TV Has Sound But No Picture Troubleshooting Guide

Here are some steps to ease you through TV picture loss-from prevention to recognition to next steps when your picture finally does go out.
TRANSCRIPT
Here's a plot twist-often, your TV picture will go out before the sound does, preempting your show with an unwelcome cliffhanger. Hi, I'm Paul Blake for Repair.com with some steps to ease you through TV picture loss-from prevention to recognition to next steps when your picture finally does go out.
Step 1: Avoid overheating your TV
The lamp inside your TV is responsible for projecting colors and images onto the screen. So frequent overheating not only shortens the lamp life, but your TV picture life as well. To prevent overheating, keep your backlight system well ventilated and avoid turning your TV on and off repeatedly without allowing it time to cool down in between.
Step 2: Watch for warning signs
The fluorescent bulb in your LCD TV dims over time. If you start to notice your picture getting progressively dimmer, take it as a fair warning that your LCD's backlight is just about ready to quit.
Many DLP TVs have a lamp icon on the TV frame. When you see a light turn on above the icon, that's a sure indication that your backlight lamp's days are numbered.
Step 3: Reboot your receiver
If your picture does quit, first make sure that it's not just your receiver acting up. Reboot it by turning off your TV and unplugging the receiver. Wait about 10 seconds before you reconnect the receiver, then restore power to it and your TV. If that doesn't work, the issue is likely with the TV's lamp.
Step 4: Investigate your picture failure
For DLP TVs, picture loss can involve lamp failure. No lamp, no images. The other point of failure could be the ballast, which starts up the lamp and keeps it powered. Determining whether your issue is with the lamp or ballast can be tricky without professional help, but if you recently replaced the lamp, the ballast is likely at fault.
For LCD TVs, a failed backlight bulb or inverter could be the culprit. If the problem lies with the inverter, your functioning backlight bulb won't receive power. A good way to rule out one or the other is to get the room as dark as possible and shine a flashlight at the TV from an angle. If you can see images, then the problem is the inverter. If not, then it's likely the backlight bulb.
Step 5: Decide to repair or replace
If you are not ready to part with your DLP TV, you can have the lamp or ballast replaced. LCD inverters can be replaced, but replacement LCD backlights are not generally available, so buying a new TV may be your only option if it fails. In any situation, consider the TV's age and deals on new TVs before deciding.
For more tips or to find a qualified service professional, visit us at Repair.com. Good luck restoring picture or shopping for a new TV!

[@makesai]

I had my TV for almost a week and the image disappeared only on HD. The unplug and plug again thing worked! Saved me, thanks

[@thomogj297]

Absolutely the BEST ever advice spoken clearly and without non essential background music. SO VERY HELPFUL. THANK YOU KINDLY

[@khopkins104]

It does work! I unplugged my 📺 for 30 seconds, 🔌 it back in and my screen returned. Thank you!!

[@rizvicu]

Thank you so much. I just unplugged the power line, then again plugged in. Problem solved. Very helpful.

[@stevemartin245]

I dont usually comment on videos,but think you this 2 minute video just helped me calm down from a heart attack . Thank you.

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

THIS is why I love KZbin so much. Thank you for this quick and most effective tutorial. Now I can continue watching my programs!

[@stephaniemaly6748]

Very helpful. Thank you. Going to buy a new T.V.

[@captainggttv3243]

Stephanie Maly same

[@karthikkat3942]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@traiscor]

😂😂😂😂

[@lorenzorichards7093]

🤣🤣🤣

[@supervega6477]

Same

[@pattibilial3794]

Thank you.Knowing whats wrong makes me feel better.

[@alyssal298]

After watching this video, we were able to diagnose the problem and fix an LCD tv. Thank you!

[@thewinstons2990]

Thank you! I unplugged my tv for 10 seconds and plugged everything back in and it worked!

[@jonik1556]

This might be different than this video.... but - We almost went the route of baking the module, but I came across a post that said to turn off the TV and the set-top box, remove the power source for at least 15 minutes for both, discharge the power button by pressing it and leaving it alone. After 15 min approximately, I replugged both the set-top box and the TV into the electricity socket. Turned on both STB & TV. I believe ATT U-verse had to cycle through... then voilà, the sound was back! This happened a second time and I went through the same process, and again it worked! So glad I didn't bake the module.

[@xheni6571]

I unplugged it for 10 seconds and it worked, thank you it was really helpful

[@Amy-di9zi]

You were really helpful..thank you!!

[@Rose-pg8ub]

This video helped so much, Thankyou!!!

[@edithpniel6866]

Thank you. This video saved me probably a lot of money.

[@zanelemono7396]

Thank you Paul for your help , best video ever.😍

[@bigeboye6000]

Thank you so much, we couldn't figure out the problem but now I know its the inverter.

[@karenadams977]

A natural spokesperson! Thank you.

[@Toots6691]

We watched this video and did the first thing you said. We unplugged it for 10 seconds and plugged it back in. Easy as pie, it worked. Thank you!!

[@VelikiZlacani]

Didnt catch that on the video, tried it and fixed the issue 😂 thank you, and thanks to the creator, cheers! 😊

[@phililehlongwane5843]

Indeed I also did that yoooo am so happy

[@kathystevens8163]

I unplugged mine, left it unplugged all night. Still no picture..

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

@@kathystevens8163 Well, then, you don't have the same [small] problem as these guys; your problem is a bigger problem that needs additional diagnosis, and may not be easily fixed.

[@kathystevens8163]

@@ExtraordinaryLiving Had recycling pick up the TV. Seems as though these Smart TV's don't last very long.

[@festusmuema9054]

Just like that all hope is gone ....I need a new TV...

[@jessicaekpenyong3993]

Very helpful and the most correct information given on this issue... Thank you

[@Its_Just_Me_28]

Thank you. Rebooted and now my tv is back on. ❤️💚🌸

[@stevenknuckles710]

Thank very much!

[@laraleecroft336]

The thing that makes me mad is that I haven't had my tv for a whole year proper yet goddamn....

[@patriciadanon6191]

They don't make things last long I was lucky to lived back in the days when stuff was well built to last I had a problem with my refrigerator had to get a new one After only a few years now looks like the same thing with the tv I think everything run by computer is a curse lol back in the days before computer we did not have problems with cars refrigerators and TVs like today

[@jenniferatienza6726]

thanks so so much! now the picture was restored by unplugging for 10secs.thought i need a new one, tnx to you my problem was solved.

[@karengoldman4504]

Thank you!!! Unplugging/rebooting was the trick that worked for us! I appreciate your clear, concise and short explanation and resolve!

[@lumkilegadu3717]

Was you TV showing the pictures when you turned off the lights and flash light your screen with a torch?

[@braindeadbogan9272]

@@lumkilegadu3717 I'm having this very problem. Did you find any fixes?

[@this_is_abongilerwexu]

What TV model do you have?

[@sweed20]

Thank you so much it worked. Unplugging and waiting 10 sec then plug back in worked.

[@killermustache9980]

OMG this literally saved me I thought I was gonna have to buy a new tv

[@abdulazizsuleman2473]

I'm grateful watching you great job

[@melgonzalez7050]

Thank you. I unplugged and counted 20 seconds. It worked and picture was restored. Very informative video. Problem solved. Yeah!

[@karengoldman4504]

that worked for us too! Thank you, Mister!!!🤗

[@thegalacticfoxnatoin3331]

thank you so much this got my TV to work and i'm pretty good at technology and had no idea what to do so thank you on the help of this video.

[@zuhairkhan6918]

These techniques still useful in 2021😀

[@analizasubade5147]

We just put off our tv and put it on . It works! Thank you for this video!

[@mannylongoria8398]

Worked like a charm. Unplugged receiver and t.v. and pic came right back....

[@chikxrule]

Really liked this tutorial and reference. Thanks!

[@stevenknuckles710]

YEA me too

[@ameenasiyad9277]

Thanks a lot,it is really helpful

[@soltkujin1162]

All y'all tvs working again while unplugging it doesn't work for me

[@itzeman6219]

Ik how. To make it work unplug it and then press the power button for about 1 min and then plug it again and boom it worked for me

[@artynsnow514]

@@itzeman6219 if its don't work I'll sue you

[@artynsnow514]

@@itzeman6219 it doesn't work

[@itzeman6219]

@@artynsnow514 it worked for me

[@thesinofwrath092]

@@artynsnow514 yeah he is a liar

[@suziebray7689]

Thank you so much ! It worked . Thanks !

[@elainehyatt8550]

You are a genius and I thank you.

[@CHE113A]

Thanks for that! That really was truly clear informative. Ok..🤞🏼

[@cynthiaburton383]

OMG! I've never posted a comment but I had to! Unplugged the tv AND IT WORKED!! THANK YOU!!

[@intheplums]

Sorry but did you not fucking try that before looking it up? You bellend.

[@pinkmoona]

Thank you, it worked!

[@zepicplays5119]

Thank you! I unplugged the cable box for 5 minutes.... Viola picture is back!

[@SandeepSinghMango]

Did it keep that way?

[@sophs7913]

Very helpful thank you!

[@davidbuswa9425]

Thanks for the help

[@jay_gamer9965]

Bro thank u so freaking much it helped u have earned yourself a like

[@cherylp5846]

Thank you so much you just helped me out,Ty

[@Mh-nr1zy]

Thank you so much

[@muradosman9998]

Brilliant video. Thank you. My picture went out. I disconnected the received for ten seconds and boom like magic the picture came right back. Thank you.

[@marlyngordonlamont7222]

Thank you ..helpful

[@auntievern]

Very helpful

[@christinechasse8291]

Great video! You helped me save my TV!

[@Alaster_Grimlock]

Very helpful I have to grab myself a brand new tv since my 2 year old tv is done for

[@_mrcrypt]

Thanks for the info 🍷

[@sethwolfe549]

thank you very much this guide fixed my TV quickly

[@comfortsarpee1374]

thank you/ you are too good.

[@jackiedibs789]

I hit mine with a wii remote

[@giggad942]

😂😂

[@kierramcdowell9889]

I’m crying 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😡

[@imspiffy]

Did it work?

[@jennifercantone7794]

Thank you. I really needed that laugh!

[@masatripkovic6900]

😂😂😂😂

[@jasonoakton7379]

Thank you unplugging and waiting worked thx

[@kffcfamily]

Very good sharing on this simple troubleshooting guide...

[@rebel8259]

Thanks alot just helped now

[@philipnewbold1121]

Thank you

[@chiefcharlie8096]

Thanks man

[@denisejohnson915]

it really work thanks😀

[@nyronvendor6653]

Yeah it really does I was shocked lol

[@michaelbrokenarrowtvrepair5332]

good job.

[@Mahtabalam-wn6nn]

Thank uuuu very helpful

[@matthewbanks4240]

Very useful indeed how do I get my hand on an inverter as I shined a light on the screen and still had picture but from a far it's just black

[@erepsekahs]

I like the way he smiles all through this, while your wife is screaming, "So get me a new TV already."

[@alb7844]

Thanx bro 👍

[@amazingdany]

I guess my 12 years-old antique hdtv has finally gave its last electronic breath. A fine job it did all this time!

[@joni4086]

Sangat bermanfaat ilmunya

[@Wrateful]

Laying here at 4:15AM now realizing my TV is burned and useless now.... RIP Wallet

[@BHARAT-wp3lh]

thanks

[@NappiMusicVideos]

Sounds like he’s from PA . Informative !! Thanku

[@laloqwe]

Thanks so much, in my case the problem was the inverter,

[@timberlyhendricks1190]

And what did that cost you?

[@nyronvendor6653]

Damn I’m shocked it actually worked 😂😂😂😂 I never trust these videos because obvious plug out the cord , plug back in . Hold power button 60 seconds , 30 seconds blah blah but it actually worked 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bharathip8302]

Such a nice information 👍didn't worked at all

[@niacal4nia]

I had the same problem on my LG because my remote control batteries were weak. Interesting the sound came through from the receiver.

[@derekappolloni7773]

So if you have a blank screen how do u see the settings to do re-set it?

[@pennykennedy5461]

Very helpful...also going to buy a new TV

[@WiredSquare-lu6di]

This really works

[@markedwards4594]

OK TV Guru's I have a LG 42LB5600, I can see with the flash light a picture on a dark screen, I can't see any lights coming thru the vent holes or with the back off. Solid sheet of metal all over and fastened tightly to the screen. Would this be the power inverter board, T-Con or backlight, Thank you in advance for any positive input.

[@trandungha3867]

Thank you very practical and conversational video#trandungha

[@princestag7478]

Thank you!!!!

[@rababbela8896]

THX a lot so helpfull

[@moxiimoeaye6914]

i was playing red dead redemption 2 then suddenly My tv is forever black screen Yow i fixed it .. I just bought a new thats it!!

[@dreadedoutlaw7831]

I play rdr2 and it went black screen for like a second then came back. But when i logged in i could here the ps4 background noise but no picture

[@cuh7576]

@@dreadedoutlaw7831 happened to me today while I was in a 2k game😭😭

[@lolday6365]

Axzui happened while I was on yt

[@J6fundsssss]

It happened to me jus now.. 🙄🙄

[@cuh7576]

@Gaming Adventures rip

[@johnanderson3700]

My tv (LG) comes on: at first it would bring up both picture and sound for a few seconds, then screen grow black but sound still on. I tried all the rebooting methods but tv progressed to loss of sound as well as picture: now it comes on when I try to reboot only with picture and no sound, but screen goes black within about 10 seconds and I have neither. Given cost of repairs I’m wondering whether it’s worth keeping. too bad as is 60 inch lg that cost about 2 grand new. Now only 3 yrs. and little more older. With prices of tv down I’m thinking of a 50” much more affordable new may be best bet.

[@adriansims1596]

Thank you for the help. My Hisense have a bad inverter.

[@CrowdPleeza]

How common is it for the picture to go blank on flat screen TVs while maintaining the sound? I've never seen this with the older big TVs.

[@user-rb8kl6xt7c]

Thank

[@SelfIndulgentGamer]

handy torch tip :)

[@annettemorgan1760]

Hello, watch your video, but what my TV Element 52 in does is the pic and sound works as soon as you turn it on, in about 5 min the pic goes out but you can still hear the sound. Do u know what the problem could be. Thank you, Annette

[@chmits8282]

I need a new backlight on my LCD SHARP TV it's from 2007 i think

[@macinman]

Plasma TVs weren't mentioned here. Do any of these tips apply to a plasma set? or is it always the panel with plasma and no picture? I have a 42" plasma for my main set. It's 5 years old and working great. Just wanted to find out if any of this it applies as well.

[@Rafail1911]

The problem was the inverter thank god we can fix it :D thanks! +1 like and subscriber

[@jamesdorpinghaus3294]

My tv is six years old. My son was playing Subnautica and the tv began to dim and flicker. The sound stayed on but the screen just went black. I turned it off then back on. It stayed on for a couple minutes then the screen shut off again.

[@curry.26]

9 years later and this still helped me even though I have a smart tv now. I did the flashlight thing and turns out the problem is with the inverter.

[@lumkilegadu3717]

How did you fixed it?

[@enocknkosana2877]

How you fixed it?

[@lorettabailey17]

Thank you so much rebooted my smart tv in the picture is back Thanks Again!!!

[@5pctLowBattery]

I have the polaroid model tla-04641c from Walmart. I used to be able to shake (lol) the tv to get rid of the distortion (which started happening this year after having the tv for 3 years) there were lines and dark areas. But now when I turn on the tv there only sound no picture. I plug out the cable box and sometimes the picture comes back, but then it blacks out after a few minutes :( have to junk it.

[@jasonconway3776]

Unplugging worked thank God

[@reyaa8593]

Thanks!!

[@sorabirthbysleep6261]

thank you so much im 13 and thank you for making this so simple for me