TVs
3 components covered

Field manual · TV

TV wall-mount & installation basics: field manual

Covers: Flat-panel TVs with VESA mounting holes on drywall over wood studs, masonry walls, and basic cable/power concealment in US homes.

Cross-checkedBrands: All3 components

Most mount callbacks come from the wrong screws, a mount rated below the TV's weight, or anchoring into drywall instead of structure. Confirm the VESA pattern and screw size from the TV's manual, mount into studs or masonry with the mount maker's hardware, and keep power wiring code-compliant.

Safety first

  • Two people to lift and hang TVs; OLED and large sets flex easily.
  • Check for electrical wiring and plumbing before drilling.
  • Do not exceed the mount's weight rating; articulating arms add leverage.
  • In-wall power must be a listed kit or a code-compliant outlet; when in doubt, a licensed electrician.

How it works

VESA (FDMI/MIS) defines the threaded hole patterns on the TV back. Patterns are written width x height in millimeters, measured center to center (e.g. 400 x 200 is not 200 x 400).

Small patterns (75 x 75, 100 x 100, 200 x 100) normally use M4 screws; TV patterns 200 x 200 and larger (MIS-F, in 200 mm steps) use M6 or M8. Screw length is specific to the TV; the manual is the reference.

A mount fits when it lists the TV's pattern and its weight rating is above the TV's weight. Adapter plates bridge pattern mismatches.

The load must go into structure: lag bolts into the center of wood studs, or the mount maker's masonry anchors into concrete/brick. Drywall-only toggles are for small, light screens.

Components & tests

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Official manufacturer documentation

Always confirm values against the tech sheet for the exact model.

OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work. © 2026 OnCall Tech. Original content; not a reproduction of any manufacturer document.

Diagnostic guides for this appliance

Component test · TV

TV LED backlight strips and LED driver

LED strips are wired in series strings and run from a constant-current driver at high DC voltage (often around 80-200 V total). One dead LED opens the string and the driver shuts down. Test LEDs with a backlight tester, not a meter diode range, and replace all strips as a set.

6 steps ~120 minadvanced
Component test · TV

T-con (timing control) board: board or panel?

The T-con converts video from the main board into the signals that drive the panel rows and columns. Loose ribbons, a blown T-con fuse or a failed T-con cause image faults; lines that stay fixed in the same place usually mean the panel itself.

5 steps ~45 minadvanced
Component test · TV

TV power supply board

The power supply board makes a standby voltage that is always on, then switches on the main rails when the main board sends a power-on signal. Check standby, then the power-on signal, then main rails. The primary side holds a high-voltage charge.

5 steps ~45 minadvanced

Other tvs manuals

Manual · TV

LED/LCD TVs (all brands): field service manual

Flat-panel LCD TVs with LED backlight (edge-lit, direct-lit, mini-LED and QLED/QD-film sets), roughly 2010 to current. Board names and layouts vary by brand and series.

7 components7 common failuresSamsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, Roku TV, All
Manual · TV

OLED TVs (LG, Sony, Samsung QD-OLED): field service manual

LG OLED (WOLED) sets ~2016 onward, Sony BRAVIA OLED, Samsung QD-OLED (S90/S95 family). Menu names vary by year.

4 components6 common failuresLG, Sony, Samsung
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Smart TV software & connectivity (Roku TV, Google TV, Tizen, webOS, Vizio SmartCast): field manual

Smart platforms on US TVs: Roku TV (TCL, Hisense and others), Google TV / Android TV (TCL, Sony, Hisense), Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Vizio SmartCast. Menu paths change between software versions.

3 components6 common failuresRoku TV, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio
TV wall-mount & installation basics: field manual · OnCall Tech