It is not common for a TV to display vertical lines. When that happens, it means there is an underlying issue causing the problem.
For example, it could signal that the power supply is either failing or faulty. In other cases, it could mean you have not connected the HDMI cable well, or there is a poor connection between the processing board and the panel.
But another cause could be the picture does not fit the screen exactly.
When you see black vertical lines on your TV screen, the first step is to identify the primary cause of the problem. Start by testing the picture, check your cable connections, and verify that your external devices are working well.
You can also try changing channels to determine whether the lines appear on all channels. Understand that lines on a TV screen can either be a hardware or software issue.
Software issues are easy to troubleshoot. However, hardware problems require you to seek assistance from the device manufacturer or technician.
Troubleshooting vertical lines on your TV screen
Here are some solutions you can try out.
1. Power-cycle your TV
You can fix black vertical lines on a TV screen by simply power-cycling the device.
- Switch your TV OFF.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Wait at least two minutes.
- Plug back in the power cable.
Once done, turn your TV ON and see whether you have fixed the issue.
2. Check your cable connections
A faulty cable or one you have not fastened securely to the input or output ports can disrupt the signal and cause vertical or horizontal lines.
Try the following:
- Check that you have secured all cables at both the external device and your TV.
- Change the cords if you have a replacement.
- Verify that the picture format settings for your external device match the settings for your TV.
The lines can also occur if your external device is faulty. External devices can include a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or set-top box.
If the device is defective, you will have to fix or replace it. Try out a different device so that you can be sure that the specific device is the one causing the problem.
3. Check the picture settings
You can get rid of a green line on a TV screen by checking the picture settings.
Ideally, aspect ratio, screen resolution, and horizontal or vertical scan frequencies are settings that affect picture display on most TVs. In this case, refer to the external device’s user manual to adjust the picture format settings.
Also, when connecting an external device, ensure the picture format settings match those of your device. For example, set the source on your TV to the same port you connected to your gaming console. If your console is in HDMI port 1, the source on your TV should be HDMI 1.
4. Update the TV software
Your TV software runs the device. An outdated software program can cause many problems like vertical lines, poor picture quality, or failure to install apps.
Try fixing the issue by updating the software. Refer to your TV’s manual on how to update its software.
5. Factory reset your TV
In some cases, a TV fails to process a combination of image settings you have provided. That can cause many picture errors, including flickering lines on TV. While you can go through all the settings one by one, consider resetting your device.
Resetting your TV to factory settings should be the last resort to consider. This is because it will erase all the data, including your settings. On a positive note, it allows you to start afresh.
6. Check the TV hardware for any damage
Sometimes vertical lines on an LCD display could mean a damaged T-Con board. The T-Con or timing control card controls the timing of pixels displayed on the screen. If your T-Con board is faulty, the only solution is to repair or replace it.
You can remove the T-Con board yourself and replace it with a new one. But if you choose the option, you will have to be careful not to destroy anything on the TV.
The best solution is to contact a technician to help you. If your TV is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
How to fix vertical lines on Samsung TVs
If you see Samsung TV vertical black lines on the screen, check whether the lines are permanent or moving. If they are moving, your input source is incorrect. Disconnect and reconnect the video cable or HDMI to check if it resolves the issue.
A second option is to perform a picture test. Here is how:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll to the Support tab.
- Select Device Care.
- Your TV will run a quick scan.
- Once done, choose Self Diagnosis.
- Scroll across and select Picture Test and press OK.
Your TV will run a picture test. If your issue does not show up, you are dealing with a hardware issue. In that case, contact a Samsung technician for further assistance.
Thirdly, you may come across a problem with your Samsung Smart TV whereby colored lines appear on the edge of your TV screen. The lines may be black, white, or green along the top, bottom, or side of the screen.
The issue occurs when you have set the picture size of your TV to JustScan or Screen Fit. Samsung calls the lines an Overscan line. If your setting is JustScan, the picture resolution of specific programs will not fill the screen, thus causing the lines.
You can resolve the issue by setting the picture size on your Samsung TV to 16:9. The setting will extend the picture beyond the edges and eliminate the Overscan line.
Press the P.Size button to change the picture setting. Alternatively, go to Home > Settings > Picture > Picture Size Settings > Picture Size > Select Picture Size 16:9 Standard.
Conclusion
You can fix a TV screen with lines in different ways. For example, you can change channels to see if the lines appear on all changes, change the input source, check cable connections, or power-cycle your device.
But if the problem is a hardware issue, avoid fixing it if you do not have the expertise. Instead, contact the device manufacturer or technician for further assistance.
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