, it’s tempting to toss it out and start shopping for a new one. But TV repair can often be the smarter, more cost-effective route—if you know what signs to look for. Before you make a decision, ask yourself: Is it a simple fix, or is it time to say goodbye to your screen? In this guide, we explore 7 clear signs that your TV is worth repairing.
Sign #1: The Issue Is Power-Related, Not Screen Damage
If your TV won’t turn on or randomly shuts down, the culprit is often the power board—a relatively inexpensive component. A skilled technician can diagnose and replace faulty capacitors or boards quickly. Power issues are some of the most common and fixable problems in the world of TV repair.
Sign #2: You Have Sound But No Picture
No picture but still hearing sound? That’s a strong indicator that your backlight or display panel needs attention. This issue is particularly common with LED TVs. A qualified technician can often replace the LED strips or connectors without replacing the whole screen. This is usually cheaper than buying a new television and much faster, too.
Sign #3: You See Lines, Flickering, or Colour Issues
Distorted images, colored lines, or screen flickering usually mean a connection issue between the display and mainboard. Sometimes it’s just a loose cable or a failing T-Con board. These repairs are often straightforward and far less expensive than a full screen replacement. If your screen is physically intact, there’s a good chance it can be saved.
Sign #4: The Screen Isn’t Cracked or Physically Damaged
Once a screen is cracked, replacement becomes less cost-effective. But if your TV looks fine from the outside and simply isn’t working properly, the internal components may still be repairable. If you’re unsure whether the damage is worth fixing, check out our guide on broken TVs to evaluate your options.
Sign #5: You Own a High-End or Smart TV
If you’ve invested in a smart TV, OLED, or high-end LED model, it’s often worth repairing. The cost of a new premium TV can be significantly higher than a professional repair. Even issues with WiFi connectivity, apps, or HDMI ports are repairable—and often far cheaper than replacing the entire unit. If your smart TV is struggling to stay connected, consider boosting your WiFi signal range before blaming the TV itself.
Sign #6: It’s Still Under Warranty or Covered by Insurance
Always check your warranty or insurance policy before making any decisions. Many manufacturers offer repair or replacement services during the warranty period. And if you used a credit card with purchase protection, you might be entitled to extended coverage.
Sign #7: The Cost of Repair Is Less Than Half the Cost of Replacement
A general rule of thumb in electronics repair: if the repair cost is less than 50% of the price of a new TV, go for it. For example, a R1000 fix on a R6000 set is a no-brainer. Getting a quote from a trusted repair service, like TV & Video Doctor, can help you decide.