Samsung TV Top Half Screen Is Darker? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Samsung TVs have a good reputation for the quality and clarity of the images on their TV screens. However, like any electronic device, the complicated systems in these Samsung TVs are subject to problems. One common problem seems to be dark streaks or areas on the TV screen.
A dark band on your Samsung TV screen can be caused by a bad video controller, bad backlights, or a defective screen. Generally, video controller boards can be replaced if this is the issue. If the backlight or screen is faulty, the cost of repairing these issues often makes the purchase of a new TV a better choice.
The cause of a dark band or area on the screen of your Samsung TV can be hard to diagnose. Often determining the cause of dark spots on the screen requires opening the TV case and finding the problem with the internal electronic components. This is not a project for the average homeowner.
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Your First Step if you Samsung TV has a Dark Band at the Top
Your warranty coverage is the first thing you should consider if your Samsung TV has a dark band on the screen. If your Samsung TV is still under warranty, you should contact Samsung customer service for assistance. Several things will probably happen.
- The service representative will take your information, or you may be directed to enter the information about your TV and its problems on the Samsung website. This will start a service ticket, and you should get a phone call back from a service representative.
- If your Samsung TV is still under warranty, a service representative may help you perform some diagnostic tests. These tests will determine if the problem is hardware-related, or firmware related.
- The service representative will make recommendations on how to proceed. If your warranty covers the repairs, you will be given instructions on starting a warranty claim. If the problem is not covered, the service representative may give you recommendations for a qualified service technician that can work on your Samsung TV.
Steps You Can Try to Resolve a Dark Band on your Samsung TV
An older Samsung TV out of warranty might be suffering from issues related to firmware or other mechanical problems that could cause dark bands or spots on the screen. You can perform some tests that may return your Samsung screen to full operation.
Step 1: Dim Area on the Screen or No Picture at All
You need to examine your Samsung TV screen closely before you spend time doing any other tests. Is the dark portion of your Samsung screen displaying a picture, or is it totally black? This indicated two different sets of possible problems.
If a portion of the screen looks totally black, try shining a flashlight on the dark portion while the TV is operating. You may be able to see the displayed video when the flashlight illuminates the screen. This indicates a problem with the backlighting of the TV.
If there is no picture in the dark portion of the Samsung TV screen, the issue is probably with the Samsung TV screen or the video controller board inside the TV. In either case, our recommendation is to call a Samsung service technician to examine your Samsung TV and recommend the repair.
Step 2: Do a Soft Reset on your Samsung TV
Soft resets are easy to perform on Samsung TVs and may help with dark bands or spots on your screen. To perform a soft reset on your Samsung TV, follow these instructions.
- Turn off the TV using the remote control or the on/off button on your Samsung TV
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Check the power cord and the wall outlet for signs of damage or overheating. If either one shows these signs, replace the power cord or the outlet.
- Wait approximately three to five minutes to allow the TV to fully discharge and reset internally.
- Plug the power cable back into the outlet. If you have a surge protector in the system, bypass the surge protector for this test.
- Turn on your Samsung TV and give it a moment to come to full operation. Check the screen for dark bands or spots.
There is a chance that a soft reset will solve your problem with dark bands on the screen of your Samsung TV. If not, try our second tip.
Step 3: Do a Firmware Update
There is an outside chance that a firmware update can solve the problem of dim bands on your Samsung TV screen. If you don’t have AUTO UPDATE turned on, now is a good time to make that selection and allows your Samsung TV to check for updates.
- Make sure your Samsung TV is connected to the internet
- Turn on your Samsung TV and navigate to the SETTINGS menu option
- Select the SUPPORT option
- On the SUPPORT menu, find SOFTWARE UPDATE
- Select the AUTO UPDATE Function and turn it on
Your Samsung TV will use the internet to check for any available firmware updates. Follow the directions shown on your Samsung TV screen to complete the firmware update process. When your Samsung TV restarts, check the screen for any dim or black bands.
Step 4: Perform a Factory Reset
As a last-ditch effort to restore the screen on your Samsung TV to like-new condition, you can perform a factory reset. You should understand that this will return all the settings on your Samsung TV to the state they were in when it left the factory. Any apps or other changes you have added to your Samsung TV will be lost.
- Locate the GENERAL tab on the menu bar. Click on that option.
- Under the GENERAL menu, find the option labeled RESET and click.
- Your Samsung TV will ask for your PIN number. If you haven’t reset the PIN number, enter 0000.
- Click OK and let your Samsung TV go to work
- This factory reset can take up to 15-minutes, so be patient.
- Follow the directions that appear on your Samsung TV screen to complete the factory reset.
When the factory reset is complete, check your screen for the black spots or dim bands. If your screen appears normal, you must now reload all your apps and re-enter your usernames and passwords for the service you use on your Samsung TV.
Deeper Problems
If the above steps don’t solve the problem on your Samsung TV screen, there are several likely causes:
- The video controller board inside the Tv is faulty.
- The cable that connects to the TV screen to the controller board is loose or damaged.
- The backlights behind the screen are not working properly.
Our recommendation is to have a certified Samsung TV repair technician look at your Samsung TV and determine the exact cause of the problem. A trained service technician can then give you an estimate of the cost to repair your Samsung TV with the right parts.
Can I Fix My Samsung TV Myself?
If you have some understanding of electronics, you may be able to make some repairs on your Samsung TV yourself. However, be aware that if you open the case on your Samsung TV, you may void any warranties still covering your TV.
Check Out This Video Tutorial If You Are Interested In Fixing Your TV Yourself.
Can I Replace Defective Parts in My Samsung TV?
On most Samsung TVs, most of the boards are relatively easy to access and replace. There are some considerations before you start working on your Samsung TV.
- Find a large enough workspace that you can lay your Samsung TV face down and flat. Be sure to put something soft between the screen and your workspace.
- Plan for some help. You may need to flip your Samsung TV over several times during this process. This can be awkward with the larger models of Samsung TVs.
- If possible, wear soft fabric gloves if you are removing the screen from the TV chassis. Fingerprints and other debris are hard to remove from the screen without causing more damage.
- Never bend or stress the screen when it is removed. Even the slightest bending can cause the screen to crack.
- If you remove boards or cables, take a picture of the parts before you unplug anything. This gives you a ready reference when it is time to reinstall the parts.
- Have the right tools on hand before you start. Some Samsung TVs require Torx screwdrivers to remove the case and the boards.
Replacing boards in a Samsung TV isn’t hard. What is hard is identifying which board is defective or causing problems with your TV.
Should I Repair or Replace My Samsung TV
That is a question only you can answer. However, from our standpoint, that decision rests on a couple of factors you should consider.
- The Age of the TV – Technology is advancing so fast that even Samsung TVs are nearly obsolete after just a few years. If you start having problems with your current Samsung TV, purchasing a new TV gets you all the latest technological advances and probably more features.
- The Cost of The Repairs – Replacing parts in a Samsung Smart TV is not an inexpensive project. The cost for a new screen for your Samsung TV can exceed $2,000, not including paying the technician to install the screen. Overall, we often find that the cost of making repairs to an older Samsung TV is not cost-effective.
- More for the Money – As technology advances, we often see cost reductions as well. You may find that you get more features, a bigger TV, and a better image for a very reasonable cost when you purchase a new Samsung TV.
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Bringing the Light Back to Your Samsung TV Screen
Dark spots, dim bands, or portions of your Samsung TV screen that don’t operate can be disastrous. These issues make your viewing entertainment frustrating and unsatisfying. If you determine that the problem is faulty or bad parts inside your Samsung TV, the best solution is to purchase a new Samsung TV.
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Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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