Is it possible to repair a plasma TV after an impact?

The screens of modern LCD and LED TVs in most cases do not have additional protective glass, except for the standard two components of the display, between which liquid crystals are placed to form the image. The thickness of the outer glass of the display of medium diagonals is measured in tenths of a millimeter. For comparison, the thickness of standard window glass is 3 mm. The required margin of structural strength is achieved by the quality of the glass, and if the surface of the panel (matrix) is not subjected to impacts or excessive pressure on the screen, mechanical damage usually does not occur on its own.

But, nevertheless, we often hear complaints from owners like this:

— I was watching football, and in the heat of the moment I threw the remote control at the TV - a “web” formed at the site of the impact and part of the screen stopped showing at all. Can you repair it?

— The child was playing and hit the screen with a ball. There are stripes and distortions, it’s impossible to watch. Can it be repaired?

— The TV fell from the wall. Turned it on - there is sound, no image, there are stripes and cracks on the screen. What to do?

The answer in all similar cases is unequivocal - it is impossible to restore the panel’s functionality and it needs to be replaced

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Sometimes an accidental hit on the screen with a children's toy is enough and the TV may fall into the category of irreparable for the reason that it is impossible to find a replacement for some panels, or its price, including transportation and installation, may be higher than the price of the TV. The cost of replacing the panel can be clarified at the nearest Authorized Service Center (ASC) for the specific brand for your TV model. Typically, the addresses and telephone numbers of such dealer centers for all regions are indicated in the documentation that was issued upon purchase - warranty cards or user instructions.

Commercial workshops usually do not practice replacing LCD panels with new ones due to the unprofitability of such repairs, but they may have a stock of components, including used panels. Calling the nearest TV repair shops in the hope of finding a working used matrix for a specific TV model will in any case not be a bad idea before simply throwing the TV away.

Many people often have a question. Why can't it be fixed? After all, the glass itself is intact and there are no visible external cracks, just stripes and interference. The fact is that the inner glass is often damaged, and along with it the LCD crystals and the connections between them. In any case, it is impossible to restore the internal structure of the matrix in this case with even the most modern repair means and the panel must be replaced.

Repair of LCD panels is not initially provided for by manufacturers. There are also no instructions, diagrams or spare parts for their repair. The experience of the craftsmen and the availability of a warehouse of spare parts for used TVs sometimes help to somehow correct the situation. All initiatives to restore the functionality of LCD panels come directly from repairmen. In some cases, workshops may offer to replace glass from another panel that is structurally similar to yours, or other options for getting out of this deadlock, for example, buying a non-repairable TV for parts at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, I would like to note that some TV models use additional protective glass, which may crack from impacts, but the display glass and crystals will remain unharmed. In such cases, the broken glass can be replaced or simply removed so that it does not interfere with viewing. But such TVs (with protective glass) are extremely rare on sale. In addition, few buyers know about their existence and are puzzled in advance by the additional strength of the screen. Usually, when choosing a TV, they are guided by other criteria.

Our service center is often contacted with the problem of a cracked TV screen. The most common cause is mechanical damage to the TV matrix as a result of an impact or equipment falling to the floor. As a rule, the main culprits of such breakdowns are children or pets (most often cats).

Video of a broken TV: Broken TV screen Samsung UE40J6200AW

P.S. We apologize for the somewhat humorous nature of the article.

The article was prepared by an engineer with 20 years of experience in repairing electronic equipment, V.A. Zhdanovich

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Plasma TVs are gaining incredible popularity every year, and even every day. They won the hearts of true connoisseurs of good technology and high-quality images. TV series, films and even news are much more pleasant to watch on the big screen, which captivates an increasing number of consumers. However, sometimes unpleasant situations happen, such as equipment breakdowns or, for example, a TV screen breaking due to carelessness. Agree, it’s not every day that you come across such a problem, so not everyone knows the solution. In this article we will tell you whether it is possible to repair a plasma TV if the screen is broken, and how to do it.

How to set up your TV after fixing it

It is not enough to simply eliminate the reason for the lack of an image, because... After this, additional display settings may be required.

Here is a list of necessary actions, depending on the nature of the malfunction:

• Instead of a faulty built-in decoder, an external digital set-top box is used. To watch, you need to switch from DVB-T2 to another channel (depending on the port, it will be AV or HDMI).
• Each matrix has its own image output properties, and when replacing it, it is necessary to change the contrast, brightness, etc.
• If a digital set-top box for an analog TV was replaced, a new search for TV channels is needed. For cheap T2 devices with 20 channels, it is better to use auto search. Functional digital receivers will need to be configured manually, following the instructions for use.

If you replaced a digital receiver with an analogue one, you need to configure TV channels - first select the signal source, and then start scanning. In other cases, you do not need to change the settings on the TV, but they may be required for another device with which it interacts (for example, a receiver).

Plasma screen - what is it?

First, let's figure out what a plasma screen is and how it projects an image? The matrix is ​​the basis of such a TV and contains a huge number of cells, inside of which there is a mixture of xenon and neon. These cells are coated with phosphors. Also, along the perimeter there are special conductors that contribute to the formation of ultraviolet glow while passing through a gaseous environment. This is what causes the cells to light up and glow in a given color. As a result, we can observe a complete image.

Such a complex mechanism is located between two, often glass, planes. But if previously the thickness was 3 mm, today, in order to make the equipment lighter and slightly smaller, manufacturers have made thinner planes, namely 2 mm.

Important! Indeed, as expected, the weight has become less, but sensitivity to mechanical influences and fragility have increased significantly.

What to do if the screen is cracked?

If you nevertheless break the TV, for example, after a fall, or rather the plasma screen, then the integrity and proper functioning of the matrix is ​​impaired. Since the gas mixture escapes through splits or cracks, a good image can be forgotten. It’s also bad that this fault cannot be repaired - you will have to change the matrix in any case.

Important! As a rule, the cost of this part of the TV reaches huge amounts, so it is often easier to buy new equipment rather than try to repair a broken TV. But you can still contact the workshop and find out how much it costs to repair a TV. Remember also that the cost of components largely depends on the manufacturer and country of assembly. To understand the difference more, read about where TVs from LG, Samsung and other brands are assembled.

In cases where you have a plasma panel installed, which is part of a home theater, and the sound system and other important functions do not depend on the broken panel, it is not advisable to change the matrix, since it is pointless. In such a situation, it is much easier, more profitable and faster to purchase a new TV again.

Important! But if the situation is completely opposite - the TV has many functions and options, then replacing the matrix will be much more appropriate.

However, a TV, especially a plasma one, is a very expensive pleasure. We advise you to consult with a specialist in advance on the topic: is it possible to repair an LCD TV if the screen is broken, and find out the most suitable solution to the problem.

In what cases is it easier to buy a new TV?

If your TV is broken or an archaic model, it makes sense to replace it completely. Especially if repair costs exceed the price of a new TV. Buying a new TV can cost an average of 15 thousand rubles for small models, but can cost 100-150 thousand rubles for large top brands.

If you are considering a renovation, you should pay attention to the following factors:

Is it necessary to change the matrix?

There is not and will not be one clear answer to this question. The whole point is that each situation requires an individual solution. We can only tell you about the basic principles and help you make your decision. So, if you break a TV, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the brand of the device, the cost and extent of the damage.

If the TV was purchased a long time ago, then the manufacturer may no longer produce matrices for your model. In this case, you will have to either buy new equipment or look for the necessary part at repair centers.

Important! For example, the well-known Japanese company Panasonic stopped producing plasmas and, accordingly, matrices.

Expensive TVs with a wide range of functionality are worth trying to repair, because this way you can save more than half.

Also, it is worth emphasizing that sometimes the damage is not so large-scale, which means you can try not to replace, but to reconfigure the matrix. If, as a result of the impact, the gas did not leave the matrix, but only strange vertical and horizontal stripes formed on the screen, the situation can be corrected. To do this, take the broken TV to a service center.

Important! The huge advantage is that the cost of reconfiguration is not so high.

Prevention of cracks and recommendations for safe operation

If you have children in the house, and you are afraid of touching or knocking over the TV, take simple steps to ensure reliable operation. For example, you can install an acrylic screen to protect the LCD - it makes the screen thicker without compromising image quality. Also, you can be sure that your TV will not suffer from spilled tea or impacts or scratches. This acrylic overlay also protects the matrix from dust accumulation.

A serious risk of injury arises from the possibility of falls. Buy a hanging bracket that hangs from the ceiling. Of course, these are unforeseen financial costs, but it’s easier to secure a device than to buy a new one.

Proper operation of household appliances involves malfunctions, cracks and matrix breakage. Install the device on a flat surface or bracket, wipe off dust (without using aggressive household chemicals). Discuss behavior near the TV with your child - active games can lead to broken screens, falls and cracks.

Our service center is often contacted with the problem of a cracked TV screen. The most common cause is mechanical damage to the TV matrix as a result of an impact or equipment falling to the floor. As a rule, the main culprits of such breakdowns are children or pets (most often cats).

Here is one example of children and pets playing. The child was chasing a cat around the apartment and ended up knocking over the TV. A very decent device, model LG 55LA690V-ZB, was damaged. At one time, the owners of this equipment paid almost 2 thousand US dollars for it. And it took just a few seconds for a runaway child and a cat to turn it into trash...

We cannot convey all the grief and anger that wafted from the parents of a sloppy child and also the owners of a cat. First of all, we asked them not to move the cat to another place of residence, which is intended for the disposal of municipal waste (garbage dump). And also do not apply harsh measures to the child.

Before us, they addressed this problem to one of the official services of the manufacturer of the damaged equipment (LG). It announced the cost of replacing the matrix - 1,400 rubles (about $700). The funny thing is that the real cost of such a panel on online flea markets like “Online” or “Kufar” rarely exceeds 1000 rubles (500 US dollars). Having contacted our suppliers, we found out that no one would ship such a matrix to us at a price below 1,200 rubles (600 US dollars).

You probably have a lot of questions swirling in your head that are related to this kind of screen breakdown. In this article we will try to answer your questions as informatively as possible in the form of a question and answer.

Is it possible to repair a cracked TV screen (matrix) or is only an expensive replacement left?

Unfortunately, screen repair is not possible. The design features of the screen do not allow eliminating mechanical damage. The only option to restore the TV's functionality is to replace the panel.

Conclusions: repairing the matrix is ​​not possible; unfortunately, the only option left is an expensive replacement.

Where does such a cosmic cost of replacing a TV matrix come from?

As a rule, the price of the matrix of the total cost of TV is 80 - 95 percent. This is due to the fact that the production of the matrix itself is a very expensive thing. The cost of a screen manufacturing plant ranges from 2 to 10 billion US dollars depending on the generation of production lines and their technological capabilities. In addition, the panel itself is a large item - therefore, the cost is significantly affected by high logistics costs. Due to its size, large storage facilities are required, which again entails increased costs.

Conclusions: the matrix cannot be cheap and its cost is 80 - 95 percent of the cost of the TV.

From the information presented above, another question arises. If the matrix costs 80-95 percent of the cost of the TV, then in practice its replacement may cost more than the cost of such a working TV at a flea market?

Everything is very simple here. The only supplier where you can order a matrix for a damaged TV without any problems is the manufacturer of the damaged equipment itself. Provided that he has warehouse stocks of the required spare parts. When shipping the matrix, the TV manufacturer relies on its purchase price. In simple terms, it looks at how much it cost the company. Naturally, the production/purchase of the required matrix model occurred at the same time as the production of the TV. But several years have passed since the production of the TV, and the TV that includes a broken matrix has lost in price. And the manufacturer produced (purchased) this matrix at the time of TV production (at the peak of price).

You will say that the manufacturer could sell this matrix at a loss in order to get back at least part of the money spent on it. But he won't do this for two reasons:

• It is beneficial for the manufacturer that you do not repair the old TV, but purchase a new one.
• If a manufacturer has decent stocks of old matrices, they simply produce new budget TVs based on them. And if the matrices are from top-end TVs, then you can also make TVs in the middle price segment. In practice, we have more than once encountered the fact that when disassembling a new TV, we saw in it a matrix that came with TVs that were produced 2–5 years ago.

Conclusions: the manufacturer is not interested in giving away matrices cheaply in order to force you to purchase new equipment. And if there are decent stocks of old matrices, he will produce an entry-level or mid-price TV based on them.

Then you ask the next question. If you can’t buy a cheap new matrix, maybe it’s worth buying a used TV after a thunderstorm. With a burnt out motherboard or power supply. And use the whole matrix to repair your TV.

Regarding TV after a thunderstorm, this is a very sound idea. But here the human factor “like entrepreneurship” begins to work. These types of TVs pop up from time to time at online flea markets. But there are even more people - professional outbids. These crooks spend days and nights scouring flea markets on the Internet in search of such TVs. In practice, if such an ad pops up, the product is sold within 20 minutes. You can create a fake ad yourself, just for fun, and you will be very amazed at the result. They will immediately begin to cut off your phone number.

This solution is feasible in theory, but very difficult to implement in practice. Moreover, you will need a TV with exactly the same matrix. Another matrix most likely will not work on your TV. If it is possible to start it, it is not without the help of a qualified engineer. Moreover, the specialist will want quite a decent amount for his services. Which will again increase the budget of the entire event. In addition, there is no guarantee that the matrix did not burn out as a result of a thunderstorm.

Conclusions: You can try to look for a used matrix at flea markets, but carrying out this activity will be very problematic and fraught with irreparable material losses.

Based on the above, your next question will be - what if I look for resellers who buy such TVs and buy a matrix from them?

In theory, a sound idea, but unfortunately it will have to be broken by the harsh realities of life. In addition to burnt-out TVs with intact LCD panels, resellers are no less actively buying TVs with broken screens (matrices) for 10-20 rubles (5-10 US dollars). Subsequently, they make one working TV from one burnt and one broken one. Which, of course, is immediately displayed on the same Internet resources where broken TVs were purchased. The cycle of things in nature in one word. You are interested in a matrix at a price significantly lower than the cost of the same used TV, at least for half the price. Agree, if equipment repair costs more than half the cost, the meaning of such an operation is lost. It's easier to spend more money and buy a new one.

But it’s easier for a second-hand buyer to sell this matrix by inserting it into a broken TV bought for pennies. In this case, he will receive maximum profit. Selling you a matrix for half the price will only do a good deed for you, but will not increase your profit. Outbids are greedy people, so you don’t have to count on altruism on their part towards you.

Conclusions: no one outbid will sell you a working used matrix. They have a more profitable method of selling such goods.

As a result, we came to the following conclusions:

Repairing the matrix is ​​not possible, so the only option left is an expensive replacement.

The matrix cannot be cheap and its cost is 80 - 95 percent of the cost of a new TV.

The manufacturer is not interested in giving away matrices cheaply in order to force you to purchase new equipment. And if there are decent stocks of old matrices, he will produce an entry-level or mid-price TV based on them.

You can try to look for a used matrix at flea markets, but this event will be very problematic and fraught with irreparable material losses.

No one will sell you a working used matrix. They have a more profitable method of selling such goods.

And now we come to the most important question:

Problems when replacing the matrix

If you decide to change the matrix, you should adhere to several important points:

1. This procedure cannot be performed at home, much less independently. You need to take your broken TV to an experienced technician for repair.
2. When transporting, it is recommended to keep the plasma panel in an upright position. This will help avoid improper redistribution of the load on one side. That is, often in order to transport the damaged TV, a passenger car will not be enough for you.

Important! The convenient thing is that today you can easily call a technician to your home, who will help diagnose the magnitude of the problem and determine whether a plasma TV can be repaired if the screen is broken and whether the matrix needs to be changed. The company will also help you independently deliver your TV to the service center and back, observing all the necessary transportation rules.

Damage warning

It is impossible to argue that prevention is the best defense. Manufacturers have already created many methods of protection. One of them is an acrylic screen protector. Its advantage is that, unlike TV screens themselves, they can be exposed to water, scratches or even light impacts.

Important! This type of screen will help protect the original panel from mechanical damage, which is extremely important, as well as from dirt and dust, which is considered the enemy of nanotechnology.

So, if you want to protect your plasma TV from damage, and even more so if the cost of the equipment is quite high, we recommend purchasing this protection option. An acrylic protective screen is very useful and necessary in a house with children, because one careless movement can lead to large losses.

Important! If the resume of the technicians from the service center is unambiguous - the panel cannot be repaired, you will have to buy a new TV. Our reviews will help you choose a high-quality model and place it correctly in the room: