TV Malfunctioned. Ordered a Replacement

[Out of Steam]

At one time, I had three old Tube TVs that still w*rked. I'd retired them to get a better TV. I still have one of those old Tube TVs and it still w*rks.

I've never "retired" a flat screen. They've all just died (quit). I get 3 to 4 years from a flat screen. I don't recall a Tube TV ever dying. What gives?

Ours is used regularly, but is probably on for no more than 10 hours a week.

 

[GenXguy]

I still have a couple of tube TVs. They were working when I last turned them on, but that is probably 20 years ago. I also have a rear projection HDTV that I haven't turned on in over 16 years, probably. That one didn't even have HDMI or ATSCI tuner.

An interesting side comment. The 4K Firestick on my TV crapped out today, Would not accept my wireless password (lost ability to connect to my wireless). Replaced it with an old spare and all is good. The Firestick was 1.5 years old.

Damn, seems like a quick failure. Mine is 3 years old, but I use it very sparingly. It has been plugged in constantly, though.

 

[jim584672]

I remember when ATSC 1.0 started Sony had the last few tube HDTVs that could tune the new channels. These TVs weighed like 200 lbs and ate a ton of power.

 

[Music Lover]

I remember when ATSC 1.0 started Sony had the last few tube HDTVs that could tune the new channels. These TVs weighed like 200 lbs and ate a ton of power.

I used to have a 36" CRT. The owner's manual said it weighed 183 pounds.

 

[GenXguy]

I used to have a 36" CRT. The owner's manual said it weighed 183 pounds.

My Panasonic PT-47WX42F rear projection HDTV weighs somewhere in that 180 to 200 pound range.

 

[ERD50]

I suspect the issue is the 3 to 5 months that they sit idle. They fail when I return.

Unplug them before you leave. They may be getting voltage spikes that you would be unaware of?

We've had multiple flat screen TVs and monitors, all lower end ("cheap") products, and never had an issue with any of them. A few of them are hand-me downs from deceased relatives, no one else wanted/needed the TV, so we used them in a spare room/basement. Our daily 55" Vizio is now 12 YO, the others might be older.

 

[Atlantis]

I bought a dumb TV many years ago. It was made in Viet Nam and channels never stopped falling off. A real junker. I threw it out. Sorry that I can't recall the manufacturer.

 

[Koolau]

Unplug them before you leave. They may be getting voltage spikes that you would be unaware of?

We've had multiple flat screen TVs and monitors, all lower end ("cheap") products, and never had an issue with any of them. A few of them are hand-me downs from deceased relatives, no one else wanted/needed the TV, so we used them in a spare room/basement. Our daily 55" Vizio is now 12 YO, the others might be older.

Thanks for the suggestion. Of course, for several months, I use the TV daily and do not unplug it. Never failed under those circumstances.

For the past couple of years, I disconnect all my electronics when we leave for the mainland. I hope that "cures" my bad luck.

 

[ERD50]

Thanks for the suggestion. Of course, for several months, I use the TV daily and do not unplug it. Never failed under those circumstances.

For the past couple of years, I disconnect all my electronics when we leave for the mainland. I hope that "cures" my bad luck.

Could be seasonal storms when you were away?

 

[Koolau]

Could be seasonal storms when you were away?

I suppose it could be. But I've never lost radios, VCR, DVD player, WIFI box, microwave, etc. (Bad Karma?)

 

[ERD50]

I suppose it could be. But I've never lost radios, VCR, DVD player, WIFI box, microwave, etc. (Bad Karma?)

Are the TVs connected to a rooftop or attic antenna? That could be picking up voltage spikes from nearby lightning hits.

Even the cable for cable TV might pick up a near strike?

 

[GenXguy]

I suppose it could be. But I've never lost radios, VCR, DVD player, WIFI box, microwave, etc. (Bad Karma?)

Yeah, it's highly unlikely to have been a cause. It's never caused an issue for me with my TV or anything else. It happened to my brother and blew up various things.

 

[Koolau]

Are the TVs connected to a rooftop or attic antenna? That could be picking up voltage spikes from nearby lightning hits.

Even the cable for cable TV might pick up a near strike?

No, we have fiber optic to the building and going through a cable box.

 

[GenXguy]

I still have a couple of tube TVs. They were working when I last turned them on, but that is probably 20 years ago.

Out of curiosity, I plugged in and power up those two old tube TVs that hadn't been powered up in 20 years or so. Both powered up and came up along with the display, so they appear to still work fine. But I didn't hook up an antenna.

 

[REWahoo]

Out of curiosity, I plugged in and power up those two old tube TVs that hadn't been powered up in 20 years or so. Both powered up and came up along with the display, so they appear to still work fine. But I didn't hook up an antenna.

Haul them out and use them next winter. You can watch a show and warm your room at the same time.

 

[easysurfer]

The TV I bought didn't work out for me. Decided to return it and stick to my trusty, old, small 21 inch for the time being.

 

[Golden Mean]

The TV I bought didn't work out for me. Decided to return it and stick to my trusty, old, small 21 inch for the time being.

As I mentioned earlier, you might look into the Amazon Fire TVs. I assume their UI is going to be the same as the FireTV stick, but haven't verified.

 

[zinger1457]

If you're still looking for a smaller TV check out places like craigslist, people are almost giving away TV's under 50".