Horizontal lines appearing on your LG TV screen can disrupt your viewing experience and indicate an underlying issue. These lines may result from a hardware malfunction, a connection problem, or software glitches.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing this issue.
Table of Contents
Perform a Quick TV Reset
Sometimes, a simple reset can fix the problem.
Press and hold the Power button on the remote until the TV turns off and back on.
Why is this required?
This process is called discharging or cold booting. Today’s TVs are significantly more complex relative to TVs from even a few years ago. They run apps, networking and much more. As a result, all modern TVs have powerful processors like your laptop. A cold boot shuts the TV down and reboots it like a computer.
Power cycle your TV
The next easiest fix is to
- Unplug your TV’s power cord for at least a minute.
- Then plug your TV back in before turning it back on.
Remember to wait the whole minute. This is critical as it gives the electronics inside your TV time to reset. During this time capacitors discharge and all the internal circuits are powered down. When you plug the TV back in, it gives the TV a fresh start and an opportunity to resolve issues.
Check HDMI inputs
The next step is to check input and output HDMI connections. An HDMI cable that’s not making good contact can result in lines on the screen.
As a first step, gently wiggle the HDMI cable and connector.
Does it affect the horizontal line?
If so, then it’s a hint that the connection might be the source of the problem. Let’s investigate further.
Try the following:
- Unplug the HDMI connector from into the TV
- Check for dust in the connector
- Check for damage to the cable
- Plug the HDMI connector back into the TV
If you’re only connected to a single HDMI source try the following:
- Connect to another source – for instance you could try plugging your laptop to your TV
- Connect the source to another HDMI port on the TV
With the above steps you should be able to determine if the HDMI port or cable is causing the issue.
Note that In general, it’s a good idea to minimize any bends, tension or stresses to the HDMI cable.
Check External Connections
Loose or damaged cables can often be the culprit.
- Inspect HDMI or AV Cables:
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source.
- Check all HDMI, AV, or other input cables for any physical damage or loose connections.
- Reconnect the cables securely and turn the TV back on.
- Switch HDMI Ports:
- If the lines persist, try plugging the device into a different HDMI port.
- Use a different HDMI cable to rule out cable defects.
- Test with Another Input Source:
- Connect a different device (e.g., Blu-ray player, gaming console) to the TV.
- If the lines disappear, the issue may be with the original input source.
Run a Picture Test
LG TVs have a built-in feature to identify display issues.
- Go to the TV’s Settings menu.
- Navigate to Support > Picture Test.
- If the horizontal lines appear during the test, the issue is likely internal.
Update the TV Firmware
Outdated software can cause display issues.
- Ensure your TV is connected to the internet.
- Go to Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV.
- Check for updates and install any available firmware updates.
Adjust Picture Settings
Improper picture settings may exaggerate display problems.
- Navigate to Settings > Picture > Picture Mode Settings.
- Try lowering the Sharpness and Contrast settings.
- Turn off features like Motion Smoothing or TruMotion, which can sometimes interfere with the display.
Check for Overheating
Prolonged use can cause TVs to overheat, leading to display problems.
- Ensure your TV is in a well-ventilated area.
- Turn off the TV and let it cool down for a while before turning it back on.
Is your TV out of its warranty period?
If your TV is out of its warranty period, it might be worthwhile to first contact LG TV support. They can provide different options including recommending a repair shop that specializes in LG products.
If you’re handy, there are a few things you can try yourself.
There is a small board between the main-board and panel called T-CON (timing controller). It’s also called a controller board. The TCON board converts the input video signals to a format that can be understood by the LCD or LED panel. The picture below shows the board and a ribbon connector.
Any issues with connectivity will impact the picture potentially causing the horizontal lines.
Issues with the T-CON board can be as simple as a poor connectivity which can be resolved by lifting the ribbon cable off the board connectors and plugging it back in.
This video walks you through TCON replacement (they cost about $30)
Inspect for Internal Hardware Issues
If the lines persist after all the above steps, the issue may be with the TV’s internal components.
- T-CON Board Issues:
- The T-CON (Timing Control) board is responsible for managing the display. A malfunctioning T-CON board can cause horizontal lines.
- Contact a technician to diagnose and replace the board if necessary.
- Damaged Display Panel:
- Physical damage to the screen can result in permanent horizontal lines. If this is the case, a panel replacement might be required.
- Loose Internal Cables:
- Sometimes, internal ribbon cables connecting the T-CON board and the display may become loose. A professional can reseat or replace these cables.
Contact LG Support
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it’s best to contact LG Customer Support or a certified technician.
- Gather your TV’s model number and warranty details.
- Explain the issue and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.
Preventive Tips
- Handle your TV carefully to avoid physical damage to the screen.
- Regularly update your TV’s firmware.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the TV to prevent overheating.
- Use high-quality cables and input devices to avoid signal interference.
Summary
Horizontal lines on your LG TV screen can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with the right approach.
By systematically checking connections, updating software, and addressing hardware issues, you can restore your TV to optimal performance. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to avoid further complications.
