@jludlow wrote:
I can see the home screen in the dark background, but the picture is not lit up
Most modern TV sets have a backlight that illuminates the panel. (I'm skipping any discussion about plasma or OLED). This backlight might be a field of LEDs spread across the same area as the panel (usually referred to as backlit), or LED lights that ring around the edge of the panel (known as edge-lit). The most typical backlight is actually just a simple fluorescent bulb that lights up the panel (fairly) evenly across the entire surface. LEDs seldom fail, but fluorescent bulbs can and do fail over time. Either way, it's likely not financially viable to try to repair it.
This is not an easy repair for the casual owner, as it requires some special knowledge and potentially specific tools. Yes, the bulb can be replaced. But the cost of doing so (and even finding a shop that can do it) makes it simpler to simply replace the TV. I know, it's wasteful. But unless it's a very large screen (meaning expensive to replace), you can buy a new one for about the same cost as getting the backlight repaired. Just checking prices on BestBuy.com, I see at least four different 40" 1080p TVs for under $200, one as low as $120 (not a smart TV though). Even 43" TVs start at $150. The odds of getting your TV repaired for significantly less than that is pretty low.
All that said, you should certainly check with TCL for a possible warranty repair. You just need to provide them with your purchase information, and let them make a determination.
Dan
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