My TV just crapped out

[BruceK]

It's just 3 years old.  What the heck?!    They sure don't make 'em like they used to. 

Repair or replace?  While it is tempting to consider buying a new TV, I'm going to try to repair this one.   From what I found on the interwebs concerning the symptoms on my model, it's likely the power supply board (I know for sure it's not the picture tube  ;D ).  So for $80 I'm going to give it a shot with a new power supply board. .   

[ve9aa]

You sure it's not the picture tube...............Bwa-hahahahah, just kidding Bruce ! ;-)

I had one some 16-17 yrs ago and it lasted 2 yrs + 2 months.  You guessed it....warranty was 2 yrs.

I was able to give it a little more life resoldering 100+ connections on the tuner board.

My current TV is ~8 yrs old and the screen blanks out when the inside temp in the room gets above 26-27*C.....I reboot the TV and all is good (usually) for another hour or so. (sometimes the rest of the night).  Next step will be maybe to install a small fan behind the TV to improve heat flow.  I suspect a failing component that doesn't like the heat.  Maybe I'll get a few more years out of it.

They SURE don't make things like they used to.   I can't even buy parts of it and it's a big brand name.

SIGH!  :(

[BruceK]

You sure it's not the picture tube...............Bwa-hahahahah, just kidding Bruce ! ;-)

I had one some 16-17 yrs ago and it lasted 2 yrs + 2 months.  You guessed it....warranty was 2 yrs.

I was able to give it a little more life resoldering 100+ connections on the tuner board.

My current TV is ~8 yrs old and the screen blanks out when the inside temp in the room gets above 26-27*C.....I reboot the TV and all is good (usually) for another hour or so. (sometimes the rest of the night).  Next step will be maybe to install a small fan behind the TV to improve heat flow.  I suspect a failing component that doesn't like the heat.  Maybe I'll get a few more years out of it.

They SURE don't make things like they used to.   I can't even buy parts of it and it's a big brand name.

SIGH!  :(

Mike, I found an supplier that had what I wanted for my TV, and they might have what you need:   ShopJimmy.com   

[MiniDave]

If mine had been that simple (and cheap) I might have tried to fix it too, but I'm happy with the new 65" I bought. If I get 10 years out of it like the last one I'll be OK with it.

Can't wait to see what new technology we'll have in 10 years (assuming I'm still here then!)

[BruceK]

If mine had been that simple (and cheap) I might have tried to fix it too, but I'm happy with the new 65" I bought. If I get 10 years out of it like the last one I'll be OK with it.

Right now I am gambling on the part I ordered fixing it.  So, I could just be throwing more money at it.

Can't wait to see what new technology we'll have in 10 years (assuming I'm still here then!)

I sure hope you're around in just 10 years!    Regarding tech, I'm sure it will continue to amaze (and frustrate) us.   

[MiniDave]

You know, it's funny how age changes your perspective.....when you're 20, 10 years seems like forever off over the horizon, when you're 50, 10 years is just an amorphous time off in the future. When you're 70 it's not necessarily a given.....

[ve9aa]

It's soooo true.  The other day at work, one of the young fellas (~25yrs old) said "... a long time ago....blah blah blah...", so I asked him just how long that was...and he said "....must be close to 2 years....".

For me, a long time ago might be 30-40 yrs ! ! ! (I am mid 50's)

It's all perspective.

[gr8kornholio]

What brand was it? LCD? LED?  I still love my Panasonic plasma TVs.  The one that has been in the bedroom is 11, it was the main TV untill I bought the big one which is going on 9.

Of course part of me secretly wishes one would go cause I'd love a new OLED TV and with the new edgeless ones I could get more screen in the same footprint.

[MiniDave]

The wife poohpooh'd me when I said I wanted the 65" (go big or go home!) - she thought the 46 was plenty big enough but I've been really happy with it.....it's surprising how much more detail you see in every frame now.

[BruceK]

What brand was it? LCD? LED?  I still love my Panasonic plasma TVs.  The one that has been in the bedroom is 11, it was the main TV untill I bought the big one which is going on 9.

Of course part of me secretly wishes one would go cause I'd love a new OLED TV and with the new edgeless ones I could get more screen in the same footprint.

It is a Vizio 55" smart TV.  So nothing fancy, but geez it's only 3 years old.  I was perfectly happy with it until it stopped working.   

I should know in a week or so if a new power supply will fix it.  If not, time to get a new TV - which of course, will be both better and cheaper!  We really are spoiled with electronics these days.  That is until, of course, the robots take over.   ;D

[jeff10049]

Power supply seems likely, I have replaced the capacitors on several power supply boards and had good results for about 3 dollars worth of parts. Dose it have any swollen caps on the board?

[BruceK]

Power supply seems likely, I have replaced the capacitors on several power supply boards and had good results for about 3 dollars worth of parts. Dose it have any swollen caps on the board?

No, all the capacitors look okay.  No obvious signs of it not working. 

[BruceK]

It lives again! 

Turns out it was a bad power supply.    Took just 10 minutes to install the new part.

[MiniDave]

Cool, well done..... 77.gif

[94touring]

Nice when it's something simple.

[ve9aa]

Right on Bruce ~! 4.gif

I installed a USB port powered fan near the back of my TV and it's helped, but not totally solved the problem.

Onwards and upwards.