TVs are our favorite time wasters. Fortunately, they are virtually trouble free. When they are not, it's time to fix them. Before calling the TV repair service, there are many things you can do yourself to eliminate or reduce the cost of technical repair.

How Does It Work?

A television receiver is an electronic device that receives audio and video signals from an antenna, cable/satellite, or a video player and converts those signals into visible light rays and audible sound. A television receiver displays a picture as horizontal lines on the screen. Each line contains a series of red, green, and blue stripes. At viewing distance, the lines and stripes merge and we see a sharp picture in full color. Modern televisions rely on solid-state electronic components that require servicing by a trained technician.

Caution!

Don't even mess with trying to fix one of the new flat-screen TVs. Leave service to a professional. Meantime, review the owner's manual to determine the probable cause and solution. It may just be an adjustment that you can make.

What Can Go Wrong?

Components of a typical television receiver.

Most problems that you can fix are caused by loose connections or improperly set controls. TVs made since about 1990 are often adjusted with a hand-held remote and on-screen commands. Finer adjustments can be made by a television service technician. Problems that appear suddenly indicate a failed component, especially if the set has recently been subjected to shock, vibration, or excessive heat. The picture and sound quality gradually deteriorate due to aging.