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Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: ahofle on October 02, 2006, 01:23:25 pm

Title: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: ahofle on October 02, 2006, 01:23:25 pm
This isn't really an arcade related question, but my old 27" TV is starting to go bad I think.  I have been planning on getting an HD TV to replace it, but I'm not quite ready to do that (haven't done the research yet).  I'm wondering if I can get any more life out of this crappy 13 year old tube TV by having it repaired.  Here are the symptoms:
The picture is perfect when the scene is bright...however, when a dark scene comes up with dark blues or blacks (or the empty picture in between scenes/commercials), the screen starts to lose its vertical hold and rolls vertically badly.  Then when a bright scene returns, the picture returns and is crystal clear.  Also, I noticed yesterday that I can't shut the TV off unless there is a bright scene displayed.  Just wondering if this sounds like a cheap or expensive problem.  I'm probably going to end up getting an HD set, unless someone here says it's an inexpensive fix.

Any info would be appreciated!
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: SirPeale on October 02, 2006, 01:44:42 pm
Caps.  Definitely.
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: ahofle on October 02, 2006, 03:45:12 pm
How much does that usually cost to have repaired?
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: SirPeale on October 02, 2006, 03:54:20 pm
Depends.  You could do it youself if you can solder.  Just open it up, note the caps and their values, and buy new caps.
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: Kevin Mullins on October 02, 2006, 08:59:50 pm
I second what Peale is saying..... to have a TV tech do it would probaly cost at least 3/4 what a new tv would be. (generally speaking)

Make a list of all the caps you can find in the tv and then order them from like Mouser or somplace similar.
And do all the usual checks for cold solder joints etc while you're at it.
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: ahofle on October 03, 2006, 11:53:08 am
Hmmm. I've never even decased a TV before so I'm a little nervous about that (not to mention having a 3 year old running around the house).  I may call some places today and see what they would charge...if it's too much I might consider trying to do it myself.  When I ask the TV repair places, should I ask how much they charge for swapping out capacitors? 
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: scottyfryer on October 04, 2006, 07:57:36 am
Or you could just buy a used 27" tv off of craigslist and save yourself some time. 
Title: Re: TV starting to go...is this easily repaired?
Post by: ahofle on October 04, 2006, 11:33:38 am
Yeah that's probably a good idea.  The repair shop was thinking between $100-$150 to recap it.  I honestly just don't have the time or knowledge to do it myself.  Guess I'll put it out in front of my house with a sign that says "$50" on it and let someone 'steal' it for me.  ;D