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My Sony TV Had Horizontal Lines – How I Fixed It Without Paying $245

Three weeks ago, I was watching a documentary on my Sony X90J when I noticed a faint horizontal line running across the middle of the screen. At first, I thought it was part of the video compression; until I paused and the line stayed put. Then I noticed two more lines near the bottom of the screen, flickering slightly with certain colors.

That’s when the troubleshooting began. Sony TVs are generally reliable, but horizontal lines are one of those issues that can stem from everything from a loose cable to a failing panel. The frustrating part? The symptoms often look identical regardless of the cause.

I spent nearly two weeks diagnosing and fixing my Sony TV, trying everything from simple cable swaps to opening the back panel and inspecting circuit boards. Here’s the complete process I followed, organized from easiest fixes to more advanced solutions.

What Causes Horizontal Lines on Sony TVs

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand the potential culprits:

  • HDMI or cable connection issues causing signal degradation
  • Firmware bugs in Sony’s Android TV or Google TV software
  • T-Con board failures (the Timing Controller that drives the display)
  • Panel driver IC problems (chips that control individual pixel rows)
  • Ribbon cable issues connecting internal boards to the panel
  • Power supply fluctuations causing inconsistent voltage to display components
  • Physical panel damage from impact or manufacturing defects
  • Overheating causing temporary or permanent component failure

The key is systematically eliminating possibilities from simplest to most complex.

Step 1: Verify It’s Actually Your TV

This sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people troubleshoot their TV for hours only to discover the problem was their streaming device or cable box.

What to do:

  1. Disconnect all external devices (streaming boxes, game consoles, cable boxes)
  2. Navigate to the TV’s home screen using only the remote
  3. Open a built-in app like YouTube or Netflix directly on the TV
  4. Check if the lines appear on the home screen interface itself

What the results tell you:

  • Lines only with specific HDMI inputs: Problem is your source device or cable
  • Lines on all inputs including built-in apps: Internal TV issue
  • Lines that appear/disappear randomly: Often firmware or T-Con related
  • Consistent lines in fixed positions: More likely hardware failure

When I tested mine, the lines appeared everywhere—home screen, Netflix app, all HDMI inputs. That confirmed this was definitely a TV problem, not my Apple TV.

Step 2: Check and Replace HDMI Cables

Even if lines appear on all sources, bad HDMI cables can sometimes confuse the TV’s processing and cause display artifacts.

What to do:

  1. Power off the TV completely
  2. Unplug all HDMI cables and inspect them for damage
  3. Look for bent pins, frayed ends, or visible wear
  4. Try different HDMI cables, preferably certified ones
  5. Test each HDMI port on your TV separately
  6. Use shorter cables (under 6 feet) if possible

Why cable quality matters:

Sony TVs with 4K HDR support are particularly sensitive to HDMI cable quality. Cheap cables that worked fine for 1080p can cause issues with 4K signals, sometimes manifesting as horizontal lines or artifacts.

I swapped my generic Amazon cables for certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables. The lines didn’t disappear, but this ruled out cable issues as the cause.

Step 3: Perform a Proper Power Cycle

A full power cycle can reset hardware components and clear temporary glitches that cause display issues.

What to do:

  1. Turn off the TV using the remote
  2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet
  3. Press and hold the physical power button on the TV for 60 seconds (yes, a full minute)
  4. Leave the TV unplugged for at least 10 minutes (I left mine for 30)
  5. Plug back in and power on normally

Why this works:

This isn’t just turning the TV off and on. Holding the power button while unplugged fully drains residual power from capacitors and resets microcontrollers in the power supply and main board. Sony TVs, especially Android TV models, can accumulate software glitches that a simple restart won’t clear.

After my power cycle, the lines actually disappeared for about 3 hours—then slowly returned. This told me the issue was heat-related or a component failure that got worse over time.

Step 4: Update Your Sony TV Firmware

Sony regularly releases firmware updates that fix bugs, including display issues. Some horizontal line problems have been resolved through software updates alone.

What to do:

  1. Press the Home button on your remote
  2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
  3. Go to “System” → “About” → “System software update”
  4. Select “Check for system software update”
  5. If available, download and install the update
  6. Allow the TV to restart completely, don’t interrupt this process

If your TV is too glitchy to navigate menus:

  1. Visit Sony’s support website on your computer
  2. Search for your exact TV model number (usually on the back or in Settings → About)
  3. Download the latest firmware to a USB drive
  4. Insert USB into your TV
  5. Navigate to Settings → System Software Update → USB

My X90J was already on the latest firmware (PKG6.5660), but I’ve read multiple reports of Sony fixing line issues through updates, particularly on X900H and A80J models.

Step 5: Adjust Picture Settings

Certain picture processing features can cause or exacerbate horizontal line artifacts, especially with specific content types.

What to do:

  1. Go to Settings → Display & Sound → Picture
  2. Set Picture Mode to “Standard” or “Custom” (disable Cinema Pro, Vivid, Game modes temporarily)
  3. Turn off “Motionflow” (Sony’s motion smoothing)
  4. Disable “CineMotion”
  5. Set “Reality Creation” to Off or Low
  6. Turn off “Live Color”
  7. Reduce “Sharpness” to 50 or lower
  8. Disable “X-tended Dynamic Range” if available

Also try:

  • Switching HDMI signal format from “Enhanced” to “Standard” for each port (Settings → External Inputs → HDMI signal format)
  • Disabling Dolby Vision if using it
  • Testing with different picture modes on different content types

I disabled all processing features and set everything to Standard mode. The lines remained visible but became slightly less prominent, suggesting the underlying problem was hardware, not software processing.

Step 6: Test in Safe Mode (Android TV Models)

Sony Android TVs have a safe mode that disables third-party apps and can help identify software conflicts.

What to do:

  1. Press and hold the Power button on your remote until you see the power menu
  2. Press and hold the Power button again until you see “Reboot to safe mode”
  3. Select OK
  4. Test if lines still appear in safe mode
  5. To exit safe mode, simply restart the TV normally

What this tells you:

  • Lines disappear in safe mode: A third-party app is causing the issue
  • Lines persist in safe mode: Hardware problem, not software

My lines looked identical in safe mode, confirming this wasn’t an app conflict issue.

Step 7: Factory Reset Your Sony TV

A complete factory reset can resolve persistent software bugs that simple restarts won’t fix.

What to do:

  1. Go to Settings → System → About → Reset
  2. Select “Factory data reset”
  3. Confirm the reset (this erases everything)
  4. Choose whether to keep Google account signed in or remove it
  5. Allow TV to restart and complete the reset process
  6. Set up TV as new, testing before installing apps or changing settings

Important warnings:

  • Write down your picture settings first
  • You’ll need to sign back into all streaming apps
  • Any downloaded apps will be removed
  • This can take 10-15 minutes. Don’t interrupt it

The factory reset made no difference to my horizontal lines. They appeared immediately after reset, even before I changed any settings or connected any devices. This was strong evidence of a hardware failure.

Step 8: Check Panel Temperature and Ventilation

Overheating can cause temporary or permanent display issues, including horizontal lines.

What to do:

  1. Feel the back of your TV after it’s been on for an hour. It should be warm but not hot
  2. Ensure at least 4 inches of clearance behind and around the TV
  3. If wall-mounted, check that vents aren’t blocked
  4. Clean any dust from vents using compressed air
  5. Test the TV in a cooler room or with a fan directed at the back panel
  6. Check if lines appear immediately when cold or only after TV warms up

Heat-related symptoms:

  • Lines appear or worsen after 30-60 minutes of use
  • Lines improve after TV cools down
  • More pronounced in warm rooms or summer months

I noticed my lines were definitely worse after the TV had been on for an hour. The back panel near the T-Con board area was quite hot to the touch; warmer than my other TVs in similar conditions.

Step 9: Inspect Internal Connections (Advanced)

Warning: Opening your TV voids the warranty and involves working near high-voltage components. Only proceed if you’re comfortable with electronics and your warranty has expired.

What you’ll need:

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic pry tools
  • Good lighting
  • Camera to document cable positions

What to do:

  1. Unplug TV and wait at least 30 minutes (capacitors retain charge)
  2. Remove back panel screws (typically around the perimeter)
  3. Carefully remove the back panel. Watch for clips and cable harnesses
  4. Locate the T-Con board (usually a smaller board near top or side with ribbon cables)
  5. Take photos before disconnecting anything
  6. Gently reseat all ribbon cables connecting to the panel
  7. Check for any loose connectors on the main board
  8. Look for obvious damage: burn marks, bulging capacitors, cracked solder joints
  9. Reassemble carefully, ensuring all cables are properly connected

What to look for specifically:

The T-Con board on Sony TVs typically has 2-4 ribbon cables (called LVDS cables) connecting it to the display panel. These can work loose over time, especially with temperature cycling. Even a slightly unseated connector can cause horizontal lines.

When I opened my X90J, I found the main ribbon cable to the panel wasn’t fully inserted. The locking tab was engaged, but the cable itself had backed out slightly—probably from thermal expansion and contraction over three years of use.

I carefully reseated the cable, ensuring it was fully inserted before closing the locking tab. After reassembly, the lines were completely gone for about two weeks—then gradually started returning.

Step 10: T-Con Board Replacement (DIY Advanced Repair)

If reseating cables provides only temporary relief, the T-Con board itself is likely failing.

Understanding the T-Con board:

The Timing Controller (T-Con) board processes video signals and sends them to the display panel’s driver circuits. When it fails, you typically see horizontal lines, vertical lines, or color banding. It’s one of the most common failure points on modern TVs.

Cost analysis:

  • T-Con board part: $40-120 depending on model
  • Professional repair: $150-300 including labor
  • New comparable TV: $600-1500

Should you attempt DIY replacement?

I decided to try it because:

  1. My TV was out of warranty
  2. The symptoms matched known T-Con failures
  3. I found the exact replacement board for $68 on eBay
  4. I was prepared to buy a new TV if the repair failed

How to find the right replacement board:

  1. Look at your current T-Con board for the part number (usually starts with “6871L-” for Sony panels)
  2. Search eBay, Amazon, or specialty sites like ShopJimmy.com
  3. Match the EXACT part number, similar won’t work
  4. Verify it’s compatible with your TV model

Replacement process:

  1. Document everything with photos before disassembly
  2. Discharge yourself by touching grounded metal
  3. Remove the back panel as described in Step 9
  4. Disconnect ribbon cables from T-Con (note their positions)
  5. Remove screws holding T-Con board to metal frame
  6. Install new T-Con in exact same position
  7. Reconnect ribbon cables carefully. They’re fragile!
  8. Reassemble and test before securing everything

I replaced my T-Con board with a refurbished unit (part number 6871L-5548A). The process took about 45 minutes, and the horizontal lines completely disappeared. The TV has been working perfectly for five weeks now.

Total cost: $68 for the board versus the $245 quote I got from a local repair shop.

Step 11: Professional Diagnosis – T-Con vs Panel Damage

If you’re not comfortable with DIY repair, or if T-Con replacement doesn’t fix the issue, you need professional diagnosis.

T-Con board failure symptoms:

  • Thin, consistent horizontal lines
  • Lines that flicker or change intensity
  • Multiple evenly-spaced lines
  • Issues that worsen with heat
  • Lines across entire screen width

Panel damage symptoms:

  • Single thick line in specific location
  • Line appeared suddenly after impact
  • Dark or bright spot associated with line
  • Dead pixels along the line
  • Vertical cracking near the line

Getting quotes:

  1. Contact Sony authorized service centers (find via Sony support website)
  2. Get quotes from independent TV repair shops
  3. Be specific about symptoms and when they occur
  4. Ask if they can diagnose before committing to repair

Cost reality check:

Panel replacement typically costs 60-80% of a new TV’s price because the panel IS most of the TV’s cost. If diagnosis reveals panel damage:

  • Sony 55″ LED panel replacement: $400-600
  • Sony 65″ LED panel replacement: $600-900
  • Sony OLED panel replacement: $1000-1500+

At those prices, replacement almost always makes more sense unless your TV is fairly new and still under extended warranty.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

Sometimes the math just doesn’t work in favor of repair:

Replace if:

  • Repair cost exceeds 40% of replacement TV price
  • TV is 5+ years old
  • You’re experiencing multiple issues beyond just lines
  • Panel damage is confirmed
  • You’ve already had previous repairs

Consider repair if:

  • TV is under 3 years old
  • Only issue is confirmed T-Con failure
  • You’re comfortable with DIY and part costs under $100
  • Extended warranty will cover repair
  • It’s a high-end model (OLED, flagship LED)

Current TV prices have dropped significantly:

The Sony X90J I repaired cost me $1,400 in 2021. Similar performance TVs now sell for $700-900. If my repair had failed, buying new would have been the smarter choice.

Prevention Tips for Future

While you can’t prevent all hardware failures, you can reduce risk:

  1. Use a quality surge protector – Power surges damage T-Con boards and power supplies
  2. Ensure proper ventilation – Heat accelerates component failure
  3. Avoid maximum brightness settings – Reduces stress on panel and backlights
  4. Clean vents annually – Dust buildup causes overheating
  5. Update firmware regularly – Sony fixes bugs that can cause premature hardware stress
  6. Use quality HDMI cables – Bad cables can damage HDMI ports and processing circuits
  7. Don’t over-tighten wall mount – Can stress the panel and internal connections
  8. Avoid static images for extended periods – Especially on OLED models

My Final Decision and Outcome

After trying every troubleshooting step, I determined my issue was a failing T-Con board exacerbated by thermal stress. The temporary fixes (reseating cables, cooling the TV) pointed to heat-related component degradation.

I ordered a replacement T-Con board for $68 and installed it myself following YouTube tutorials specific to my X90J model. The repair took 45 minutes, and I was nervous the entire time—but the result was perfect. No more horizontal lines, and the TV has been flawless for over a month now.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But only because:

  • My warranty had expired
  • The symptoms clearly pointed to T-Con failure
  • I was prepared to buy a new TV if the repair failed
  • The part was relatively inexpensive

If professional diagnosis had revealed panel damage, I would have purchased a new TV without hesitation.

Important Warranty Considerations

Before attempting any repairs:

Check your coverage:

  1. Sony standard warranty (typically 1 year parts/labor)
  2. Extended warranty from retailer
  3. Credit card purchase protection (some cards extend warranties)
  4. Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance (sometimes covers electronics)

Warning: Opening the TV voids Sony’s warranty. If you’re still under warranty, contact Sony support first:

  • Phone: 1-800-222-7669
  • Website: sony.com/support
  • They may offer free repair or replacement

Document everything:

  • Save receipts and warranty cards
  • Take photos/videos of the issue
  • Note when symptoms started and any patterns

Final Thoughts

Horizontal lines on your Sony TV are frustrating, but they’re often fixable without replacing the entire unit. Start with the simple solutions—cables, power cycling, firmware updates – before assuming you need professional repair or replacement.

The progression from simple to complex troubleshooting saved me potentially hundreds of dollars. The cable reseating gave me temporary relief that allowed me to research the problem properly. The T-Con replacement was nerve-wracking but ultimately successful.

But also know your limits. If you’re not comfortable opening electronics, or if diagnosis points to panel damage, professional assessment is worth the service fee to avoid wasting money on parts that won’t fix the problem.

The good news? You now have a complete roadmap from diagnosis through repair. Whether you end up fixing it yourself, hiring a professional, or deciding to replace the TV, you’ll make that decision from an informed position rather than blind guesswork.

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