Get Quotes from Top TV Repair Services in Austin, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in Austin

Most people rely on their televisions for entertainment. You might find it frustrating that your TV will not turn on for your favorite program. Fortunately, expert TV repair technicians can help you resolve this issue. The technician will be able to diagnose and repair your TV professionally. You can be guaranteed they will use genuine TV parts for the repairs.

By asking the following questions, you can confirm if your preferred TV repair technician is insured, experienced, and certified:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

When looking to hire a TV repairman, make sure that they have the necessary knowledge about the specific details of your television, especially features:

  • Screen type: Modern TV screens come as flat screens and curved screens. Flat-screen televisions are more popular than curved ones. They are lighter and more flexible, making them ideal for wide-angle viewing. While curved screens offer a variety of perks, such as a more captivating experience, they also tend to have a more prominent aesthetic appeal. The choices that viewers make are ultimately their own.
  • Technology Types: Popular TV technology technologies include:
    • Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): This technology is commonly found in older televisions. Direct Views are built with a bulky frame and poor angle view. Despite their high energy consumption, they are still relatively cheap and can work with various devices.
    • Plasma: This type of TV projects images using a plasma process. These types of televisions are relatively inexpensive and have a fast-frame response. Unfortunately, the quality of their images reduces over time. Although plasma televisions are relatively inexpensive, they are considered outdated.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TV: Compared to plasma televisions, these flat-screen models are more lightweight and have a longer lifespan. They also have a bright image output. However, they have a slow response time and a low refresh rate.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP) TV: This TV projects images using light reflection and optical semiconductor chips. Compared to plasma, this type of TV is more lightweight and has a better 3D capability. However, it does not provide the best possible wide-angle experience.
    • Light Emitting Diodes (LED) TV: LED televisions have become one of the most popular types of TV. These are lighter and more energy-efficient than most conventional models. They also produce high-quality images and have fast response times. However, they can be costly. Some improved models available now include OLED, QLED, and AMOLED TVs.
  • Extra Features: These features include Ultra High Definition, internet connectivity, voice activation, and second monitor compatibility.

Before hiring a TV repairman, ensure they have the necessary experience to handle your particular model and technology. This can be confirmed by asking for proof of their previous work. Also, before work starts, ensure you have a written contract with the technician that clearly states their services.

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

When choosing a TV repairman, knowing which brand they are most familiar with is essential due to modern models' unique features and design styles. Most Austin-based TV repair companies have technicians capable of handling any TV brand. Nevertheless, confirm that your preferred TV repair technician has the necessary skills and experience to handle your device. They should also be knowledgeable about the brand and its operating technology.

The following are popular TV brands in Austin:

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Sony TV Smart TV and HDR availability
Quality image and sound output
Expensive Cognitive Processor XR Chip and mini-LED
Hisense TV Relatively affordable
4K options
Has LED, QLED, and ULED variants
Issues with image and sound processing Variety
Samsung TV QLED options
Smart TV availability
High-quality pictures
Expensive OLED
LG TV Has affordable models
Comes in sleek designs
Smart TV and 4K and 8K resolution options
Lacks HDR10+ support OLED
Vizio TV Affordable models
HD, UHD, OLED, and QLED options
OS issues and lagging Quantum
TCL TV Available screen sizes up to 98 inches
Compatible with Google and Roku
Affordable models
Processing issues Value

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Although modern televisions can last between 30,000 and 100,000 hours, some issues can still occur. Usually, fixing these issues is cheaper than replacing them. However, there are times when it's better to replace a TV with a newer model, like when:

  • The TV is over ten years old
  • The panel of the TV is faulty
  • The TV has been physically damaged
  • The TV has already been fixed multiple times
  • The TV has developed a hardware issue

Nonetheless, before you decide to get a new television, it is essential to seek professional advice from an expert TV repair technician. They will typically inform you if the TV can be fixed or if you should replace it. Also, avoid getting ripped off by a technician who only wants to charge you diagnostic and service fees by taking the following steps.

  • Troubleshooting: Make sure that you thoroughly read the manufacturer's manual and the user manual to see if you can get information on the problem as well as possible solutions
  • Research costs: Get and compare repair estimates with the cost of replacing the TV. Several Austin-based companies offer free estimates for their services.
  • Miscellaneous considerations: Before replacing your TV, consider particular factors such as a renovation project or moving into a new home.

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

Besides their hands-on experience, certified TV repair technicians are considered highly skilled. This is because they have the necessary training to perform their duties. They can provide you with the best possible service. Depending on their specialization, TV repair technicians can obtain certifications from various organizations. Some of these include the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA).

Before you hire a TV repair technician, make sure that they have the necessary credentials and ensure you verify their claims with the relevant organization that issued the certification. You should also ensure that the technician can get technical support from the manufacturer of your television brand when necessary.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

Americans spend around seven hours a day watching TV, and having a faulty set can mess up their routine. Knowing how long it might take to get your TV fixed is essential, especially since how long it will take depends on the TV issue. Some of the common TV faults that people encounter include:

  • Distorted images
  • Power failure
  • Flickering images
  • Static screen or noise
  • Screen lines
  • No sound or images
  • Out-of-proportion or ill-sized images
  • Poor syncing between image and audio

Some of these problems can be fixed in one day, but others require multiple technical factors and can take longer to resolve. Some TV repairs that can take more than a day include:

  • Broken screen replacements
  • Dead motherboard replacements
  • TV panel replacements
  • Fried circuit board replacements

Before you agree to work with a TV repair service, ensure they provide you with a definite estimate, as some technicians may try to hold on to your device for several days to collect additional fees. Also, ensure that they provide written estimates, which should include the cost of the repairs. Also, check if the TV repair technician can come to your home or if the TV will have to be taken to a workshop. You should be suspicious of any technician who hesitates to provide a clear timeline or an estimate.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

In Austin, TV repair technicians are not required to have an occupational or professional license before providing their services. Even though they do not require licenses, Austin TV repair companies who wish to provide professional services, such as those for TV repair, must first meet specific requirements to legally operate their businesses in the city. Some of these include

  • Filing an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk's Office,
  • Filling business registration forms with the Texas Secretary of State's Office where appropriate,
  • Meeting all applicable federal, state, and local tax responsibilities.

If you are interested in learning more about the various requirements that apply to operating a TV repair business in Austin, you can contact the city's Economic Development Department at:

5202 E. Ben White Boulevard
Suite 400
Austin, TX 78741
Phone: (512) 974-7800

You can also direct your queries to the Economic Development Department via email.

Apart from fixing flat-screen televisions, some TV repair technicians in Austin also provide other electronics and appliance-related services, like:

TV mounting and installation:
$150 - $250
TV setup:
$50 - $100 per hour
Smart device setup:
$100 - $1,500
Remote repair:
$10 - $50
Phone repair:
$50 - $500
Computer repair:
$50 - $100 per hour
VCR system repair:
$40 - $150
Home projector repair:
$150 - $300
Home theater and sound bar repair:
$120 - $400
Household appliance repair:
$100 - $250

You should always confirm with your preferred TV repair technician if they offer other electronics services. Make sure to keep in mind that the model and make of the appliance that you are dealing with will affect the cost of the repairs. To this end, before you agree to work on an additional service, make sure you agree on the cost. Also, ask if they will give you a discount for providing multiple services.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

When it comes to fixing a TV, the type of TV parts your preferred TV repair technician uses can help determine if the issue will be fixed effectively. When hiring a TV repair technician, you should confirm they have access to genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) TV parts. Although OEM parts cost more than generic equivalents, using them can provide several benefits, such as:

  • Better quality and durability
  • Compatibility with your TV.
  • It saves you money in the long run
  • Compliance with your existing warranties

It typically takes around three or four business days for a technician to find and source the necessary components for a TV repair. However, sometimes it can be hard to find them, especially when your TV model is out of production or has a limited edition. You may have to settle for generic parts if caught in this situation.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

Before hiring a TV repair company, ensure they offer you a warranty for their services. This is an assurance that they will provide you with the best possible service. If their services do not meet this standard, you have the right to get a replacement or free repairs. However, there are certain damages and defects that will not be covered by the warranty, like:

  • Cosmetic damages
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Improper installation
  • Power line surges
  • Shipment-related damages
  • Vandalism or natural disasters
  • Misuse and improper maintenance

The scope, liability exclusion, and timeframe of a TV warranty vary depending on the company offering it. Nonetheless, most are active for a one-year period. In addition, many manufacturers will provide a list of their own certified technicians who can diagnose and fix certain issues related to their products. You may sometimes be required to return the TV to its manufacturer for repairs or a replacement.

Finally, some major retailers, such as Best Buy and Walmart, provide an extended warranty, like additional coverage for accidental damages. The scope and coverage of these plans are usually determined by the store that issues them. Listed below are some of the pros and cons of purchasing extended warranty from these stores:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
You can tailor the plan to your preference and budget They can be expensive, and you likely may not need one
They offer additional protection outside of manufacturer warranties There may be some delay before you can make a claim
You won't need to handle repair details You may be unable to choose your preferred TV repair company or technician

Make sure that you have a copy of the warranty. Doing so will help you understand its terms and conditions and prevent you from voiding it.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the Austin

The Travis County Attorney's Office and Texas Attorney General's Office handle consumer complaints in Austin.

When searching for a TV repair service in Austin, it is essential to be careful and thorough. Scam artists often target elderly and unsuspecting residents and prey on their financial situation. Some of the common tactics that these individuals use include:

  • Suddenly discovering damaged parts so that they can bill you extra
  • Receiving money for genuine OEM parts but using generic ones instead
  • Insisting on being paid upfront and preferring cash payment
  • Intentionally causing damage to the TV parts to increase the repair costs
  • Using fake business license information

You can protect yourself from these types of scams and hire the services of an authorized TV repair technician instead by following some simple steps:

  • Avoid hiring unsolicited TV repair technicians.
  • Execute a written contract with your technician
  • Do not pay for your service upfront, and avoid paying in cash.
  • Ask for a free inspection of the TV. Then, get and compare multiple estimates from different TV repair technicians in the city.
  • Verify that your preferred TV repair technician is licensed and insured
  • Make sure that they have a good review rating by checking various online websites such as Google Review, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
  • Ensure the documents related to the service, such as estimates and payment receipts, are kept safe.
  • Make sure that only licensed and certified technicians are working on your TV.

If you have been a victim of a TV repair scam, you can report it to the Travis County Attorney's Office at:

314 West 11th Street
Room 300
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9415

You can also report any complaints about the fraudulent practices of a TV repair technician in Austin to the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office. You can reach this division online, via phone number (800) 621-0508, or by mailing a pdf consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548