LED & LCD Television Repair in Nairobi, for All Common Faults and Problems, for All Brands
Published by TV Repair Kenya | tvrepairkenya.com
If your television has suddenly gone dark, started flickering, or simply refused to power on, you are not alone. LED and LCD televisions are by far the most common screen types found in homes and offices across Nairobi, and over time — whether through power surges, wear and tear, or accidental damage — they will eventually need attention. At TV Repair Kenya, we have been diagnosing and fixing televisions of every size and brand across Nairobi County for years. This guide walks you through the most common faults that affect LED and LCD sets, explains what causes them, and gives you a clear picture of what professional repair actually costs. Whether you have a small 24-inch bedroom TV or a 75-inch home cinema beast, this article is for you.
What Is the Difference Between LED and LCD?
Before we dive into faults and fixes, it helps to understand what you are actually working with. LCD televisions use a liquid crystal display panel to produce an image. Behind that panel sits a backlight system that illuminates the screen. In older LCD sets, this backlight was powered by cold cathode fluorescent lamps — the kind you might recognise from older office lighting. In modern sets, that fluorescent backlight has been replaced by an array of light-emitting diodes. These TVs are marketed as LED televisions, but the core display technology is still LCD. In simple terms, an LED TV is an LCD TV with a more efficient, longer-lasting, and thinner backlight system.
This distinction matters when it comes to repair, because the backlight is one of the most frequently failing components in both types of set. Understanding whether your TV uses a fluorescent or LED backlight helps our technicians zero in on the fault faster and source the correct replacement parts first time around.
The Most Common LED and LCD Faults We See in Nairobi
1. No Picture, but Sound Still Works
This is probably the single most common complaint we receive. You hear the audio coming through clearly, but the screen is completely black or shows only a very faint image if you hold a torch up close to it. In the vast majority of cases, this points directly to the backlight system. Either the LED strips or the inverter board that powers them has failed. Occasionally it can be caused by a faulty main board or a blown fuse on the power board, but a backlight fault is the first thing we check — and it is usually the culprit.
2. Vertical or Horizontal Lines on the Screen
Thin lines running across the display — whether they are bright, dark, or coloured — almost always indicate damage to the LCD panel itself or a problem with the T-Con (timing controller) board that sends signals to the panel. If the lines appeared suddenly, especially after a bump or fall, the panel is likely cracked or has a broken ribbon cable connection. If they appeared gradually, the T-Con board is the more likely suspect and can often be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new panel.
3. Picture Flickering or Cutting In and Out
An intermittent, flickering display is a frustrating fault to live with. It can be caused by a loose internal cable, a failing capacitor on the power or main board, or — in smart TVs — a software glitch triggered by a faulty firmware update. Our technicians start by inspecting all internal connections and then run a full board-level check. In many cases, a single bad capacitor is the entire problem, and replacing it brings the TV back to perfect working order.
4. Half the Screen Is Dark
When one side of your screen is noticeably darker than the other, you are looking at a partial backlight failure. LED backlights are typically arranged in strips or bars across the back of the panel. If one strip fails or burns out, that section of the screen goes dark while the rest remains lit. Replacing a single LED strip is a straightforward repair, and it is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire backlight array.
5. TV Will Not Power On at All
A completely dead TV — no lights, no sound, nothing — usually comes down to the power board. This is the board that takes the electrical current from the wall and converts it into the lower voltages the rest of the television needs. A blown fuse, a failed capacitor, or a burnt-out component on the power board can shut the whole set down. Power surges, which are unfortunately common during Nairobi’s rainy season, are one of the leading causes of this kind of damage.
6. Colour Distortion or Washed-Out Image
If your TV is displaying colours incorrectly — overly red, greenish, or looking faded and washed out — the fault could be with the main board, the HDMI cable or port, or in some cases the panel’s driver IC. We always start by ruling out external sources like damaged cables or incorrect input settings before opening the set. If the fault is internal, a board replacement or IC repair usually resolves it cleanly.
7. Audio Works but Smart Features Do Not
For Android TVs and other smart sets, software-related issues are increasingly common. Apps may crash, Wi-Fi may refuse to connect, or the TV may get stuck on a loading screen. These are not hardware faults in the traditional sense. Our team can perform factory resets, reinstall firmware, and troubleshoot network configurations to get your smart TV functioning properly again without replacing any physical parts.
Brands We Repair
We service every major television brand available in the Kenyan market. The table below lists the brands we deal with on a regular basis, along with the types of panels they most commonly use.
| Brand | Common Panel Types | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | LED, QLED, OLED | Most popular brand in Nairobi; wide range of models in circulation |
| LG | LED, OLED, NanoCell | Known for OLED panels; requires specialist handling |
| Sony | LED, OLED (Bravia range) | Premium build; firmware updates are frequent |
| Hisense | LED, ULED | Extremely popular across Nairobi due to competitive pricing |
| TCL | LED, QLED | Growing market share; strong presence in budget and mid-range |
| Panasonic | LED, IPS | Reliable build; older models still widely in use |
| Skyworth | LED | One of the most common brands in Kenyan households |
| Sharp | LED (Aquos range) | Solid mid-range option; straightforward repairs |
| Philips | LED, Android TV | Ambilight models need careful panel handling |
| Toshiba | LED (Regza range) | Legacy and current models both serviced |
| Haier | LED | Budget-friendly; parts are widely available |
| Xiaomi | LED, AMOLED | Smart TV features are increasingly popular |
| Realme | LED | Budget smart TVs with a growing user base |
| Changhong | LED | Affordable sets; common in residential properties |
| Beko | LED | Well-known brand with a loyal following |
| Sylvania | LED | Classic brand; still found across many Nairobi homes |
How Much Does LED and LCD TV Repair Cost in Nairobi?
One of the first questions anyone asks is how much a repair is going to set them back. The honest answer is that it depends on the fault, the brand, and the size of the set. What we can tell you is that we always provide a free initial diagnosis and a transparent quote before any work begins. You will never be surprised by a hidden charge. The table below gives you a realistic guide to the cost of the most common repairs we carry out in Nairobi, based on current parts and labour pricing.
| Service / Repair Type | Estimated Cost (KSh) | Typical Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Diagnosis | 0 | Same day | Covers all brands and screen sizes |
| Fuse Replacement | 500 – 1,500 | Same day | One of the quickest and cheapest fixes |
| Power Board Repair | 2,000 – 6,000 | 1 – 2 days | Cost varies depending on the number of faulty components |
| Power Board Replacement | 4,000 – 12,000 | 1 – 3 days | Genuine board sourced for your exact model |
| Main Board Repair | 3,000 – 8,000 | 1 – 3 days | Capacitors and ICs are the most common culprits |
| Main Board Replacement | 5,000 – 15,000 | 2 – 4 days | Depends on brand and availability of the board |
| LED Backlight Strip Replacement | 2,500 – 7,000 | 1 – 2 days | Price scales with screen size |
| Full Backlight Array Replacement | 5,000 – 18,000 | 2 – 4 days | Larger and premium sets sit at the higher end |
| Inverter Board Replacement | 2,000 – 5,000 | 1 – 2 days | Common on older LCD sets with fluorescent backlights |
| T-Con Board Replacement | 3,000 – 9,000 | 1 – 3 days | Fixes most cases of lines or colour banding on screen |
| HDMI Port Repair or Replacement | 1,500 – 4,000 | Same day – 1 day | Micro-soldering work; port must be replaced carefully |
| LCD Panel Replacement | 15,000 – 45,000 | 3 – 7 days | Cost depends heavily on size and brand; we advise honestly if repair is not cost-effective |
| Remote Control Replacement | 500 – 2,000 | Same day | Genuine or high-quality compatible remotes available |
| Software Reset or Firmware Update | 0 – 1,000 | Same day | Often resolves smart TV glitches at minimal cost |
| Pick-up and Delivery (43″ and above) | Free | Arranged on request | Free within Nairobi for sets 43 inches or larger |
| Pick-up and Delivery (below 43″) | 500 – 1,000 | Arranged on request | Small nominal fee for compact sets |
All prices are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the specific model and the extent of the damage. A 30-day labour warranty is included on every repair we carry out.
Why Choose TV Repair Kenya?
Repairing a television in Nairobi should not be a stressful experience. At TV Repair Kenya, we believe in being upfront — about what is wrong, what it will cost, and whether a repair makes financial sense compared to replacing the set. If we think a repair is not worth the money, we will tell you plainly before we spend a single shilling on it.
Our workshop is stocked with genuine and compatible parts for all the major brands sold in Kenya. Our technicians are experienced across LED, LCD, OLED, QLED, and smart TV platforms, and we handle sets ranging from compact 24-inch bedroom TVs all the way up to 75-inch and 85-inch home cinema screens. We offer free pick-up and delivery across Nairobi for larger sets, and every repair comes backed by a 30-day warranty.
Whether your Samsung has gone dark, your LG is showing lines, your Hisense will not switch on, or your Skyworth has started flickering — we have seen it before, and we know how to fix it.
Ready to get your TV repaired? Visit tvrepairkenya.com or call us today on 0101 763 173. Free diagnosis. No hidden charges. Guaranteed.
LCD Panel Repair Using COF Bonding Machine
Understanding COF Bonding in LCD Repair
LCD panel repair using COF (Chip on Film) bonding machines addresses common display issues such as vertical or horizontal lines, flickering screens, or complete display failure. COF bonding machines are specialized equipment designed to handle the precise attachment of flexible circuits to LCD panels, ensuring reliable electrical connections. These machines utilize Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF) to bond the Chip on Film, which contains driver ICs, to the glass substrate or other components of the display. This process is critical for restoring functionality to LCD screens used in televisions, monitors, laptops, and mobile devices.
Key Services in LCD Panel Repair
LCD panel repair using COF bonding machines involves several specialized services to diagnose and fix display issues. These include COF bonding, ACF tape application, COF IC replacement, and panel cleaning. Each service targets specific problems, such as damaged connections, faulty driver ICs, or debris affecting conductivity. The precision of COF bonding machines ensures accurate alignment and secure bonding, which are essential for high-quality repairs. These machines support both semi-automatic and fully automatic processes, accommodating various screen sizes and types, including LCD, LED, and OLED displays.
COF Bonding Process
The COF bonding process begins with a thorough inspection of the LCD panel to identify issues like broken traces or malfunctioning driver ICs. Technicians use a COF bonding machine to apply ACF tape, which contains conductive particles that facilitate electrical connections without causing short circuits. The machine aligns the COF with the glass substrate or PCB, applying controlled heat and pressure to bond the components. This process requires precision to avoid misalignment, which can lead to persistent display issues. Advanced COF bonding machines feature automated optical inspection (AOI) to verify bonding quality.
“Proper alignment during COF bonding can reduce repair failure rates by up to 95%.” – Electronics Repair Industry Study
COF IC Replacement
A common issue in LCD panels is a defective COF IC, which controls signal transmission to the display. COF bonding machines enable precise removal and replacement of faulty ICs. The process involves detaching the damaged COF, cleaning the bonding area, and attaching a new COF using ACF tape. The machine ensures uniform pressure and temperature to secure the new IC, restoring the panel’s functionality. This service is critical for addressing issues like vertical lines or partial screen blackouts.
Panel Cleaning and Preparation
Effective LCD panel repair using COF bonding machines requires meticulous cleaning of the bonding area. Dust, debris, or residual adhesive can compromise the bond’s integrity. Technicians use plasma or EC cleaning to remove contaminants from the glass substrate and COF. Some COF bonding machines integrate cleaning modules to streamline this process, ensuring optimal surface preparation before bonding. Clean surfaces enhance conductivity and prevent post-repair failures.
“Contamination in the bonding area can reduce connection reliability by 30%.” – Display Repair Technical Report
Polarizer Film Repair
The polarizer film, which controls light transmission in LCD panels, can become scratched or misaligned, affecting display clarity. COF bonding machines assist in polarizer film removal and replacement by providing precise control during lamination. Technicians use the machine to align and bond new polarizer films, ensuring uniform adhesion without air bubbles. This service enhances visual quality and is often performed alongside COF bonding to address multiple panel issues.
Estimated Costs of LCD Panel Repair Services
The cost of LCD panel repair using COF bonding machines varies based on the complexity of the issue, screen size, and components required. Below is a table of estimated costs for key services:
| Service | Description | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| COF Bonding | Bonding COF to glass/PCB using ACF tape | 50 – 100 |
| COF IC Replacement | Replacement of faulty driver IC on COF | 80 – 150 |
| Panel Cleaning | Plasma/EC cleaning of bonding surfaces | 20 – 50 |
| Polarizer Film Replacement | Removal and lamination of new polarizer film | 40 – 90 |
| Diagnostic Inspection | Assessment of panel issues using AOI | 15 – 30 |
Note: Costs are estimates and may vary based on panel size, brand, and part availability.
Benefits of Using COF Bonding Machines
COF bonding machines offer unmatched precision, reducing repair errors and improving success rates. Their ability to handle various bonding types, such as FOG (Film on Glass) and FOB (Film on Board), makes them versatile for different LCD panel configurations. Automated features, including microscope inspection and bonding head calibration, ensure consistent results. These machines also support eco-friendly repairs by enabling component-level fixes, reducing the need for full panel replacements and minimizing electronic waste.
“COF bonding machines can salvage up to 70% of LCD panels that would otherwise be discarded.” – Environmental Electronics Report
Applications Across Display Types
While primarily used for LCD panels, COF bonding machines are adaptable for LED and OLED repairs, addressing similar issues like line defects or connectivity failures. Their precision makes them suitable for high-resolution displays in modern devices. Technicians can adjust machine settings to accommodate different substrates, such as glass, plastic, or flexible circuits, ensuring broad applicability in the repair industry.