If you’ve turned on your Roku TV and seen vertical lines on the screen, don’t despair! This issue is relatively common among many Roku TV users. So, what causes the vertical lines, and how can you fix them?
Vertical lines on a Roku TV screen can be caused by an interlaced video signal, a loose or damaged cable, or interference from other devices. It could also be due to a low resolution signal, incorrect settings, outdated software or a damaged TV.
In this article, I’ll take you through the causes of vertical lines on a Roku TV screen, and will provide some useful fixes that you can do yourself. Let’s get to it!
What Causes Vertical Lines on a Roku TV?
Below are the main causes of vertical lines on a Roku TV:
Interlaced Video Signal
An interlaced video signal can sometimes cause vertical lines on a TV screen. This can happen if the TV is connected to an older device, sending an interlaced signal. The main reason for an interlaced signal on a Roku TV is if it hasn’t been properly calibrated.
A Loose or Damaged Cable
A loose or damaged TV cable can cause vertical lines on your screen. This is usually caused by a bad connection between the cable and the TV.
Although they are generally durable items, HDMI cables can become damaged if continuously handled roughly or they have been chewed by a pet.
Interference From Other Electronic Devices
If you have multiple electronic devices near your Roku TV, they can cause interference and affect the quality of your screen’s display.
Such devices may include:
- Computers
- Cellphones
- Wi-Fi routers
- Microwave ovens
- Smart meters
Sometimes, these devices can emit electromagnetic waves that can disrupt the television’s picture, resulting in the annoying vertical lines you sometimes notice.
The TV Is Displaying a Lower Resolution Video Signal
If the video signal is lower than the TV’s standard resolution, it may cause vertical lines to appear.
Gizmo Geek Guide posted this on January 30, 2023 as the original owner of this article.
The lines are a result of the conversion process which takes place behind the scenes. This can also happen if the TV is connected to a device that is set to a lower resolution.
Incorrect Settings
Several types of Roku TV settings can cause vertical lines on your screen. One common setting is the overscan setting. This setting can cause the edges of your screen to be cut off, creating vertical lines.
Another feature is the refresh rate setting. If your refresh rate is set too low, it can cause the screen to flicker and create vertical lines.
Also, if the resolution is set too low, it can cause the picture to look fuzzy and the lines to become more pronounced.
Outdated Software
Roku TVs normally perform software updates automatically but this sometimes doesn’t happen for various reasons. Sometimes you will need to perform a manual software update.
If your Roku TV hasn’t been updated in a while, it may be susceptible to glitches and malfunctions, one of which can include vertical lines on the screen.
A Faulty TV
Although Roku TVs are known to be excellent workhorses that require little maintenance, they can sometimes become damaged. This is usually when someone drops the TV or it is damaged in another way.
Faulty parts can affect the screen quality and can sometimes cause vertical lines to appear.
Ways To Fix Vertical Lines on a Roku TV Screen
In the previous section, I explained the most common reasons your Roku TV is displaying vertical lines. Let’s take a look at some easy fixes:
Check the Cables
The first step should be to evaluate the state of the cables attached to your Roku TV. If you notice any wear and tear or damage, this could well be the reason for the vertical lines.
Gizmo Geek Guide uploaded this as an original article on January 30, 2023.
You should also ensure that they are firmly plugged in and the ports themselves aren’t damaged.
You can buy a new HDMI cable online or from most electronics stores, and this should solve the vertical lines issue.
Update the Software
If you suspect that your Roku TV’s software needs to be updated, you can follow these steps:
- Using your remote control, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Update and check if any software updates are available.
- If so, allow the TV’s software to be updated (this should only take a few minutes).
- After the software update has been completed, turn the TV off and wait for a few minutes.
- Turn the TV on again, and check if the vertical lines have disappeared.
Fix the Interlaced Signal
If an interlaced signal is causing vertical lines on your Roku TV, you can adjust the settings for the video input. You can do this by heading to the settings menu and selecting the video input option.
If that doesn’t work, you should try connecting the TV to a different device, such as a cable box or a streaming stick.
Restart the TV
Restarting your TV is an excellent solution to a wide range of issues, including vertical lines on the screen.
Here’s how to do a quick restart on a Roku TV:
- Switch on the TV.
- Navigate to the Settings menu using the remote control.
- Select the System option and then press Power.
- You will then see an option for System Restart. Press this.
- The Roku TV will now restart.
Another way to restart your Roku TV is by turning it off, unplugging it from the socket and waiting for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before turning it on again.
The process is similar to resetting a TV streaming dongle, such as a Fire TV stick.
Move Electronic Devices Away From the TV
If you have several other electronic devices close to your Roku TV, they could be why you see vertical lines on the screen. Consider moving them further away from your TV so that they don’t interfere with the signal. You might have to use the process of elimination to see which device is interfering with your TV.
Restore the TV to Factory Settings
As a last resort, you may need to restore your Roku TV to factory settings. This can take several minutes but can be worthwhile as it could not only eliminate the vertical lines, but also allow your Roku TV to perform more optimally.
Here is how to perform this procedure:
- With your remote control, navigate to the Settings option.
- Select System, and then Advanced System Settings.
- You should now see an option for a Factory Reset. Select this, and follow the prompts on the TV screen.
If the reset doesn’t solve the problem, your Roku TV may have more serious issues. You should consult a TV repair professional in this case.
Summary
With the above information, you should be able to troubleshoot the problem. The vertical lines on your Roku TV screen are likely due to a loose cable connection, outdated software, or a problem with the TV itself.
You can replace the cables, restart the TV, factory reset, or fix interlaced signals to resolve the problem. You can even contact Roku customer support for help.
In any case, it’s best to check the problem out as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your TV.
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Gizmo Geek Guide published this original article on January 30, 2023.