In the world of gaming, nothing is more frustrating than HDMI-related issues with your game console. Whether you have the latest Xbox or are a dedicated PlayStation enthusiast, a malfunctioning or damaged HDMI port can cut your game time short. Thankfully, Tech Shack offers expert micro-soldering services to tackle HDMI repairs for a variety of consoles, including:
Xbox One X
Xbox One S
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series S
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
What is Micro-Soldering?
Micro-soldering is a specialized technique used to repair small components on electronic devices, especially at the microchip level. It requires precision, steady hands, and a deep understanding of electronic circuitry. Konrad has the skill and knowledge needed to perform these intricate repairs efficiently—without the need wait for weeks after sending your console off to the manufacturer.
HDMI Issues with Game Consoles
Many game consoles rely on HDMI ports to connect to TVs and displays. However, these ports are somewhat delicate and prone to wear and tear over time, which can lead to common issues like:
Loose or Damaged HDMIPort: Constantly plugging and unplugging HDMI cables can weaken the port, which can result in a loose connection or physical damage.
Bent or Broken Pins: HDMI ports have delicate pins that can easily get bent or broken if a cable is inserted forcefully or at an angle.
No Display or Intermittent Connection: A faulty HDMI port can disrupt the connection between your game console and television, which results in a blank screen, a “no signal” message, distorted images, or an intermittent, flickering display.
The HDMI Repair Process
Here’s an overview of the HDMI repair process:
Console Disassembly: We’ll carefully disassemble the console so we can access the HDMI port.
Examination and Diagnosis: We’ll inspect the HDMI port for any visible damage, loose connections, and signs of burned-out components or broken pins.
Component Removal: If a component is damaged, it will need to be removed.
Component Replacement: We use high-quality replacement HDMI ports sourced from reputable suppliers. The new port will be carefully aligned and soldered onto the console’s motherboard.
Testing and Reassembly: Once the HDMI port replacement is complete, the console will be reassembled and we’ll perform tests to ensure it’s working properly.
Although DIY repairs may be tempting, HDMI issues always best left to the pros. The last thing you want to do is risk further damage to your console!
Trust Tech Shack to Help You Get Back in the Game
Micro-soldering HDMI repairs for game consoles is a specialized skill that requires expertise and precision. With years of experience, TechShack is your reliable console repair shop in Clemson, SC. We keep most parts in stock, so you can enjoy fast turnaround times—typically within 3-5 days! Whether you’re having issues related to the HDMI port or need diagnostics, contact us today at (864) 722-5155 or schedule an appointment online.
Are you ready to take your gaming experience to new heights but aren’t sure where to start? Look no further than Tech Shack! Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just dipping your toes into the gaming world, Tech Shack has you covered with everything from PC upgrades and custom builds to console repairs. Read on to find out how we can help you have an unmatched gaming experience!
PC Upgrades and Custom Builds
Building your own gaming computer can be a daunting task, but fear not! Tech Shack is here to lend you a helping hand. Our team can design a custom build or upgrade your PC to deliver the best performance possible. Say goodbye to compatibility issues and technical headaches—we’ll take care of everything for you. Whether you’re looking for a boost in processing power, increased storage capacity, or enhanced graphics capabilities, we have the expertise to make it happen. Enjoy an optimized gaming rig and fully immerse yourself in your favorite games!
Personalized Training Sessions
If you’re a hands-on gamer who loves to dive into the nitty-gritty of hardware, we offer personalized training sessions on building and upgrading gaming computers. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the entire process and help you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to create your ultimate dream gaming rig. From selecting the right components to fine-tuning your system, you’ll be equipped with invaluable tips and tricks of the trade.
Console Repairs & Connectivity Solutions
Tech Shack isn’t just about PC gaming—we’re also the leading provider of console repairs and HDMI port replacements for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and newer models in our region! Whether you have a damaged HDMI port, are experiencing connectivity issues or overheating, have a stuck disk in the drive, or are seeing the “blue line of death,” don’t despair. Bring your console to us, and we’ll have it up and running in no time.
Contact Us Today to Get Back in the Game
Don’t let technical challenges keep you on the sidelines—contact Teck Shack and get back in the game! From console repairs to PC upgrades and personalized training, we have the expertise and passion to elevate your gaming to new heights. Call us today at (864) 722-5155 or schedule an appointment online.
Are you a gamer? If so, you’re most likely interested in learning about gaming laptops. However, you don’t want to just learn about any gaming laptops, but the top three gaming laptops of 2022. At Tech Shack, our skilled, professional, and friendly team has put together this list for you. Take a look!
Razer Blade 14
The Razer Blade 14 (2022) is not only well-built but also offers a sleek, compact design. Additionally, it has a large keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting, myriad ports for peripherals, and a Wi-Fi 6E wireless adapter for low-latency online gaming. If you want to stream, you’ll enjoy the Razer Blade 14’s 1080p webcam, which also doubles as a Windows Hello IR camera for facial recognition.
The Razer Blade 14 is available in three present configurations, all of which have the same AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
If the Razer Blade 14 is too expensive, then consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. This computer offers a powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU. Additionally, you can choose between an AMD Radeon RX 6700S or 6800S GPU. Both of these options provide smooth gameplay in AAA titles at the display’s native QHD resolution.
Regarding the display, you’ll enjoy a 120Hz refresh rate and a speedy response time to deliver a clear image. FreeSyn is also supported, resulting in the reduction of screen tearing.
Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15
The Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 is great for those who are on a budget. Not only is it affordable, but this computer is 15.6 inches and allows you to configure with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and NVIDIA discreet GPU. You’re able to get up to 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage.
Additionally, the keyboard feels nice to type on, and for your convenience, there are plenty of ports, including six USBs, HDMI, and an Ethernet port.
Of course, there are many other gaming laptops to choose from—great ones, even! We’ve only listed a small sample. If you’d like to discuss this further, don’t hesitate to contact us.
When your computer starts slowing down or your gaming console constantly freezes, your first thought might be that it’s time for a replacement. While computers and consoles aren’t necessarily meant to last forever (and there are times when a replacement may be necessary), there are many reasons to keep them going for as long as they’re able with repairs and upgrades.
Cuts Down on E-Waste
Each year, consumers purchase millions of devices—but what do they do with the devices they’re replacing? Often, they’re considered obsolete and are thrown away, even if they still perform well. Technology has become a high-turnover commodity. These discarded devices are what’s known as electronic waste, or e-waste.
Computers, consoles, and other devices are made from a wide range of materials, such as silicon, glass, and iron. They also contain toxic materials that are harmful to the environment and human health, like cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. Many discarded devices eventually end up in landfills or unprotected dump sites, where these toxic materials can leach into the environment or harm workers.
Often, these discarded devices work perfectly fine or only require a repair or upgrade to get them caught up to the latest technology. Items that are truly obsolete or damaged beyond repair should always be taken to a certified e-waste recycling center to be disposed of properly.
Solid-State Drive Upgrades—Even Better Than a New Device
Whether a computer or console, a painfully slow system is frustrating to deal with! So, it’s not surprising if the idea of buying a new computer or console crosses your mind. However, upgrading your system with a solid-state drive (SSD) will actually make it run much better than anything you’d buy new.
Traditional HDDs save data using internal moving parts; they essentially have an “arm” that physically writes the information you want to save to the disk. An SDD works more like a flash drive, saving and erasing data electronically. Since there are no moving parts, SDDs are quieter, and you don’t need to worry about damaging the disk the way you would with an HDD.
Another advantage is that SSDs can instantaneously read from any location on the disk—which makes them far faster than an HDD. Defragmenting is also completely unnecessary with an SSD.
If you’ve avoided upgrading your drive because transferring the data seems daunting, let us handle it! We can transfer your data in-house from your old device to a new one or an external drive so you can start fresh on a new device.
Device Familiarity
Have you ever struggled to learn a new device or felt frustrated that a new device was so different from the one you knew and loved? Repairs and upgrades give your old device a refresh without the need to relearn how to operate it.
Maximize the Life and Enjoyment of Your Devices with Tech Shack
Despite the push to purchase the latest and greatest system, it’s often not necessary to get the performance you’re looking for. In many ways, computers and consoles are like cars—and you wouldn’t buy a new car just because the battery dies, right? It’s far less expensive to simply replace the battery. If you maintain a device and repair it as needed, it will perform well for many years.
At Tech Shack, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your technology. We offer maintenance, diagnosis, repairs, and upgrades on:
Mobile device repair – Androids, iPhones, iPods, tablets (iPad, Verizon, and Kindle)
We also repair pro-level controllers and offer custom-built desktops! Whether your console has been overheating, your Switch has a cracked face, or your computer is displaying error codes, we’ll help you get your device running good as new. We keep most parts in stock for a quick turnaround time—generally within 3-5 days. Call Tech Shack today at (864) 722-5155 or schedule an appointment online.
Since they first debuted in 1958, video games have been at the forefront of technology. Although the first game was incredibly simple by today’s standards, it launched what is now a $100 billion global industry and incredible developments that were once the stuff of science fiction. Four out of five U.S. households now own at least one console, with over 42% of Americans identifying as gamers. While modern games have changed drastically since 1958, video games are clearly here to stay!
With that in mind, here’s a look at how video games have become one of the top entertainment industries in the world—as well as a sneak peek of the most anticipated games set to release in 2022.
Humble Beginnings: Tennis for Two
In 1958, physicist William Higinbotham created what’s believed to be the first video game created for entertainment. Tennis for Two (also known as Computer Tennis) was a video game created for display at the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s annual public exhibition. The game, which was very similar to the 1970’s classic, Pong, was displayed on an oscilloscope and played with two custom aluminum controllers. Players would adjust the angle of their shops using a knob on the controller and try to hit the ball over the net by pressing a button. The game was very popular among exhibition-goers, with many lining up to see it in action.
The Dawn of the Home Consoles and Computer Systems
While Tennis for Two piqued many people’s interest, it took more than a decade for video games to make their way into American homes. In 1967, developers at Sanders Associates, Inc., invented a prototype multiplayer video game system (known as The Brown Box) that could be played on TVs. Ralph Baer, the team lead (who’s sometimes referred to as the Father of Video Games), licensed the system to Magnavox. In 1972, the system, now renamed The Odyssey, was officially on the market. Although it saw some interest from consumers, the system never quite took hold. After a few years, it commercially fizzled out.
However, one of the console’s games became the inspiration for Atari’s Pong, which was first released as the first arcade video game in 1972. After the success of Pong, Atari released a home version of the game in 1975, which quickly became as successful as its arcade counterpart. Magnavox, however, eventually sued Atari for copyright infringement; after Atari settled, it went on to become an Odyssey licensee.
In 1977, the Atari 2600 (also known as the Video Computer System) was released. This innovative home console featured joysticks, game cartridges, and games that played in multiple colors, rather than black and white—developments that officially kicked off the second generation of video game consoles and the Golden Age of Video Games.
In addition to the increasing popularity of gaming consoles, the 1970s saw the rise of personal home computers. Technological advancements like the world’s first microprocessor led to the popularity of games like Gunfight (1975), which was the first multiplayer combat shooter. Although it was a far cry from Call of Duty, Gunfight was very popular and considered highly innovative for the time. The arcade game introduced a new style of gameplay that relied on one joystick to control movement and another joystick to control shooting direction—a first for video games.
The Golden Age of Video Games…and the Crash
During the late 1970s to mid-1980s, video games became an entertainment superpower, spurred in part by pinball’s declining popularity. Gaming saw increased interest and even made its way into pop culture. Some of the most iconic games (and gaming consoles) were released during this time, including:
Space Invaders (Taito/Midway – 1978)
Asteroids (Atari – 1979)
Pac-Man (Namco/Midway – 1980)
Frogger (Konami/Sega-Gremlin – 1981)
Donkey Kong (Nintendo – 1981)
Tron (Bally Midway – 1982)
Mario Bros. (Nintendo – 1983)
Unfortunately, the Golden Age of Video games was destined to crash in 1983. This was due to many factors, including the oversaturated console market, competition from computer/PC gaming, and overly-hyped, poor quality games that didn’t deliver the gaming experience they boasted—such as Atari’s E.T., which is considered by many to be one of the worst video games ever created. This crash, which lasted several years, eventually led to the bankruptcy of several video game console companies. However, the industry began to recover in 1985, when Japan’s Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) arrived in the U.S.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, video games continued to transition out of the arcades and into homes, allowing gamers to enjoy longer, more complex gameplay.
The Modern Era of Gaming
Gaming has continued to evolve in the modern era, with developments such as MMORPGs like Second Life and World of Warcraft in the 2000s, and smartphone games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush. As video game creators have strived to increase the immersive elements of gameplay, we’ve also seen the rise of augmented reality games, like Pokémon Go and virtual reality games like Beat Saber. Technology has become so much more than a tool—it’s become the future of free time and entertainment as we know it.
Video games also have practical applications, from team building to improving cognitive abilities. Research from Brigham Young University has shown that playing video games with coworkers for just 45 minutes can build community and strengthen the effectiveness of the team—teams were also found to be 20% more productive than teams who engaged in traditional team-building exercises. When you consider that many gameplay elements are similar to workplace interactions (for example, pursuing mutual goals, allocating shared resources, and collaborating to solve problems) it completely makes sense!
Individuals can also experience many benefits from gaming. Many studies suggest that playing video games can boost skills like literacy, creativity, and communication, as well as spatial reasoning and tech readiness. Additionally, they can increase your aptitude for highly employable skills like leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
There’s no doubt about it: gaming culture has officially become mainstream, attracting more players than ever. With the wide array of different game types, gaming consoles, and computers, it’s never been easier to customize your experience to how you like to play.
The 2021 Game Award Winners and Most Anticipated Games of 2022
Since it’s the new year, it’s an excellent time to review some of the top games to hit the scene in 2021! Here are some of the winners of the 2021 Game Awards:
Game of the Year:It Takes Two – Hazelight Studios/EA
Best Game Direction:Deathloop – Arkane Studios/Bethesda
Best Narrative:Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Eidos Montreal/Square Enix
Best Games for Impact:Life is Strange: True Colors – Deck Nine/Square Enix
Best Ongoing Content:Final Fantasy XIV – Square Enix
Best Indie Game:Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Ember Lab
Best AR/VR: Resident Evil 4 – Armature Studio/Capcom/Oculus Studios
Best Action Game: Returnal – Housemarque/SIE
Best Action/Adventure: Metroid Dread – Mercury Steam/Nintendo
Best RPG: Tales of Arise – Bandai Namco
Best Fighting Game:Guilty Gear –Strive– Arcsystemworks
Best Family Game: It Takes Two – Hazelight Studios/EA
Best Sim/Strategy: Age of Empires IV – Relic Entertainment/Xbox Game Studios
Best Sports/Racing:Forza Horizon 5 – Playground Games/Xbox Game Studios
Best Multiplayer: It Takes Two – Hazelight Studios/EA
That brings us to 2022! Many of the games coming out this year have been long-awaited since the start of the pandemic. Like all of us at Tech Shack, we’re sure many of you are excited to see some of the hottest games to hit the market, including:
Rainbow Six Extraction – Jan. 20 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC)
Dying Light 2: Stay Human – Feb. 4 (Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows)
Sifu – Feb. 8 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows)
Horizon Forbidden West – Feb. 18 (PS4, PS5)
Elden Ring – Feb. 25 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X)
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok – March 10 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, PC)
God of War: Ragnarok – Release date TBD (PS4, PS5)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 – Release date TBD (Nintendo Switch)
Starfield – TBD (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X)
Splatoon 3 – TBD (Nintendo Switch)
Get Your System Ready to Handle the Latest Games!
If you’re excited to play the latest games, Tech Shack can help you make sure your system is up to the task! Many of these newer games require high-end video cards and processors to experience them at their fullest. We offer everything from console repairs and system upgrades to completely customized gaming PCs.
Of course, every gamer also needs a quality entertainment system to see (and hear) every detail. We also offer in-home installation services to help you build the home theater experience of your dreams. Whether you’re a gamer who wants to be fully immersed in your gameplay or you want to enjoy the latest streaming movies and shows (like The Matrix Resurrections or The Witcher) in all their glory, we can make it happen. Enjoy the best entertainment the industry has to offer—all from the comfort of your home!
From keeping the kids entertained to helping adults have a fully functional home office complete with everything needed to work from home, Tech Shack is here to help. Contact us today at (864) 722-5155, stop by the shop, or schedule an appointment online.
