Symptoms
- Faint duplicate outline trails behind moving objects
- Text or subtitles appear to have a shadow
- Ghosting is worse during fast motion like sports
- Problem appears on some inputs but not others
Likely causes
- CommonMotion smoothing or interpolation setting causing artifactsMotion processing features, while meant to smooth video, can sometimes introduce visible ghosting artifacts.
- CommonWeak or damaged HDMI/coaxial cable causing signal reflectionA degraded cable signal can cause a faint duplicate image, especially over longer cable runs.
- PossibleSource device output settings mismatched with TVCertain resolution or refresh rate mismatches can cause visible trailing artifacts.
- PossibleResponse time limitations on the panel itselfSome LCD panels naturally show more motion blur/ghosting than others, especially in fast content.
What to do
- Turn off motion smoothing, 'TruMotion,' 'MotionFlow,' or similarly named features in the picture settings.
- Check if ghosting appears on every input, including the TV's own menu, to rule out a source-specific issue.
- Try a different, shorter HDMI or coaxial cable if the current one is long or older.
- Lower the source device's output resolution or refresh rate to see if a mismatch is causing it.
- Compare the same content on a different input or device to isolate whether it's the TV or the source.
- If ghosting only appears on the TV's own menu screens with no source connected, the panel itself may be the cause.
Tools and parts
HDMI cableSearch: “high speed HDMI cable”
When to call a pro
If ghosting persists on the TV's own menus with settings adjusted and cables ruled out, a technician can check for a panel issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.