Television Sets

[w5jo]

Hi all,

My 5 year old TV set died yesterday and I am trying to decide if I should repair it or just get another. I asked a guy I know that is in the appliance buiness and he said that all sets built now are really only good for 3 years.

So my question to you guys, is there a brand of TV that I can reasonably expect to last more than 3-5 years without major problems? The one I have lost a converagence module and this is the second time. Fortunately the repair man who drives about 40 miles does the work in my shack and the repair will be around $300 or a bit less.

Is this money wasted? I probably would get another if I felt any new set would last longer. So what do you think?

Jim/W5JO

[kc3ol]

Jim,
Sets last much longer than 3 years. You didn't say what size screen you wanted or if you wanted HD capability.
I suggest that you replace the TV set with one that uses a LCD display and that can also be used to view High Definition even if you do not have any interest in HD at this time. You can get great LCD sets in the 25 to 32 inch size at many stores such as Target, Best Buy, Sears, Walmart and Costco for less than $500. I prefer Costco because they give you a two year warranty instead of the usual one year warranty that every one else has.
Ted

[w5jo]

That is what I thought too Ted. However, this 42 inch widescreen Zenith has popped the convergance modules two times and it is just 5 years old. Strange behavior I thought the first time. Now that it has happened again, I am thinking I would be best served by replacing it.

Sony is out of my price range particularly if they go bad as often as other brands. So that leaves several others to choose from and I wondered if anyone has much experience with the different brands.

I probably will go for something in the 42 inch size and LCD since I understand the Plasma stuff generates all kinds of RF hash and the new LED is quite up there in price. The set I have is HD "capable" and rear projection. We got it because my wife wanted a floor model and it was about the time they were switching from floor models to wall hanging types.

So with a bit more information can anyone recommend a brand over the others for me to consider. Repair of the present one is about $275 and if it lasts 3 years that is near $100 per year. If I buy a new one for say $800, it would have to go 8 years to equal the repair cost. What do you think?

Jim

[kc3ol]

I recommend the 42 inch Samsung LCD. It has been #1 in Consumer Reports magazine for the past two years. I have one and am very satisfied.

[w5jo]

Thanks, I also have heard Panasonic is good, but haven't talked directly to an owner who has had it very long. I will definately look at the Samsung.