Derek Whitfield
Derek Whitfield is the setup & repair editor at Tech Junctions. He's the byline on every "how to mount", "how to connect", "won't turn on", and "no signal" article on the site, because he does this work for real - fourteen years installing residential A/V equipment across the US Mid-Atlantic, certified by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), and currently maintaining an active residential-installation business that gives him a steady stream of real customer problems to test his troubleshooting steps against. When a power board fails on a Samsung TV, Derek's article describes the actual fix he'd run, including the multimeter test he'd do before recommending a $200 part. He owns the HDMI/ARC/eARC pillar because cable confusion is the single most common reason readers email a corrections request. He lives in the US Mid-Atlantic.
Published work
Articles by Derek Whitfield
TroubleshootingCompare TV repair cost by problem, type, and size in 2026: typical fixes run $100-$300, cracked screens $400+. See what's fair and when to replace.
TroubleshootingGet the honest answer to 'does TV warranty cover cracked screen': usually no, but 5 plans (ADH, insurance, credit card) can. Plus how to claim.
TroubleshootingSometimes, and here's how to know. Is it worth repairing a TV? Use the fault-and-age matrix, 2026 costs and a 5-minute self-check.
TroubleshootingNo: a cracked panel costs 70–90% of a new TV. But is it worth repairing a TV screen when a cheap board is faking it? Run the 5-minute test.
TroubleshootingReplacing a cracked panel? A TV screen replacement usually runs 70-90% of a new set. See real prices by size, DIY vs pro, and where to find the panel.
TroubleshootingReplace your TV when the screen cracks, apps die, or a repair tops 40% of a new set - when should I replace my TV, in a 7-sign checklist.
TroubleshootingSee the full TV power supply repair cost ladder: $5-15 caps DIY, a $20-100 board swap, or $100-350 at a shop, plus how to confirm the PSU.
TroubleshootingRecycle a TV the right way: never curbside. Compare Best Buy, free e-waste days and certified recyclers by cost, plus how to find a drop-off near you.
TroubleshootingCheck if your TCL TV black screen warranty covers a dead backlight (defects yes, cracks no), how to file a claim, and what changes out of warranty.
TroubleshootingLearn how to fix a TV with vertical lines: free checks first, then reseat the T-Con ribbon or swap a $15-60 board, plus the one line that means replace.
TroubleshootingHow to fix TV screen problems yourself: the power-cycle, reseat and backlight fixes that actually work, plus the toothpaste and epoxy myths to skip.
TroubleshootingFind out how long do TVs last: 5–10 years or 40,000–100,000 hours by type, why the backlight dies first, and how to add years to any set.
TroubleshootingCompare Best Buy TV repair cost: the $49.99/$99.99 Geek Squad diagnostic fee, what they fix, $0 with a plan, and when replacing wins.
Setup, Mounting & PlacementSkip the hype: we tested 5 pull down TV mounts and ranked them by drop distance, weight fit and price. See the best picks for any high wall or fireplace.