Introduction

Have you ever faced the frustrating issue where your television's picture only appears around the edges and not in the middle of the screen? This common problem can be caused by a variety of factors, and in this article, we will explore the most likely reasons and provide you with actionable steps to troubleshoot the issue effectively.

Common Causes of a Middle Screen Issue on Your Television

Here are the primary reasons why you might be experiencing this issue:

1. Failed LED Backlights

One of the most common causes of this problem is a failure in the bank of LED backlights. This can result in the middle section of the screen not receiving proper illumination, which can make it appear dark and distorted. If you're dealing with this issue, it's important to note that the problem is typically serious and may not be worth repairing if the television is out of its warranty period.

2. Failed Pixel Rows or Driven Circuit

Another possible cause is a failure of a bank of pixel rows on the LCD panel itself or a failure of the circuit that drives that bank. This will result in dark patches or completely dark sections in the middle of the screen. It's essential to understand that repairing this issue can be challenging and costly, especially if your television is not under warranty.

3. High-End and Recent Models

If you have a very expensive and high-end television that is less than 5 years old, it might be worth attempting repairs. However, for most other television models, replacement is often the more practical and cost-effective solution, given that replacement parts may not be available, even from the manufacturer.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before delving into more complex diagnoses, here are some basic steps you can take to rule out simple issues:

1. Check the Input Selection

Many television users forget to check the input source. Ensure that your TV's input is correctly set. Try switching between different inputs and see if the picture appears differently. For example, if you are using a cable box, try plugging it into another input on your television or use a different source like a Blu-ray player or a streaming service.

2. Swap Out Input Connections

If you only have one source connected, try plugging it into a different input on the TV, such as a different HDMI connector. Sometimes, a faulty connection can cause the middle of the screen to not display properly.

3. Contact Technical Support

If your television is an LCD-based, LED/LCD, or QLED model, it's possible that a portion of the LED backlight is out, causing the issue. If your television is an OLED model, the problem could be due to other factors. Reach out to the specific manufacturer's technical support to get a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate advice.

Conclusion

Dealing with a middle screen issue on your television can be a hassle, but with the right approach, you can identify and fix the problem efficiently. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be time to consider replacing your television, especially if it is no longer covered under warranty.

Remember, the most important factors to consider are the type of television and its age. For most models, replacing the TV is typically the easiest and most cost-effective solution. If you need further assistance, contacting your manufacturer's technical support can provide the necessary guidance to resolve the issue.