Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Brad Johnson on June 10, 2010, 07:45:01 PM
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My TV is on the fritz. Panasonic 27" tube-type. 2004 vintage.
Sound? Check.
Ability to switch between inputs (based on my ability to do it by feel and knowing what the menu system is)? Check.
Picture? Fail.
By Fail I mean nothing. Nada. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Not even the little dot in the center that tells you the tube is firing but the beam steering circuit is kaput. I can feel static at the front of the screen so I'm presumming the degaussing coil and steering circuit is operating, but the electron emitter has gone to the Big Circuit In The Sky.
I'm presuming the tube will probably be at least $150-200, plus a minimum of $75 labor. That's $225-$275 to repair (minimum) and I can buy a cheapo Sanyo 32" from Wally World for $349. I know what the answer is probably going to be but wanted to check with you really knowledgeable types before I donated the old set to Mr. Dempster.
Brad
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You should green dispose of that toxic trash.
Why do you hate our future generations?
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I'd spring for a new set, but that's me. Haven't troubleshot a TV in years. Seems all I found when I did with the newer stuff was cold/bad solder joints, bad connections, etc. This is one of my pet peeves, wish we could still repair them and not spend the cost of a new set. Such a waste.
Many fond memories of spending the day back and forth to the electronics/radio/tv repair and parts shop testing tubes with my dad. That's where I first started getting into electronics. Pops worked on and helped design sonar and submarine weapons systems. Almost 80 now and still way over my head on that stuff.
Enjoy the new set if that's what you do.
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Already had it apart and checked for cold solder joints. No dice. Looks like the tube has failed. Pity, it had a great picture. Big as a boxcar. Heavy as one too. But still a great picture.
The big PITA will be pulling all my audio gear and rewiring for the new connections. There's only about 200' of cable and connectors strung behind my entertainment center, non of which can be access from the front.
If anyone sees a screaming deal on a 32" posted on line, reply to this thread. 720p is fine for where this set will be.
Brad
Brad
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Check this site by typing in the name and model # to see if there is a known fix available ...
I found a fix there for a Magnavox flat screen that was simple and it worked .... ;)
Website ... http://www.fixya.com/support/t474223-magnavox_37mf231d_331d_lcd
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Went there and came up with this...
as sound is present but no video
it is due to
loose contact in connector or print.
if it is ok than there must be oroblem in ckt.
1 crt base loose.
2 supply to video &signal processor absent.
3 components in video section.
4 voltage on crt base not proper like g2 & filament.
remember it is not major problem.
hope this will help
good luck
CRT base loose - Pulled the board off the CRT base and reset. Nothing
Supply to video &signal processor absent - absent a supply, there should still be some indication that the tube is firing. There isn't. Aside from being able to detect the static charge at the front of the screen (using the time-honored method of sticking my arm against it and feeling the hair stand up) the screen evidences nary a flicker, dot, or jitter.
Components in video section - See diagnosis for "absent video signal"
Voltage on crt base not proper like g2 & filament - Not a clue what this means or how to test it.
Brad
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4x3, analog tuned, 640x480, e-waste
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'04 it's possible it does 408p or even 1080i. like this sony (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_15836HS500/Sony-KV-36HS500.html?tp=163). but it probably wasn't, if it is fight to keep it. crts just look better. [popcorn]
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It is capable of 720i via the component inputs. Compared to my old set, which I just finished temporarily jury-rigging into my intertainment center, it's like 8mm vs DVD. Take the lower resolution, add in the really nifty greenish hue my old set lends to everything and, well, it kinda takes the enjoyment out of watching pretty much everything.
Brad
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Looks like the heater went *pffft*. Unfortunately it's not the heater circuit on the board, it's in the tube. Tube replacement cost, $230 plus $85 labor.
"Mr Dempster. Paging Mr Dempster. Please stand by for a delivery."
Also, I'm hitting Craigslist to see if someone has a 32" they want to part with. Jeez but people can be out of touch. "I paid $600 a year ago. Other than not having any of the docs, and the remote not working, and a huge scratch down the side it's in perfect shape so I'm asking $550." Never mind that I can buy a more recent model of that same TV for $385, new. They get all kinds of bent out of shape when you offer something reasonable. How dense can people be? (I take that back - I know how dense they can be. The same people want 10% over market for their house because they used Heavy Duty Nails and Rachel Ray paint to install their Martha Stewart combination catbox/onion bin.)
Brad
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If you're willing to wait for one to show up, woot.com occasionally has pretty good deals on LCD flat-panel displays. The real trick is that you'll never know when a deal is coming, so if you're in a hurry to replace the set, woot's not a good solution for you.
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Been watching them, too. Even going to their Sellout.woot site. Not a bad place for other assorted goodies, either, though you do have to be careful about the often-extravagent shipping fees some vendors try and sneak in.
Brad
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woot had a humdinger go by about a week ago
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Why do you hate our future generations?
They'll probably turn out to be jerks anyway.
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woot had a humdinger go by about a week ago
I thought humdingers went extinct?
Brad
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lol
they had a 42 inch lcd i think samsung for 399 refurbished
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Great price. Unfortunately it would have been too big for my entertainment center. Max width is 30.5" if I want it to sit inside the opening, 34" if I sit it on the lip in front of the opening.
Brad
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the 42 inch is a diagonal measurement one of the greatest marketing scams
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Agreed. Ranks right up there with Free Refills For Life (plus a small S&H fee).
Unfortunately, 42" diagonal translates to about 38-39" actual width when you figure in the screen size plus bezel. The new LED units have smaller bezels than units with flourescent backlighting. The current offerings are also stunningly good in terms of picture. Problem is they are way out of my price range (32" LED-lit units start around a grand).
Brad
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i just got the kid one 23 inch from amazon Samsung 2333HD 23-Inch Multi-Function Full 1080p HDTV LCD monitor
231 including shipping ordered yesterday be here weds. so they claim
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handy tv pickin' link. [popcorn] (http://tvcalculator.com/) just remember the bezel, and stand if your not mounting.
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here you go brad
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A3612353&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=39715&lid=1003774
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woot had a humdinger go by about a week ago
I'm waiting on Woot! to sell a time machine, then I'll go back and get all the good deals.
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here you go brad
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A3612353&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=39715&lid=1003774
Good looking TV. Still a little higher than I have budgeted, though. I'm trying to stay in the under $350 range (including tax and shipping). Fortunately I have the luxury of time.
Brad
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http://www.refurbdepot.com/SAMSUNG_LN-26C450.cfm
LN-26C450
26" 720p LCD HDTV, 1366 x 768 Pixel Resolution, 20,000:1 Contrast ratio, 16:9 Aspect ratio, ATSC/Clear QAM/NTSC Tuner, HDMI input, SRS TruSurround.
Our Price: $369.95
List Price:$869.99
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Very nice and the price is definitely attractive, but it's a 26". I'd like to stay with a 32".
Brad
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umm, 32 inch for 350 at walmart. (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sanyo-DP32640/14237666) and sears 32 for 330 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05771903000P?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=View+All&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1) and it pays to check amazon's gold box (http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox) and the thing below, and next to it daily. =)
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http://www.refurbdepot.com/SAMSUNG_LN-32B360.cfm
LN-32B360
32" LCD HDTV, 1920x1080 Resolution, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuners, HDMI input, PC Input.
Our Price: $369.95
List Price:$999.99
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http://www.refurbdepot.com/SAMSUNG_LN-26C450.cfm
LN-26C450
26" 720p LCD HDTV, 1366 x 768 Pixel Resolution, 20,000:1 Contrast ratio, 16:9 Aspect ratio, ATSC/Clear QAM/NTSC Tuner, HDMI input, SRS TruSurround.
Our Price: $369.95
List Price:$869.99
Their supposed list price is... humorous. Especially when you can get a new one on Amazon for about a hundred dollars more than the refurb price
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100 clams is 100 clams
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Still a 26". I'm going to stick with a 32".
Brad
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Check out ecost.com (http://ecost.com).
One example:
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/TV/Vizio/VO320/56400425.aspx?navid=155439616 (http://www.ecost.com/Detail/TV/Vizio/VO320/56400425.aspx?navid=155439616)
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Check out ecost.com (http://ecost.com).
One example:
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/TV/Vizio/VO320/56400425.aspx?navid=155439616 (http://www.ecost.com/Detail/TV/Vizio/VO320/56400425.aspx?navid=155439616)
Free shipping if you sign up for their $40 membership, or $40 to ship. Think I see a little similarity there...
Brad
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Last time I ordered from them didn't see anything about a membership fee, or membership for that matter. Just figured they had some in the price range you mentioned.
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Fortunately I have the luxury of time. I'm keeping an eye on Woot, plus hitting a couple of local big box stores regularly to see if they have anything on clearance or scratch & dent.
Brad
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100 clams is 100 clams
No I was referring to the "list price" of the refurb unit being 869 when they are selling new at like 410 ish. I find it funny when companies pad the numbers to exaggerate the "savings" you are getting, Dunhams is good for this too.
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Thread resurrection because my patience has been rewarded. Dropped by Best Box last night on an unrelated errand and noticed they had a 37" 1080p Dynex, the Best Box house brand, as an open-box item. They had it marked down to the same price as the 32" 1080p unit. It was okay but still slightly more than I had budgeted. On a lark I offered them what I'd budgeted, saying if they'd take it I'd write the check right there. The kid helping me paged the manager who, to his credit, tested the waters a little by saying, "If I accept are you going to follow through or just do the 'Let me think about it' thing?'" To let him know I was serious I pulled out my checkbook and pen and wrote 'Best Buy' in the Pay To line, then looked up at him.
They accepted.
Now I have a 37" 1080p set when I'd been budgeting based on numbers I was seeing for 32" 720p sets. Yay! Only problem is it comes nowhere near fitting into my entertainment center so I had to rig up a cantelevered base that stuck out just enough from the TV opening that the new unit would sit without fear of toppling. Amazingly enough it doesn't look nearly as hideous as the mind's-eye view makes it out to be.
Even better are the hookups. Most new sets come with one composite, one component, and three or four HDMI ports. I was grinching about that all the way home because most of my stuff is component or composite and I had five things strung into my old set. This TV? One component, one s-video, two composites, and three HDMI ports. Since I was able to eliminate the standalone digital tuner that made the number and style of hookups exactly what I need. More yay!
Took me a bit and a couple passes with the THX optimizer to get the picture dialed in, but it actually works great. Unfortunately it also highlights the limitations of my standard-def DirecTV service. I fixed that by not wearing my glasses while watching. The fuzziness covers up the shortcomings in the pic. :lol: DVDs run through the component port, however, are amazingly crisp. Even though the set only has a piddly 60Hz refresh rate it does a much better job than I expected. It's definitely not my parent's 240Hz LED-lit 55" Samsung (which is, in a word, stunning) but light-years better than my old set.
Brad