Need TV Repair

[Cork On the Ocean]

Does anyone have a recommendation for an honest TV repair person. I've had one 17" LCD that went bad about a month ago and this morning my 42" plasma went black. I've got company coming for the holidays and need somebody fast that won't rip me off.

Or if anyone knows if it's worth it to repair them - both screens flickered for a day or so when turned on, then were fine - now completely black with sound.

thanks

 

[Smiling JOe]

Last time that happened to me, I took the back off the tv, looked around (not really knowing anything about tv's), wiggled the collective group of wires, and presto! it worked again, and has been working ever since.

To know whether to replace it, you should get an estimate for repair, labor and parts, then see how much a replacement tv would cost. Technology increases about two fold every year and the price decreases by about 50% each year. So, if your TV is more than two years old, it may be cheaper to replace it and you will likely have a better tv. Always purchase electronic items with a credit card which doubles the manufacturer's warranty for no additional cost.

Seeing how you had two to go out within one month, it seems a little too coincidental. I wonder if you have a power problem. Do you have surge protectors for both TVs?

 

[Lisa Ruby]

The LCD may only need a new lamp. This happened when I sold a fairly new one to my sister and it was moved. It was simple to replace.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

Last time that happened to me, I took the back off the tv, looked around (not really knowing anything about tv's), wiggled the collective group of wires, and presto! it worked again, and has been working ever since.

To know whether to replace it, you should get an estimate for repair, labor and parts, then see how much a replacement tv would cost. Technology increases about two fold every year and the price decreases by about 50% each year. So, if your TV is more than two years old, it may be cheaper to replace it and you will likely have a better tv. Always purchase electronic items with a credit card which doubles the manufacturer's warranty for no additional cost.

Seeing how you had two to go out within one month, it seems a little too coincidental. I wonder if you have a power problem. Do you have surge protectors for both TVs?

You're so funny! Taking the back off and playing is going to be my choice for the 17 inch LCD because the picture goes on and then periodically shuts off. Also, I had the LCD replaced on my laptop recently. Sony told me $1000 to replace. I went on ebay, paid about $200 for an after market screen and paid $50 to have it put in. The guy told me that it's a piece of cake to replace an LCD screen but i was afraid to play with it. Since I'm probably gonna trash these I've got nothing to lose.

I bought both TV's when I moved into my house so they are about the same age. The Magnavox went before the Vizio which is supposed to be pretty good but they are both about 3-4 weeks over 2 years old and out of warranty. Good tip about the credit card.

The LCD may only need a new lamp. This happened when I sold a fairly new one to my sister and it was moved. It was simple to replace.

That's what I was thinking about the 42" one cause it was just like "poof", it's gone. I'm gonna do a little research on them and like SJ says let somebody come out or at least give me an opinion of what it could be but just trying to find someone who won't ream me. HAve a PM to John R if he's around. I'm sure he must know somebody fair.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Today, even the cheap tv's have pretty good pictures. I bet you could find flat panel replacements at a big box store for less than $200 for the 17", especially now with Christmas or Day after Christmas sales. I'd guess that the 42" will be a bit pricier, closer to $600. The flip side is getting a repairman to show up will cost at least $100 for them to do nothing to it. Add another hour labor and then $$ for parts, and you will still have an old TV. I'm not familiar with the lamps on the TV's and it may be an easy fix as nowgirl says. Google "problem tv plasma" and "problem tv lcd" and do a bit of reading. You might take on the challenge yourself.

 

[Arkiehawg]

Does anyone have a recommendation for an honest TV repair person. I've had one 17" LCD that went bad about a month ago and this morning my 42" plasma went black. I've got company coming for the holidays and need somebody fast that won't rip me off.

Or if anyone knows if it's worth it to repair them - both screens flickered for a day or so when turned on, then were fine - now completely black with sound.

thanks

Must be that time of the year! I have a year old 40" Samsung LCD that did the same thing last weekend. After letting it sit for a day, it has worked without a problem. I contacted Samsung and they referred me to:

Bay Electronics Inc
(850) 729-8922 | 1183 John Sims Pkwy E Niceville, FL

They came out and "banged" around on the set, but couldn't duplicate it. They advised me that the only way they can fix it is if they can duplicate it and therefore they will be taking it back to their shop. He did say that LCDs occasionally have a flickering/blackout and then work fine.

Seems to be a privilent issue with these new "high tech" televisions.

Prior to my new tech tele, I had a 20 year old 27" Curtis Mathis. NEVER one problem....ugh...gotta luv technology....

 

[JUL]

I have an LCD...it is only 6 months old....How long should I expect it to last... it is an LG...it looks good!

 

[Arkiehawg]

Mine was purchase on 12-4-06 and started having issues on 12-09-07!

 

[JUL]

I heard Samsung was a good product...they were pushing it at Best Buy when the LG was purchased....

 

[Arkiehawg]

I love the picture...but certainly didn't like the glitches last week. I also looked at a lot of reviews and thought the same about them.