Fix horizontal lines on your Hisense TV screen with our expert troubleshooting guide. Learn causes, DIY solutions, T-Con board fixes, and when to contact Hisense support.
Before you assume the worst, try these proven fixes that resolve horizontal lines on most Hisense TVs:
Fix #1: Power Cycle (Success Rate: ~30%) Unplug your TV from the wall outlet, wait 60 seconds, then hold the power button on the TV itself for 15 seconds. Plug back in directly to the wall - skip the surge protector for now.
Fix #2: Check HDMI and Cable Connections Disconnect all HDMI cables and external devices. Inspect each cable for bent pins or damage, then reconnect firmly to different ports if available.
Fix #3: Update Firmware Navigate to Settings → Support → System Update → Check Firmware Upgrade. Outdated software causes display glitches more often than people realize.
Fix #4: Factory Reset If lines persist, back up your settings and perform a factory reset through Settings → System → Reset.
Fix #5: Reseat Internal Ribbon Cables (Advanced) For users comfortable opening electronics, reseating the T-Con ribbon cables can resolve connection-related lines.
Fix | Difficulty | Time Required | Estimated Success |
|---|---|---|---|
Power Cycle | Easy | 2 minutes | ~30% |
Cable Check | Easy | 5 minutes | ~15% |
Firmware Update | Easy | 10-15 minutes | ~20% |
Factory Reset | Easy | 15-20 minutes | ~15% |
Ribbon Reseat | Advanced | 30-45 minutes | ~10% |
When to Stop DIY Troubleshooting: If horizontal lines appear on ALL inputs including the TV's settings menu, and none of the above fixes help, you're likely dealing with a hardware issue. If your TV won't power on during troubleshooting and you need to address hisense tv no power issues first, start there before continuing with display diagnostics. Similarly, if your remote isn't responding, you may need to change hisense remote batteries or troubleshoot remote connectivity separately.
You're settling in for movie night when thin lines streak across your Hisense TV screen. Maybe they're faint at first - barely noticeable during dark scenes - but they're definitely there. And they're not going away.
This frustrating problem affects LCD and LED televisions across all brands, and Hisense TVs are no exception. The good news? Many cases are completely fixable at home with basic troubleshooting. The better news? Even when repair isn't possible, this guide helps you make an informed decision about what comes next.
Horizontal lines on a Hisense TV screen typically appear due to loose internal connections, T-Con board issues, gate driver failure, or LCD panel damage. Software glitches and HDMI cable problems can also cause temporary lines. Most cases are fixable with basic troubleshooting or affordable component replacement.
Hisense has grown into one of the world's largest TV manufacturers, and if you're curious about overall hisense brand quality, the company offers solid value across their lineup. But like any LCD/LED television, connection issues and component wear can cause display problems over time.
This guide covers everything from 2-minute quick fixes to advanced hardware diagnostics. Whether you own a VIDAA, Roku TV, Google TV, or Fire TV Edition Hisense model, the troubleshooting principles remain consistent. You'll need to find hisense tv model number information from your TV's back panel or settings menu - this becomes important for ordering replacement parts or contacting support.
The approach here is straightforward: start with the easiest fixes, work through systematic diagnostics, and know exactly when professional help or replacement makes more sense than continued troubleshooting.
Not all horizontal lines are created equal. The specific type appearing on your screen provides valuable clues about the underlying cause - and whether repair is realistic.
These thin lines stay in the exact same position and don't move, flicker, or change. They're typically black or white and may span part or all of the screen width.
Most Likely Cause: Gate driver failure or panel damage Fix Difficulty: Difficult to impossible Key Indicator: Lines appear immediately when TV powers on and remain constant regardless of content
Lines that rapidly appear and disappear, sometimes strobing or pulsing. They may be more noticeable during certain scenes or inputs.
Most Likely Cause: T-Con board connection issue or signal timing problem Fix Difficulty: Moderate - often fixable by reseating cables Key Indicator: Lines may worsen or improve as TV warms up
Multiple colored bands - often appearing as rainbow-like stripes or blocks of red, green, and blue. These lines typically indicate a signal processing issue.
Most Likely Cause: Ribbon cable damage or signal integrity problem Fix Difficulty: Moderate Key Indicator: Colors may shift or change pattern with different content
If you're seeing color distortion rather than distinct lines, you might be dealing with a different issue entirely. A hisense green screen fix addresses solid color problems, while hisense blue color cast issues have their own solutions.
Lines appearing only at the top, bottom, or one side of the screen - not spanning the full width.
Most Likely Cause: Partial gate driver failure (single-side driver affected) Fix Difficulty: Difficult Key Indicator: Lines span exactly half the screen width, suggesting one driver failed while the other continues working
Wide horizontal bars rather than thin lines. These may be solid black, colored, or distorted sections of the image.
Most Likely Cause: Major panel damage or mainboard failure Fix Difficulty: Usually not cost-effective to repair Key Indicator: Large sections of screen affected; often worsens over time
Line Type | Appearance | Likely Cause | Repair Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
Static/Fixed | Thin, stationary | Gate driver/panel | Poor |
Flickering | Pulsing, intermittent | Connection issue | Good |
Colored | RGB bands/stripes | Signal/ribbon cable | Moderate |
Location-Specific | Partial screen | Single driver failure | Poor |
Thick Bands | Wide bars | Panel/mainboard | Poor |
Here's the critical diagnostic step that separates internal hardware problems from external source issues:
Disconnect ALL external devices (streaming boxes, game consoles, cable boxes)
Access the TV's built-in menu or settings
Observe whether lines appear over the menu graphics
If lines appear on the menu: The problem is internal hardware - continue with hardware diagnostics If lines appear only with certain inputs: Check cables, try different ports, test the source device on another TV
Before attempting any repairs, systematic diagnosis saves time and prevents unnecessary part purchases. Work through these questions in order.
Access your TV's main menu by pressing the Home or Settings button. Navigate through different menu screens.
YES, lines visible over menus: This confirms internal hardware issue. External cables and source devices aren't causing the problem. However, if you're also experiencing sound issues alongside the lines, hisense tv no audio troubleshooting may help identify whether multiple components are affected.
NO, lines only on certain inputs: The issue may be cable-related, source device-related, or limited to specific HDMI ports. If you're having trouble switching inputs or experiencing hisense input issues, address that first.
Power the TV off completely. Wait 30 minutes. Power back on and observe the screen from the first moment.
Lines appear immediately: Likely a persistent hardware connection or component failure.
Lines appear after 5-15 minutes of use: Often indicates a thermal connection issue - components expand when heated, potentially improving or worsening loose connections.
With the TV displaying content, very gently squeeze the frame near where the lines appear. Don't press on the screen itself - only the plastic frame.
YES, lines disappear with pressure: This strongly indicates loose tab bonds in the gate driver connections. The connection is failing but may be temporarily improved with pressure.
NO change with pressure: The issue is more likely a failed component rather than a loose connection.
If your screen is completely dark or shows no image at all - just horizontal lines on blackness - the problem may be backlight-related rather than panel-related.
Flashlight Test: In a dark room, shine a bright flashlight directly at the TV screen from a few inches away while the TV is on. If you can faintly see the image behind the darkness, you have a backlight issue, not a panel issue.
For backlight problems specifically, a hisense backlight problem requires different troubleshooting than horizontal lines.
Try adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpness settings to extreme values in both directions.
Lines change appearance: May indicate a software/processing issue that firmware updates could resolve.
Lines unchanged: Hardware issue - settings adjustments won't help.
Based on your answers:
Lines on menu + immediate + no pressure response = Likely panel damage (poor repair outlook)
Lines on menu + after warmup + responds to pressure = Connection issue (moderate repair outlook)
Lines only on specific inputs = Cable or source issue (good fix outlook)
Lines change with settings = Software/firmware issue (good fix outlook)
These solutions require no technical expertise and resolve the majority of software-related horizontal line issues. Complete each step fully before moving to the next.
A proper power cycle clears residual charge from capacitors and resets the TV's internal memory. This differs from simply turning the TV off and on with the remote.
Step-by-Step Process:
Unplug the TV's power cord from the wall outlet - not from the back of the TV, and not from a power strip
Wait a full 60 seconds (time this; most people underestimate)
While unplugged, locate the physical power button on the TV itself (usually on the bottom edge or side)
Press and hold this button for 15 seconds
Release the button
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet, bypassing any surge protectors temporarily
Power on the TV and observe the screen
This process drains stored power from the TV's capacitors, which can clear glitches that persist through normal power cycles. Community repair forums report approximately 30% success rate for resolving minor display glitches with this method alone.
If your remote stops working during this process, you may need to complete hisense remote pairing steps to reconnect it after the power cycle.
If the power cycle causes your TV to enter a restart loop instead of booting normally, you may be dealing with a hisense tv reboot loop issue that requires separate troubleshooting.
If you can access the TV's menus, a soft reset clears temporary data without erasing your personalized settings.
For VIDAA TVs: Settings → System → Reset → Soft Reset
For Roku TV: Settings → System → Power → System Restart
For Android/Google TV: Settings → Device Preferences → About → Restart
For Fire TV Edition: Settings → My Fire TV → Restart
Sometimes display problems stem from corrupted picture processing settings rather than hardware issues.
Navigate to your TV's Picture Settings menu and select "Reset to Default" or "Reset Picture Settings." This restores factory picture parameters without affecting your network settings, app logins, or other preferences.
After resetting, test with different content sources. If lines appeared only in specific picture modes or with certain content, this may resolve the issue.
Systematically eliminate external devices as the cause:
Power off the TV
Disconnect ALL external devices: cable boxes, streaming sticks, game consoles, soundbars - everything
Power on the TV
Use only built-in apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) through the TV's smart platform
Observe whether lines still appear
If lines disappear when external devices are removed, reconnect devices one at a time to identify the culprit. The problem may be a faulty HDMI cable, damaged port, or incompatible device signal. If you use wireless audio connections, testing with wired audio temporarily can help isolate whether hisense bluetooth connection issues are contributing to the problem.
Before performing a full factory reset, consider using close apps on hisense tv functions to clear any problematic app caches.
A factory reset erases all settings, app logins, and preferences - returning the TV to its out-of-box state. Only perform this after other software fixes fail.
For VIDAA TVs: Settings → System → Reset → Factory Reset → Enter PIN (default: 0000)
For Roku TV: Settings → System → Advanced System Settings → Factory Reset → Factory Reset Everything
For Android/Google TV: Settings → Device Preferences → Reset → Factory Data Reset
For Fire TV Edition: Settings → My Fire TV → Reset to Factory Defaults
After the reset completes, the TV will restart and display the initial setup screens. Complete the setup and test whether horizontal lines persist.
Critical Warning: Do not turn off or unplug the TV during a factory reset. The process may take 5-15 minutes to complete. Interrupting it can cause additional software problems.
Cable and port issues cause display artifacts more often than people expect. A systematic approach eliminates these common culprits.
Examine each HDMI cable connected to your TV:
Look for bent, broken, or missing pins inside the connector
Check for frayed or damaged cable sheathing
Inspect for oxidation (greenish discoloration) on the metal contacts
Test cable flexibility - stiff or kinked cables may have internal damage
Cables degrade over time. If your HDMI cables are more than 5 years old, replacement is inexpensive insurance against connection issues.
Test each HDMI port individually with the same device and cable:
Connect a known-working device to HDMI 1
Note whether lines appear
Move the same device and cable to HDMI 2
Repeat for all available ports
If lines appear only when using a specific port, that port may be physically damaged. If lines appear on all ports with the same device, the issue is likely internal to the TV.
For situations where HDMI connections aren't working at all, troubleshooting hisense hdmi problems covers port and signal issues in detail.
Modern Hisense TVs with 4K resolution and high refresh rates require high-quality HDMI cables to function properly.
TV Capability | Minimum Cable Requirement |
|---|---|
4K @ 60Hz | HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps) |
4K @ 120Hz | HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) |
8K | Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) |
Using cables rated below your TV's capability can cause signal noise that appears as lines, flickering, or sparkles on screen. Look for cables labeled "Premium High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" with the official HDMI logo.
Power delivery issues can cause display artifacts:
Bypass any surge protectors, power strips, or UPS units
Plug the TV directly into a wall outlet
Ensure the outlet is functioning properly (test with another device)
Observe whether display issues persist
If lines disappear when bypassing power conditioning equipment, the issue may be electrical noise from the surge protector itself - or the surge protector may have degraded and needs replacement.
Use the TV's built-in streaming apps with no external devices connected:
Disconnect all HDMI devices
Connect the TV to Wi-Fi (this requires internet connectivity - if you need help, instructions for hisense wifi connection can guide you)
Open Netflix, YouTube, or another built-in app
Stream content for 10-15 minutes
Observe whether lines appear
If lines appear during streaming with no external devices connected, the problem is definitively internal to the TV.
Outdated firmware is an underrated cause of display glitches. Hisense regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance.
Before updating, document your current version for reference:
VIDAA: Settings → Support → System Information Roku TV: Settings → System → About Android/Google TV: Settings → Device Preferences → About Fire TV Edition: Settings → My Fire TV → About
Note the firmware/software version number displayed.
Your TV must be connected to the internet for automatic updates.
VIDAA TVs:
Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
Select Support
Select System Update
Select Check Firmware Upgrade
If update is available, select Download and Install
Do not turn off TV during update (may take 15-30 minutes)
Roku TV:
Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings
Select System
Select System Update
Select Check Now
Follow prompts to install available updates
Android/Google TV:
Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings
Select Device Preferences
Select About
Select System Update
Select Check for Update
Fire TV Edition:
Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings
Select My Fire TV
Select About
Select Check for Updates
If your TV isn't connected to the internet - or if automatic updates aren't working - you can update via USB drive.
Requirements:
USB flash drive (8GB or larger)
FAT32 formatted
Access to a computer with internet
Process:
Visit hisense-usa.com/support/firmware-download
Enter your exact model number (found on TV's back panel sticker)
Download the firmware file for your model
Extract the downloaded file if it's compressed
Copy the firmware file to the root directory of your USB drive (not inside a folder)
Safely eject the USB from your computer
Insert the USB into your TV's USB port
Navigate to Settings → System Update → Update from USB
Follow on-screen prompts to install
Critical Warnings:
Never turn off the TV during firmware update
Use only firmware files downloaded from Hisense's official website
Ensure you're downloading firmware for your exact model number
Allow 15-30 minutes for the update to complete
Prevent future issues by enabling automatic firmware updates:
VIDAA: Settings → Support → System Update → Auto Firmware Upgrade → On Roku TV: Settings → System → System Update → Auto Update → On Android/Google TV: Settings → Device Preferences → About → System Update → Auto-update Fire TV Edition: Settings → My Fire TV → About → Auto Update → On
The T-Con (Timing Control) board is frequently blamed for display issues - but here's what most troubleshooting guides won't tell you.
The T-Con board processes video signals from the main board and controls pixel timing on the LCD panel. It translates digital video data into the precise electrical signals that activate individual pixels.
Located near the top or center of the TV behind the panel, the T-Con connects to the LCD via ribbon cables that carry signals to the gate drivers and source drivers.
According to TV repair experts at ShopJimmy and TVpartsToday - companies that specialize in TV component sales and repair guidance - horizontal lines are virtually never caused by a bad T-Con board.
Let that sink in for a moment.
The repair industry consensus is clear: horizontal lines almost always indicate a defective LCD panel or gate driver failure, not T-Con malfunction. Replacing the T-Con board for horizontal line issues succeeds in extremely rare cases - TVpartsToday estimates perhaps 1 in 1,000 horizontal line cases are actually T-Con related.
This matters because T-Con boards cost $20-$80, and many people purchase them unnecessarily hoping to fix horizontal lines. The money would be better spent toward a replacement TV in most cases.
In the rare cases where T-Con contributes to horizontal lines, you'll typically see:
Flickering or intermittent lines (signal timing issue rather than steady lines)
Lines that appear only after the TV warms up (thermal expansion affecting connection)
Lines on exactly half the screen (one T-Con ribbon cable failing)
If your lines are steady, appear immediately at power-on, and span the full screen width, T-Con replacement is unlikely to help.
If you're comfortable working with electronics, reseating the T-Con ribbon cables is worth attempting before any part replacement:
Required Tools:
Phillips head screwdriver
Soft, lint-free cloth
90%+ isopropyl alcohol (optional, for cleaning contacts)
ESD wrist strap (recommended)
Process:
Unplug the TV from power and wait at least 30 minutes (capacitors need time to discharge)
Place the TV face-down on a soft, clean surface
Remove the back panel screws (typically 12-20 screws around the perimeter)
Carefully lift off the back panel
Locate the T-Con board (usually has a metal shield near the top of the TV)
Identify the ribbon cables connecting the T-Con to the panel (thin, flat cables with clip connectors)
For each connector: lift the small locking tab, gently remove the ribbon cable, inspect for damage or oxidation
Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol if oxidation is visible
Reseat each cable firmly and close the locking tabs
Reassemble the back panel
Test the TV
You'll need to hisense model number for parts if you determine replacement is necessary.
Important Warnings:
Opening the TV voids most warranties
Capacitors can retain charge even when unplugged - the 30-minute wait is essential
Handle ribbon cables gently; they're fragile and easily damaged
Take photos before disconnecting anything
If you've determined T-Con replacement is worth attempting (flickering lines, thermal issues, or half-screen problems):
Typical T-Con Board Cost: $20-$80 depending on model
Where to Purchase:
ShopJimmy.com
TVpartsToday.com
eBay (verify seller ratings and return policies)
Critical: Match the part number exactly. T-Con boards are model-specific. The wrong board will not work and may damage your panel.
When horizontal lines don't respond to software fixes or T-Con troubleshooting, gate driver failure becomes the primary suspect.
Gate drivers (also called row drivers) are integrated circuits located along the edges of your LCD panel. They fire each row of pixels in sequence, from top to bottom, many times per second.
These drivers connect to the panel via ultra-thin COF (Chip on Film) cables - flexible circuit assemblies that bond directly to the glass. Unlike T-Con ribbon cables, COF connections are not user-serviceable. They're bonded at the factory using specialized equipment.
Gate driver issues produce distinct symptoms:
Thin black horizontal line(s) at specific, unchanging positions (each failed driver creates one line)
Lines spanning half the screen (single-side driver failure) or the full width (both sides failed)
Lines that improve slightly when TV is warm (thermal expansion temporarily improving borderline connections)
Lines that respond to gentle bezel pressure (loose bonds that reconnect under physical pressure)
This test helps confirm gate driver connection issues:
Display content on screen where lines are visible
Very gently squeeze the TV's plastic frame (not the screen) near where lines appear
Try different positions along the top and side bezels
Observe whether lines disappear, move, or change
If lines respond to pressure: The tab bonds connecting gate drivers to the panel are failing. The connection exists but isn't stable.
If lines don't respond: Either the driver IC itself has failed, or the panel has physical damage.
Some repair enthusiasts have documented a technique using tape on T-Con connector pins to isolate faulty clock signals. The theory: if one side's clock signal is corrupted, blocking those pins forces the panel to rely on the working signal from the opposite side.
This is experimental and not guaranteed to work. The technique involves:
Identifying which T-Con ribbon controls the affected side
Applying tape to specific pins (usually clock/timing pins)
Testing whether the working side can compensate
This approach has limited success and requires understanding which pins control which functions - information that varies by model and isn't always documented.
Some horizontal line situations aren't cost-effective to repair:
Lines appear across the entire screen on all inputs including menus
Lines don't respond to any software fixes or cable reseating
Lines don't respond to bezel pressure
Lines have progressively worsened over time
Physical damage is visible on the panel (cracks, impact marks, liquid intrusion)
LCD panel replacement typically costs more than the TV is worth. According to Fixr.com and HomeGuide, professional horizontal line repair ranges from $150-$475, but panel replacement specifically runs $400-$2,000+ - often exceeding the cost of a new TV.
Different Hisense TV series and operating systems have unique characteristics that affect troubleshooting.
The A6 series represents Hisense's entry-level 4K lineup. These TVs offer solid value but use simpler components than premium models.
Common Issues: Software-related glitches, power instability Best First Step: Extended power cycle (unplug for 2 full minutes rather than 60 seconds) Known Quirk: A6 models seem more susceptible to software bugs requiring firmware updates
Current 2026 pricing reference:
55" A6: approximately $300
65" A6: approximately $280
These Mini-LED models feature higher quality panels and more sophisticated processing.
Common Issues: Connection-related problems rather than panel failure Local Dimming Note: ULED models with local dimming zones can mask or reveal line issues depending on content brightness - test with uniformly lit content Best First Step: Check all ribbon cable connections if comfortable opening the TV
Current 2026 pricing reference:
55" U6: approximately $400
65" U7: approximately $800
65" U8: approximately $1,000
Roku TV models run the Roku operating system, which includes built-in diagnostic tools.
Secret Screen Diagnostic Mode: Press these buttons on your remote in sequence: Home (5 times), Fast Forward, Play, Rewind, Play, Fast Forward
This accesses a hidden diagnostic menu where you can view system information and error codes that may help identify issues.
For remote issues during troubleshooting, hisense roku remote pairing instructions can help.
Google TV and Android TV models offer additional diagnostic capabilities.
Settings Path Difference: System information is found under Device Preferences → About rather than direct System menu
App Sideloading: Advanced users can sideload diagnostic apps from the Google Play Store
Developer Options: Accessible by tapping the build number 7 times - provides additional system information
VIDAA is Hisense's proprietary smart TV operating system used on their native models.
Firmware Updates: Settings → Support → System Update If Auto-Update Fails: USB manual update is often necessary for VIDAA TVs Common Fix: VIDAA models particularly benefit from complete power cycles Settings Navigation: If you need to adjust hisense voice settings or other accessibility features, these are found under Settings → System → Accessibility on most VIDAA models.
Series | OS Options | Panel Type | Common Issues | Repair Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A6 | Fire TV, VIDAA | Standard LED | Software bugs | Good with updates |
U6 | Fire TV | Mini-LED | Connection issues | Moderate |
U7 | Google TV | Mini-LED | Connection issues | Moderate |
U8 | Google TV | Mini-LED | Rare failures | Good |
Understanding repair economics helps you make informed decisions about whether to fix or replace.
Component | Part Cost | DIY Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Con Board | $20-$80 | $20-$80 | Match model number exactly |
Ribbon Cables | $10-$30 | $10-$30 | Often sold in sets |
Main Board | $50-$150 | $50-$150 | More complex replacement |
Basic Tools | $0-$40 | One-time | Screwdrivers, ESD strap |
Panel Replacement | $200-$600 | Not recommended | Usually exceeds TV value |
Based on data from HomeGuide and Fixr.com (January 2026):
Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Diagnostic Fee | $50-$100 | Often waived if you proceed with repair |
T-Con Replacement (labor included) | $100-$200 | Part + installation |
Horizontal Line Repair (general) | $150-$500 | Depends on root cause |
Main Board Replacement | $150-$400 | Part + labor |
Panel Replacement | $400-$2,000+ | Almost never cost-effective |
Industry standard guidance: if repair costs exceed 50% of a comparable new TV's price, replacement typically makes more financial sense.
Example Calculation:
Your 55" Hisense TV's replacement cost: $400
50% threshold: $200
Quoted repair cost: $275
Decision: Consider replacement instead
Reference prices from Best Buy for replacement comparison:
Model | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
A6 Series | 55" | ~$300 |
A6 Series | 65" | ~$280 |
U6 Series | 55" | ~$400 |
U6 Series | 65" | ~$530 |
U7 Series | 55" | ~$580 |
U7 Series | 65" | ~$800 |
U8 Series | 55" | ~$800 |
U8 Series | 65" | ~$1,000 |
Consider these factors when deciding repair vs replace:
Favor Repair When:
TV is less than 2 years old
Under warranty (professional repair covered)
High-end model where replacement cost is significant
Issue is clearly software or cable-related
Repair quote is under 30% of replacement cost
Favor Replacement When:
TV is more than 5 years old
Panel damage is confirmed
Repair quote exceeds 50% of replacement cost
TV has other issues beyond horizontal lines
Newer models offer significant feature upgrades
Understanding your warranty status can mean the difference between a free repair and an expensive replacement.
Most Hisense TVs include a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects:
TV Size | Parts Coverage | Labor Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Under 50" | 1 year | 1 year |
50" and larger | 2 years | 2 years |
What's Covered:
Manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
Component failures under normal use conditions
Display issues caused by factory defects (including panel problems)
Power supply failures not caused by external factors
What's NOT Covered:
Physical damage (drops, impacts, screen cracks)
Power surge damage
Damage from improper installation or mounting
Screen burn-in
Products purchased "as-is" or from unauthorized dealers
Cosmetic damage
Phone (TVs & Audio): 1-888-935-8880 Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-9PM EST, Saturday-Sunday 9AM-6PM EST Online Support: hisense-usa.com/support Live Chat: Available on support page during business hours Email: service@hisense-usa.com
Gather this information for faster service:
Model number (found on back of TV or Settings → About)
Serial number (same location as model number)
Proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation)
Description of issue (be specific about when lines appear, what you've tried)
Photos or video (helpful for documenting the problem)
Contact Hisense support via phone, chat, or email
Provide model number, serial number, and describe the issue
Complete troubleshooting steps as directed by support (they may ask you to repeat steps you've already tried)
If determined to be a warranty issue, support arranges next steps
Depending on your location and TV size, this may include:
In-home technician visit
Shipping the TV to a service center
Replacement unit (for certain qualifying issues)
Typical Resolution Time: 7-14 business days from claim approval
If your standard warranty has expired or you want additional protection:
Retailer Extended Warranties:
Best Buy Geek Squad Protection
Amazon Product Protection Plans
Walmart Protection Plans
Hisense Extended Service Plan: Available for purchase on select models, extends coverage beyond the manufacturer warranty period.
Third-Party Warranties: Companies like Upsie and Allstate Protection Plans offer TV coverage that may be less expensive than retailer options.
When evaluating extended warranty value, compare the warranty cost against typical repair costs ($150-$500 for line issues) and consider the TV's age and original purchase price.
Proper care extends your TV's lifespan and reduces the likelihood of display problems.
Power surges damage TV components - especially T-Con boards and power supplies - more often than people realize. A single significant surge can cause immediate failure or create damage that manifests later as display issues.
Best Practices:
Use a quality surge protector rated for electronics (look for UL 1449 certification)
Choose a surge protector with at least 1,000 joules rating
Replace surge protectors every 3-5 years (protection degrades over time)
Consider a whole-home surge protector for areas with frequent electrical storms
Modern TVs generate significant heat during operation. Inadequate ventilation accelerates component wear.
Best Practices:
Maintain at least 4 inches of clearance around all TV vents
Avoid placing TVs in enclosed entertainment centers with poor airflow
Never block ventilation slots with decorations or sound bars
Periodically check that vents aren't accumulating dust
Regular firmware updates prevent software-related display glitches and improve overall stability.
Best Practices:
Enable automatic firmware updates
Check for updates monthly if auto-update isn't available
Don't skip offered updates - they often contain important fixes
Keep your TV connected to Wi-Fi for automatic update capability
Environmental conditions affect LCD panel longevity:
Factor | Recommended Range | Risk of Damage |
|---|---|---|
Humidity | Below 80% | High humidity can damage electronics |
Temperature | 50-95°F (10-35°C) | Extremes stress components |
Direct Sunlight | Avoid | UV exposure and heat damage |
Temperature Swings | Minimize | Rapid changes cause expansion stress |
With proper care, Hisense TVs typically last 7-9 years under moderate use (4-6 hours daily). Premium ULED models may last longer due to higher quality components.
Signs a TV is Reaching End of Life:
Picture gradually dimming over time
Increasing frequency of display artifacts
Slower performance and longer boot times
Multiple component failures within short periods
For more perspective on Hisense durability and what to expect long-term, exploring hisense reliability long term information provides additional context.
Horizontal lines on a Hisense TV rarely fix themselves. Software-related lines may resolve after firmware updates or power cycles. However, hardware-caused lines from gate driver failure or panel damage typically worsen over time and require intervention or replacement.
The one exception: lines caused by thermal expansion issues may come and go as the TV warms up and cools down. But this indicates a deteriorating connection that will eventually fail completely rather than a problem that's resolving itself.
Horizontal lines appearing when your Hisense TV is cold typically indicate a loose connection issue, often in the gate driver tab bonds or T-Con ribbon cables. As components warm and expand slightly, connections improve and lines may disappear temporarily. This suggests a physical connection problem that's borderline failing.
If your TV shows this pattern, the connection will likely fail completely eventually. Addressing it now - while the TV still functions intermittently - is preferable to waiting for total failure.
Yes, horizontal lines caused by manufacturing defects are covered under Hisense's standard limited warranty. Defective LCD panels and faulty internal components qualify for repair or replacement at no cost during the warranty period.
Lines caused by physical damage, power surges, or misuse are not covered. If lines appeared after dropping the TV, a power surge during a storm, or liquid exposure, warranty coverage won't apply.
Your Hisense TV panel is likely damaged beyond repair if horizontal lines appear on all inputs including the settings menu, persist after all troubleshooting steps, don't respond to bezel pressure, and have worsened over time. Panel replacement typically costs more than a new TV.
Additional indicators of terminal panel damage:
Visible cracks or impact marks on the screen
Spreading dark spots or clouding
Lines that multiply over time
Complete loss of image in sections
Horizontal lines on Hisense TVs typically indicate gate driver failure or panel damage, which is often not cost-effective to repair. Vertical lines usually point to T-Con board or main board issues, which are generally more repairable with affordable part replacement.
This distinction matters for repair decisions. If you have vertical lines, replacing the T-Con board is worth attempting. If you have horizontal lines, T-Con replacement rarely helps - the issue is almost always deeper in the panel itself.
Attempt DIY repair on your Hisense TV only if the warranty has expired, you're comfortable with electronics, and the issue is likely connection-related. Start with non-invasive fixes like power cycling and cable checks. Opening the TV voids warranty and requires proper ESD precautions.
Good candidates for DIY:
Power cycling and resets
External cable replacement
Firmware updates
Ribbon cable reseating (if experienced)
Better left to professionals:
Component replacement requiring soldering
Panel-related issues
Problems during active warranty period
Horizontal lines on your Hisense TV screen aren't necessarily a death sentence for your television. Many cases resolve with basic troubleshooting that takes just minutes.
The diagnostic approach matters: identify your line type, determine whether the issue is hardware or software, work through fixes from simplest to most complex, and know when professional help or replacement makes more sense than continued DIY attempts.
Your action summary based on diagnosis:
If lines disappeared after power cycling or firmware update: Enable automatic updates, use proper surge protection, and consider the problem solved. Monitor for recurrence.
If lines persist but respond to bezel pressure: You have a connection issue that may worsen. Consider professional diagnosis while the TV still functions, or plan for eventual replacement.
If lines persist through all troubleshooting: Contact Hisense support at 1-888-935-8880 if under warranty. If out of warranty, get a repair quote and compare against the 50% rule before deciding.
If repair isn't cost-effective: Current Hisense TVs offer excellent value. A new 55" A6 runs under $300, and mid-range models with Mini-LED technology start around $400.
Most horizontal line cases are diagnosable at home. Even when repair isn't possible, understanding the cause helps you make an informed decision - and potentially avoid the same issue with your next television through proper surge protection and maintenance.
This guide was researched and compiled using current data as of January 2026. TV repair industry insights referenced from TVpartsToday, ShopJimmy, iFixit community forums, and verified Hisense support documentation. Pricing data from Best Buy, Amazon, and HomeGuide.