From dodgy picture quality to more serious component damage, a TV repair technician can come to your home and help repair your television. However, the cost or repair will depend on the specific issue, so it’s important to know a few things about what TV repair technicians do before getting a quote for the job.

What does a TV repair technician do?

A TV repair technician specialises in fixing issues with televisions and other electronic devices. Their main responsibility is to troubleshoot the issue and repair malfunctioning TVs. This generally means fixing problems with the picture or sound distortion, power issues, connectivity problems or faulty components.

TV repair technicians are adept at identifying the root cause of any electrical problem, such as faulty circuit boards, damaged display panels or defective audio parts. Once the issue is identified, they will then carry out the necessary repairs, which might involve replacing parts, soldering connections, adjusting settings or more. Their expertise extends to various types of TVs, including LED, LCD, OLED and plasma.

The ultimate goal of a TV repair technician is to make your television work again. It’s often a more cost-effective solution than replacing the device outright, and they can help to extend the lifespan of your TV for years to come.

What are the most common reasons to hire a TV repair technician?

• Picture or sound issues: When the images on your TV are coming through as distorted, or if they aren’t showing pictures or sound at all, a repair technician can diagnose and fix the underlying issues.
• Power problems: If your TV doesn't turn on or keeps turning itself off for no explicable reason, a technician can repair the power-related components.
• Connectivity problems: When there are issues with HDMI, USB or other ports, a TV technician can fix the connectivity problems and make sure it functions properly again.
• Software or firmware updates: They can even update your TV's software or firmware to resolve any software-related issues.
• Screen issues: When there are cracks, lines or spots on the screen, it can make viewing a less enjoyable experience. A technician will be able to determine whether the display panel needs repairs or total replacement.
• Component replacement: Repair technicians can replace faulty components, such as capacitors or circuit boards, to restore your TV to its former glory.

Different types of TVs that can be repaired

TV repair technicians are skilled in repairing various types of televisions, including:

• LED: These TVs use light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide backlighting for the screen. LED TVs are common in Australian households due to their energy efficiency and slim design.
• LCD: Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs use a liquid crystal solution between two glass panels to control the light passing through and produce images. LCD TVs were more popular before LED TVs became widespread.
• OLED: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) TVs use organic compounds to emit light when an electric current is applied. OLED TVs have superior picture quality and are well known for their deep blacks and vibrant colours.
• Plasma: Plasma TVs use small cells filled with a mixture of gases to produce images. Though less common now, some older plasma TVs can still be repaired.
• QLED: Quantum dot LED (QLED) TVs use quantum dot technology to boost picture quality and colour accuracy, similar to OLEDs.
• Curved TVs: Both LED and OLED TVs can have curved screens for an immersive viewing experience. Repair technicians can handle the unique challenges of curved displays.
• Smart TVs: TVs with built-in internet connectivity and smart features can be repaired by most technicians.

What other items can a TV repair technician service?

TV repair technicians are usually skilled across the broader range of electronic and digital devices. They might be able to help you with:

• DVD players
• Blu-ray players
• Projectors
• Set-top boxes
• Soundbars
• Home theatre systems
• Gaming consoles
• Media streaming devices
• Audio equipment
• Remote controls

Skilled technicians should be able to address a wide range of problems, such as disc reading errors in DVD players, connectivity issues with streaming devices and audio-related problems with soundbars. Some technicians may even be able to restore and service vintage electronics, such as antique radios or classic audio equipment.

Benefits of hiring a professional TV repair technician vs DIY

Firstly, technicians have the specific expertise and knowledge to accurately figure out the problem and then carry out the most appropriate repairs. This reduces the risk of further damage while saving you valuable time and effort.

However, they can also provide a warranty for their services and parts, which gives you peace of mind in case of future issues. DIY repairs, on the other hand, usually void the TV's warranty and can be challenging to fix if you don’t have technical experience.

Moreover, professional technicians have access to the manufacturer-recommended parts for quality replacements. In contrast, DIY repairs may involve generic or substandard components – not ideal if you are looking for a long-term solution to your TV's issues.

General costs of hiring a TV repair tech

The amount you’ll pay a TV repair technician in Australia will vary wildly depending on several factors – the type of device, the complexity of the issue, whether you need off-site repair, whether there’s a callout fee to your home, and more.

For minor issues, such as simple connectivity problems or software updates, the cost may be on the lower end of the spectrum. However, more complex problems like display panel issues or major component replacements will probably mean a higher bill.

What to ask a TV repair technician before hiring them

Before hiring a TV repair technician, ask the following questions:

1. Are you licensed and insured?
2. What’s your experience in TV repairs?
3. What types of TVs do you specialise in (e.g. LED, OLED, plasma, etc.)?
4. Do you offer on-site repairs or will you need to take the TV back to your workshop?
5. What’s your pricing structure for diagnostics and repairs?
6. Do you provide a warranty on your work and replacement parts?
7. How long will the repair take?
8. Can you provide a cost estimate before starting the repair?
9. Do you use genuine manufacturer-recommended parts for replacements?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.