Modern TVs are unquestionably great but they can suffer from a wide range of issues. One of these issues is when you get a black or blank screen. This is particularly annoying when you’re watching your favourite show and then your screen goes black for seemingly no reason. Sometimes this can happen and the sound still works but you can’t see a picture on your screen.
There can be a number of reasons why your TV goes blank and in this guide, we’ll go over each of the most common reasons to help you get it back up and running.
What Causes TV Screen to Go Black or Blank?
A failure in the power supply
When your TV goes blank, the first thing to do is check the power supply. Your TV likely has more than one power supply board alongside a T-con board as well as internal parts. It’s easier than you may initially think to troubleshoot the problem of your TVs power supply. However, the first thing you should do is check that the power socket itself is connected to your lead properly. If it’s not properly plugged in, you may only get partial use of your TV.
Backlight Issues
Most modern TVs use back panels to light the actual screens. If the backlight panels behind the glass screen die out or they become weak, you may have a sudden loss of brightness on your screen or an outright screen blackout.
If this seems the case, you’ll need to either get professional help to take your TV apart and get a replacement light panel or if your TV is still under its warranty, swap it for a brand new one.
Loose connections
If you’re using a DVD player or a set-top box, you should make sure that your cables are properly connected in to the HDMI port of your TV. If they become dislodged, you’ll lose the picture before you lose the audio. This is simple to fix, all you need to do is make sure you push your cables into your TV as far as they will go so they don’t fall out again.
Sleep Timer is activated
In occasional instances, the sleep timer of your television is activated causing it to switch off accidentally or far sooner than you may like. This issue can be fixed with ease. All you need to do is check the sleep timer settings in the Setup menu of your TV.
Other reasons for black screens
If your TV remains blank, there’s a chance that one of the more hidden components inside of your TV is damaged and in this case, you’ll need to consult with an expert or an engineer that works for the manufacturer of your TV.
How to Fix A Black or Blank TV Screen
Check the power and connections
As we’ve alluded to, the best thing to do if your TV goes blank is to check all of your connections first. This includes the power supply and the HDMI ports that connect to your cable box or games console. In some instances, you may find that your HDMI cables are damaged. If this is the case, you should stop using them immediately and purchase new ones.
- Switch off your TV and then unplug it. Check the cable and plug for any signs of damage and wear.
- Keep it unplugged for 10 minutes, plug the TV back in then press and hold the power button for a few seconds.
- Next, release the button and turn on the TV again
A good way to test if a cable like an HDMI cable is in good working order is to swap it out and put it into another device. If the picture works, you know the cable is working. However, that may mean that the device you originally had your cable in is not working properly and your TV is not the issue at all.
Check the Power Saver Mode
Some modern TVs will switch off the picture if you haven’t touched the remote for a matter of minutes. This is to save power but it can be very annoying if it’s set to a short period of time. All you need to do is go to your TVs settings and undo this feature to stop it from happening.
Replace your TV’s power board
Replacing your TVs power board may sound complicated at first but it’s actually easier than you think. However, if you’re not very confident, it’s best to let a professional do it if they think your power board is the reason your TV has gone blank. The method you use to change your TVs power board will depend on your TV model.
If you’re feeling confident, here’s the step by step guide to change your TVs power board;
- Prepare a soft towel or cloth to protect the screen of your TV, a screwdriver with a Philips-head, however, the size will differ depending on the TV’s size, and a container where you can place the screws you’re going to remove.
- After which, lay the TV facing down and remove the back screws using the screwdriver.
- Find the fuses on the TV, mostly there are five of them.
- If a fuse has blown, replace it because it could be the root of the issue, instead of the power board
- Look for the wires connected to the board and take them away.
- Remove the screws holding the power board. Then replace the old one.
- Put your new power board, then screw it carefully
- Reconnect all the cables and wires
- Put the back cover of your TV and secure it
- Turn your TV on to check if the repair fixes the problem.
Fixing a blank TV conclusion
Hopefully, these steps have helped you to fix your blank or black TV screen. If you’ve tried each of these methods yourself and you’re still having trouble, make sure you contact your TVs particular manufacturer for further guidance.
