As a frustrated TV owner, I recently experienced an issue with my television screen that left me with green lines across the display. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share what I’ve discovered about what causes green lines on a TV screen, and some solutions I’ve found to help resolve this issue.
Green lines can appear on a TV screen when a part of the display is damaged, defective, or corrupted. Parts that could be responsible for the lines are the T-con board, the LCD panel, or row drivers. Loss or interruption of connectivity between parts can also cause horizontal lines on the screen.
| Tips |
|---|
| Green lines on a TV screen can be caused by damaged or defective LCD panels, T-con boards, row drivers, or loose connections. |
| Stuck pixels can form a green line on the screen, but can sometimes be fixed with a pixel massage. |
| Outdated software and settings can also be the culprit of green lines on a TV screen. |
| You may need to replace the TV or have it professionally repaired if the issue is too severe. |
| If your warranty is still active, do not attempt a DIY repair and instead leave it for the retailer or agency to fix or replace. |
Table of Contents
What Causes Green Lines On A TV Screen?
Numerous issues can cause green lines on the screen, some fixable, some not.
Let’s look at some common problems and learn how to fix them, if possible. If you’re the handy type, you may be able to repair some of these issues yourself.
LCD Screen Damage Can Cause Green Lines
The LCD supplies light to the TV display. You may need to repair or replace the screen if this is damaged.
You should compare the cost of repairs against the price of a new TV because repair costs are sometimes almost as expensive as replacing the TV.
Green Lines Can Be A Symptom Of Loose Cables
Tapping or knocking on the back of the set could give you a clue as to whether there are loose cable connections.
The ribbon cables that run from the LCD to the main video board could have come loose.
If you’re confident enough to try a DIY repair, unscrew the back cover of the TV. Find the primary cable that leads from the LCD and trace it to its connection point on the video board.
Disconnect the contacts and check them for oxidation. Cleaning and reconnecting the contacts often solves the problem.
Faulty T-Con Boards Can Cause Green Lines
A T-con board is an abbreviation for timing control board. It is responsible for all video processing, converting the video signals to a format suitable for LCD interpretation.
Vertical lines typically indicate that the T-con board has issues. It could be because of loose connections, but if all wiring appears stable, the board itself is probably faulty and will need replacing.
Failed Gate Drivers
When checking the ribbon cables for loose connections, you can press on the one that corresponds with the line on the TV screen.
If it disappears, you know that the bonds are faulty. If the line remains in place, the part of the panel known as a gate driver has failed. You will not easily replace it because it requires specialized equipment.
Other Devices Can Cause Green Lines
Other devices connected to your TV may be incompatible with your set. You would need to inspect those devices for issues. Green lines don’t always indicate damage to the TV.
TV Settings May Need Adjustment
If there is no damage to the TV, changing its settings may work to eliminate the green lines.
You can try putting the TV’s input into different HDMI or AV ports. This way, you can identify any input problems. You can also restore the TV to the factory settings.
A Corrupted TV Display Can Cause Green Lines On A Screen
Most of the latest TVs have a picture test feature. Running this test will show you whether your TV has a corrupted display.
Stuck Pixels Can Form A Green Line On The Screen
An LCD produces colors and images by changing the colors of the myriad tiny pixels in the screen.
Each pixel comprises three subpixels: red, blue, and green. Inside the screen, minute transistors trigger the required color.
Stuck pixels can show up as single dots on the screen or as complete lines running its length.
Putting a little pressure on stuck pixels sometimes helps eliminate the lines. It’s called pixel massage.
Stick some tape on the screen to mark the line and turn it off. Press gently on the marked area with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
The aim is to flex the screen gently and persuade the pixels to move out of the constant “on” position. Switch on the screen again to check the progress.
Outdated Software Can Cause Green Lines
Outdated software often has a lot to do with image errors on a TV. You should, therefore, regularly update the software according to your TV’s manual.
Try a soft reset
A soft reset, is where you turn off the TV and unplug it from the wall outlet. You then usually have to wait for 60 seconds then you can put the plug back in and turn the TV on again. Performing a soft reset clears a device’s internal memory of running programs, which often clears up any technical glitches.
Try a hard reset
A hard reset involves completely resetting the TV to its factory defaults. Most TV models have specific instructions. However, if you have a Samsung TV here are the steps to follow:
To perform a factory reset:
- Head to Settings > General.
- Select Reset.
- Enter your PIN > then select Reset.
Note: If you didn’t change your PIN initially the code is 0000
Advice When Trying To Remove Green Lines From A Screen
Clearly, there are many possible reasons for a TV screen to develop green lines, and it is possible to do some DIY repairs. But here are some things to consider before you go that route.
- Switch the TV off and back on again after a few minutes. The lines may disappear.
- Tap the back of the TV a few times to see if the lines disappear.
- Vertical green lines could mean that the power supply is faulty or failing.
- Check if your warranty is still valid. If it is, do not try a DIY fix. Leave it at the retailer or agency to repair or replace.
- You may end up buying a new TV. Many TV repair jobs by professionals are almost as pricey as a new TV.
Conclusion
Green lines on a TV screen result mainly from a faulty t-con board, damaged screens, or loose connections. But there are also “non-damage” reasons, ranging from incorrect settings to incompatible devices.
But two things stand out: Remember the warranty is there to assist you if anything goes wrong within its active period. Don’t forget about it. And secondly, weigh up whether repairs are financially worth it.
Sometimes you should just cut your losses and get a new TV. But if you’re like me, you won’t give up on your covid partner until you’ve tried every avenue to get it working again.
Read more: TV turns off by itself after a few seconds
References
https://www.coolblue.be/en/advice/tips-for-removing-lines-on-your-tv-screen.html
https://www.quora.com/Why-does-my-TV-have-green-lines-on-the-screen
https://www.lifewire.com/fix-lines-on-tv-screen-5210929
https://forums.tomsguide.com/threads/green-pixels-all-over-tv-screen-not-stuck-pixels.198399/
https://itstillworks.com/rid-thin-green-line-lcd-36231.html
https://removeandreplace.com/2018/05/01/tv-has-different-color-vertical-lines-on-screen-how-to-fix/
https://www.himax.com.tw/products/other-display-related-semiconductor-solutions/timing-controllers/
