Get Quotes from Top TV Repair Services in San Antonio, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in San Antonio
The average US household has at least two televisions. Regardless of whether you use your television for entertainment or news, having a faulty TV can be very frustrating. Getting a professional repair service is the best way to resolve these issues. It can help you get back to using your television quickly, and there is a guarantee that genuine parts will be used.
To this end, to find a professional TV repair service in San Antonio to diagnose and fix your TV problem efficiently and effectively, you should ask them the following questions:
- Do You Repair All Types of TVs?
- Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?
- Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?
- Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?
- Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?
- Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?
- What Other Related Services Do You Provide?
- Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?
- Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the San Antonio
Do You Repair All Types of TVs?
Make sure that the TV repairman you intend to hire has the necessary skills to handle the make and model of your TV. They should also be knowledgeable about the various features of your television, such as:
- Screen Type: Modern flat-screen televisions come in either curved or flat-screen variants. The main difference is that a flat-screen requires you to sit directly in front of it to get the best possible view. At the same time, a curved screen offers a wider viewing angle regardless of your position.
- Technology Type: standard TV technologies in San Antonio include:
- Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): This technology is commonly found in older televisions. Although they are usually bulky and consume a lot of energy, these televisions are also more affordable. They can work with various types of devices and resolutions.
- Plasma: Although these televisions offer better contrast and clarity than tube models, their image quality often decreases over time. Plasma televisions are relatively cheap and are considered obsolete.
- Digital Light Processing (DLP): Televisions are also more lightweight and have a longer lifespan than plasma models. However, most modern models of flat-screen televisions do not use this technology.
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): They typically have lower response and refresh rates than plasma and tube models. Flat-screen televisions are not ideal for viewing angles despite being more lightweight and having low energy consumption.
- Light Emitting Diode (LED): Although these televisions are more energy-efficient than LCD models, they are still more expensive. Most newer models with the latest technologies, such as QLED, OLED, and AMOLED, use less energy and produce better images.
- Brand/Model Specific Features: These televisions have various features such as voice activation, internet connectivity/smart TVs, and high dynamic range.
Avoid hiring a repairman who doesn't know your television's brand or model. Before you agree to work with them, ensure they provide you with a written service contract stating the job they will carry out and the cost of materials and services.
Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?
Several brands of TVs are readily available in San Antonio. These include:
Brand | Highlights | Drawbacks | Calling Card |
---|---|---|---|
Samsung | Impressive TV quality 4K & 8K options Smart TV options |
Pricey | QLED and QD-OLED |
Sony | Great sound and picture quality HDR and Smart TV options are readily available Eco-friendly |
Pricey | Cognitive Processor XR Chip and Mini-LED |
LG | Sleek designs Affordable models Smart TV options |
No HDR 10+ support | OLED |
Hisense | Great value at low prices Sizes of up to 100" available |
Processing issues | Variety |
TCL | Roku and Google compatible Up to 8K Affordable options |
Processing and picture quality may not be up-to-par with pricier models | Value |
Vizio | Affordable 4K resolutions |
OS may lag and be buggy | Quantum |
Since certain brands have specific features that are typically unavailable on other models, the technician you hire must have the necessary experience to fix your TV. Regardless of the brand, a professional TV repair company in San Antonio can usually handle any TV issue. They are skilled at fixing all significant models and operating technologies.
As such, you should confirm that the technician you hire has the necessary skills and experience to handle your TV. They should also be able to diagnose and resolve issues related to your specific brand and operating technology.
Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?
The average modern TV is expected to last around 30,000 to 100,000 hours, approximately 10 to 15 years of regular use. While it's usually cheaper to fix a faulty device, replacing it may be a better financial decision depending on your situation like when:
- The TV is over ten years old
- The TV has been physically damaged
- The fault is from the TV's panel
- The TV has developed a hardware issue
- The TV has already been fixed multiple times.
When choosing a reputable and professional TV repair company, you can be assured that they will inform you if the device can be fixed or if you should get a new one. However, before you hire a repair firm, you should take the following steps to help you make an informed decision and also avoid hiring a TV repair technician who only wants to take diagnostic and service fees:
Troubleshooting: Thoroughly research the manufacturer's website and the TV's user manual to find out more about the issue and if you can find possible solutions.
Research costs: Before you hire a TV repair company in San Antonio, it is essential that you thoroughly research their services. They will likely give you free estimates compared to other TV repair companies' prices.
Miscellaneous considerations: Situations such as moving into a new home or undertaking a major renovation project can influence whether you will replace your old TV.
Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?
Before hiring a TV repair technician in San Antonio, ensure they have the necessary credentials and educational requirements. This will allow you to identify them as a good fit for the job. Most San Antonio-based technicians have the necessary training and certification to perform their duties from reputable organizations like
- The Electronics Technicians Association International
- The International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians
- The Southern Careers Institute
Before you start working with a TV repair technician, ensure they have the necessary credentials and training relevant to the work they will be doing. Also, make sure that the TV repair professional can contact your television manufacturer if they need help with technical issues.
Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?
In the US, televisions are typically used for around seven hours daily in an average home. Knowing how quickly your TV will be fixed can help you plan your schedule and minimize the disruption caused by the issue. Some common TV faults include:
- Grayed-out screen
- Distorted images
- No sound or picture
- Ill-fitting images
- Dark and dull pictures
- Out-of-proportion images
- Powering off on its own
- Poorly synced audio or video
- Color blanching or leaking
- No longer connects to the internet
- Remote control no longer works
- Lines appearing on the screen
Although many of these issues are considered minor and can be fixed relatively quickly, it is still essential to get confirmation from your television repair service that they can fix the problem. Also, check if the repair service can come to your house or if the problem requires the gadget to be taken to their workshop. Some of the most common TV faults that may require the technician to fix longer than a day include:
- TV panel replacements
- Broken screen replacements
- Dead motherboard replacements
- Fried circuit board replacements
Before you agree to a repair, ensure that the technician provides a clear timeline and an estimate. Also, be aware that if the work takes longer than a day, you might be charged extra for the additional days.
Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?
In San Antonio, TV repair technicians are not required to obtain an occupational license before offering services to city residents. However, if they are planning on operating a business in San Antonio, they must first meet the various requirements of the city's business registration laws. These include applying for tax permits from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Office and filing an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk's Office. To learn more about the requirements for businesses in San Antonio, contact the Economic Development Department of the City of San Antonio.
To learn more about the various requirements for establishing a business in San Antonio, you can contact the city's Economic Development Department at
City Tower100 West Houston Street
19th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 207-8080
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays
What Other Related Services Do You Provide?
Besides repairing TV sets, many professional technicians in San Antonio also offer other services such as home appliances and electronics repairs:
Note that the exact cost of these services will vary depending on the model and make of the appliance. Nonetheless, ask if the TV repair technician you are considering hiring also provides other services that you may require. Ensure you understand and agree on their cost before hiring them for these additional services. Also, check if you can get a discount when offering multiple repairs.
Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?
When it comes to fixing your TV, the type of parts the TV repair technician uses can help determine if the issue will be resolved. Aside from confirming that your preferred TV repair technician has the necessary skills and licenses, you should also confirm if they have access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) TV parts. Although these are typically more expensive, they have various benefits over generic parts, such as:
- Better quality and durability
- Compatibility with your TV
- Complies with your existing warranties
- It saves you money in the long run
Finding the necessary parts for a TV repair usually takes three to four business days. Note that in some cases, the TV repair technician might not be able to find genuine OEM components due to the manufacturers' discontinuation of production. You can use generic TV parts for your TV repairs in these cases.
Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?
San Antonio TV repair technicians typically provide a warranty for their work, which means that if something goes wrong, they will cover the cost of the repairs. These types of warranties provide consumers with peace of mind by assuring them that the work will be done correctly and with high-quality components. Typically, a warranty lasts for three to 12 months. Consider it a red flag if the TV repair technician refuses or hesitates to provide a service warranty.
Note that the technician who issued the warranty and the make and model of the TV will determine the coverage and conditions of the warranty. TV repair warranties usually will not cover damages that occur due to the following:
- Normal wear and tear
- Power line surges
- Shipment-related damages
- Burn-in and image retention
- Improper installation
- Cosmetic damages
- Misuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, or natural disasters
When dealing with defective televisions, make sure to check the list of trusted technicians the manufacturer provides. Sometimes, the TV may need to be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement, depending on the fault.
Some major retailers, such as Walmart and Best Buy, provide their customers with extended protection plans or warranties. These provide additional coverage, such as for accidental damage. These plans are not the same as those issued by the manufacturer, and the terms and conditions of these plans are determined by the outlet that sells them.
The following are various pros and cons of buying an extended warranty for your TV:
Pros of Extended Protection Plans | Cons of Extended Protection Plans |
---|---|
Provides additional coverage for TVs | Can be quite expensive |
Can be used after the original manufacturer's warranty expires | Cost is not usually justified for low-end TVs |
Offers extra peace of mind | Repairs covered usually cost less than the actual plan |
Request a written copy of the warranty agreement to understand its terms and conditions. Doing so will allow you to avoid voiding the contract.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the San Antonio
The Office of the Attorney General of Texas handles complaints about TV repair companies' services in San Antonio.
In San Antonio, many fraudulent and dishonest TV repair technicians try to trick their customers through scams like:
- Requesting for complete payment upfront
- Intentionally damaging unaffected parts of the TV to charge higher fees
- Lying that TVs with fixable problems need total replacement and then stripping the old TV for parts
- Quoting prices for genuine OEM premium parts and then using generic parts instead
- Lying about their business registration status and other credentials
- Discover other problems with the TV that were not there, so they can ask for additional fees to fix these issues.
When looking for a reputable TV repair service in San Antonio, here are some tips to follow to avoid getting scammed by an unethical TV repair technician:
- Check for reviews about the TV repair technicians you prefer by visiting online review websites, such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and other similar websites.
- Before you hire a TV repair technician in San Antonio,
- Make sure that their business has been registered with the city's Economic Development Department by contacting the office at (210) 207-8080
- Make sure that you have a receipt or claim check for the service that will be performed before you leave your TV at the technician's workshop,
- Request for a free initial inspection and cost estimate for their services
- Get and compare cost estimates from several TV repair technicians.
- Avoid paying the total cost of your repairs upfront.
- Pay attention to the technician if the repair is being done in your home.
- Get receipts for all purchased parts.
- Confirm that the TV repair technician will give you a warranty.
The Attorney General of Texas's office protects San Antonio residents from fraudulent and deceptive business practices. Residents can file complaints against a TV repair technician with the Consumer Protection Division by calling its toll-free number at (800) 621-0508. Alternatively, you can complete an online consumer complaint form or fill out and send a printable complaint form via mail to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
Table of Contents
- Do You Repair All Types of TVs?
- Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?
- Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?
- Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?
- Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?
- Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?
- What Other Related Services Do You Provide?
- Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?
- Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the San Antonio