Experiencing a black screen is perhaps the most frustrating thing for any TV owner. If you just turned on your TV and it has a black screen, it could point towards a malfunction. Black screens are pretty common, and sometimes, the screen will go black, but the user can still hear audio playing in the background.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues. Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black.
- Sometimes, issues related to black screens are caused by source devices such as video consoles and set-top boxes.
- Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the manufacturer. Your TV screen might be black due to obsolete firmware.
Sending your TV to a repair shop can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when you factor in the shipping and handling fees. Troubleshooting a black screen is relatively easy, and fortunately for you, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to help TV owners learn how to fix a black screen on their highly-rated TV.
What causes a Black Screen?
Before rushing to your local TV repair shop, consider troubleshooting the problem yourself at home. However, it is essential to note that some cases might need the TV owner to seek technical assistance from a professional. So, what causes a black screen?
- Cable connection issues: perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues. Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black. They can also be the cause of sound problems but you can simply find out how to fix a TV with no sound.
- Issues with input devices: Sometimes, issues related to black screens are caused by source devices such as video consoles and set-top boxes. To find out the problem, press the TV remote menu button. If the menu settings appear, the problem is with the source device.
- Input setting issue: A black screen can also be caused by an input setting issue. Most times users experience black screens, it’s always due to the wrong input connection. Before turning on your TV, makes sure that the inputs are set correctly to avoid this problem.
- Firmware updates: Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the manufacturer. Your TV screen might be black due to an obsolete firmware version.
Fixing a Black TV Screen
Fixing a black TV screen is relatively easy and can be done from the comfort of your home.
- First, ensure that you have a proper cable connection between source devices like set-top boxes, video consoles, and your TV. This will help you understand if the problem is due to a connection or any other issue.
- Countercheck on the source devices. Find out if your sources have a problem by pressing your TV remote menu button. If the menu setting pops up on the screen, your TV is fine.
- Next, set up your inputs correctly. Poor connections will lead to a black screen, and setting up your devices correctly will solve the problem. Press the input button on your TV remote and navigate to the input setting section. Make sure all your inputs are set correctly. You can learn how to fix HDMI port on tv if that is the problematic connection.
- Some TVs come with a sleep timer or power saver feature that will turn off the screen when not in use or at a configured time. If there is more than one person in your household, a sleep timer could have been activated, which is perhaps why the TV screen is black. Navigate through your menu settings and turn it off.
F.A.Q.S
Is it possible to fix a TV black screen at home?
Before rushing to your local TV repair shop, consider troubleshooting the problem yourself at home. However, it is essential to note that some cases might need the TV owner to seek technical assistance from a professional.
What causes a TV black screen?
TV black screens are commonly caused by cable connection issues, issues with input devices, or outdated firmware updates. Worst case scenario, the power supply board could have malfunctioned.
Could a loose cable cause a TV black screen?
Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues. Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black.
Could an outdated firmware update cause a TV black screen?
Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the manufacturer. Your TV screen might be black due to an obsolete firmware version.
How does the sleep timer feature cause a black screen?
Some TVs come with a sleep timer or power saver feature that will turn off the screen when not in use or at a configured time. This will lead to a blank/black screen.
STAT: Smart TV technology is increasingly getting popular. In 2020, more than 70% of U.S households had access to a Smart TV. The most popular Smart TV operating system is Tizen and WebOS (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-tv-has-sound-but-no-picture-CT10000018-1380902746888
- https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00173830
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-OeaBezoGkr
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4ZxcFUkf24
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/782217/smart-tv-share-by-oem-in-the-us/
