TV Repairs

How to Troubleshoot Common TV Issues at Home

A television is a staple in most Australian homes, offering entertainment, news, and relaxation. But when something goes wrong—like a blank screen, poor sound, or pixelated reception—it can quickly become frustrating. The good news? Many TV issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps at home.

In this guide, the experts at Brocky’s Electronics walk you through how to identify and fix common TV problems before calling in a technician. Whether you’re dealing with an older LCD or the latest smart TV, this guide will help you get back to enjoying your favourite shows.

Troubleshoot Common TV Issues at Home

1. No Signal or “No Input” Message

What’s Happening:

Your TV isn’t receiving a signal from the connected device (like a set-top box, antenna, or game console).

Try This:

  • Check if the correct HDMI or AV input is selected using your remote.
  • Make sure the device (set-top box, DVD player, etc.) is powered on and connected properly.
  • Inspect cables for damage or loose connections.
  • Try a different HDMI port or cable to rule out a port failure.

When to Call a Pro:

If you’ve tried all the ports and cables but still get no signal, the issue could be internal. It may involve your TV’s tuner or mainboard.

2. Pixelated Picture or Freezing

What’s Happening:

The TV image appears blocky or intermittently freezes, usually when watching free-to-air channels.

Try This:

  • Check the antenna connection at the back of the TV.
  • If you’re using a signal booster, ensure it’s plugged in and working.
  • Run a channel rescan to update the tuning.
  • Try plugging the antenna into another TV to see if the issue is localised.

Possible Cause:

Poor TV reception or weak antenna signal. This is especially common in areas with interference or poor line-of-sight to broadcast towers.

3. No Sound or Distorted Audio

What’s Happening:

The picture is fine, but there’s no sound, or the audio is crackling or delayed.

Try This:

  • Ensure the TV is not muted and the volume is turned up.
  • Check audio settings to confirm speakers are enabled (not Bluetooth or external audio selected).
  • Restart your TV and any connected devices.
  • Try a different channel or streaming app to see if the issue persists.

4. Smart TV Apps Not Loading

What’s Happening:

Streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Stan won’t open or buffer endlessly.

Try This:

  • Restart the TV and your modem/router.
  • Check your Wi-Fi signal strength; weak connections may need a Wi-Fi extender or direct Ethernet cable.
  • Update your TV’s software/firmware from the settings menu.
  • Log out and back in to the affected app or uninstall and reinstall it.

5. Remote Control Not Responding

What’s Happening:

You press buttons but nothing happens, or the TV responds inconsistently.

Try This:

  • Replace the batteries—even if the light blinks, low power can affect performance.
  • Clean the remote’s IR sensor and the front of the TV.
  • Try using the TV’s physical buttons to rule out a remote issue.
  • For smart TVs, consider using a mobile app as an alternative remote.

6. TV Won’t Turn On

What’s Happening:

The TV is completely unresponsive—no picture, sound, or power indicator.

Try This:

  • Check if the power outlet is working by testing another device.
  • Unplug the TV for 60 seconds and plug it back in.
  • Try a different power cable (if detachable).
  • Look for a standby light or backlight flicker when pressing the power button.

When to Call a Technician:

If none of these steps restore power, the issue could be internal (like a blown capacitor or faulty power board).

7. Picture Is Off-Centre or Cut Off

What’s Happening:

The image doesn’t fit the screen properly—some parts are missing, or it’s zoomed in.

Try This:

  • Go to your TV’s picture settings and look for options like Aspect Ratio, Picture Size, or Zoom.
  • Choose Auto, 16:9, or Just Scan for most modern TVs.
  • Check your set-top box settings too, as these can override the TV’s display output.

Preventing Future Issues

  • Keep your TV’s software up to date.
  • Install a surge protector to prevent power damage.
  • Avoid overheating—ensure the TV has enough ventilation.
  • Have your antenna and cabling inspected regularly, especially if you notice frequent reception problems.

Need Professional Help?

Some issues—like faulty power boards, damaged tuners, or internal wiring problems—require professional repair. At Brocky’s Electronics, we offer expert TV repair services across the Sunshine Coast, including smart TV repairs, reception troubleshooting, and digital tuner fixes.

Conclusion

Most TV problems start with small signs—pixelation, laggy apps, no signal—that can be resolved quickly with basic troubleshooting. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to consult a qualified technician.Contact Brocky’s Electronics for fast, reliable TV servicing you can trust. We’ll get your entertainment back up and running with minimal downtime.