Anybody know how to fix a TV?

[davemo]

So, I haven't had a TV for about six months now, and I've just moved into a new apartment where I'll be paying for cable internet, so I figured I might as well have a TV and be able to watch some shows (I miss MythBusters and Good Eats). Anyhow, I found a TV out by the trash at the new complex and figured I'd see if it works. Surprise, surprise, it doesn't. When I push the power button, there's a click and the power light comes on, but the screen does nothing. If anyone could help me fix this thing, it would be greatly appreciated, since it would be awesome not to have to go out and buy a TV.

This is a Magnavox, approximately 27", chassis no. 25B700-7562.

Thanks in advance, if anybody can help.

[jinny]

eek... sounds like a tough project to try and tackle remotely.

it could be anything... although, since you are getting that click and the power light comes on, I guess at least the power supply seems to be working.


good luck!



I'm guessing you aren't close to the Southern California area... if you were, you could stop by my office and pick up a good working condition 19" Samsung w/remote. I'd let you have it for free... it's just sitting on my couch in there. I'd be happy to free up the sitting space.

Oh well, good luck with your TV woes!

[taltos]

This is an off the wall suggestion but did you hook up either a cable or antenna to the set? I know with my Magnavox or either of the Sonys, I get nothing on the screen if there is no program source hooked up to the sets. If you have hooked a cable up to the set, the tv needs to be set on channel 3 for most cable systems. In addition, you might have to play with the mode menu to see which one brings you a picture, antenna is the default and works in most cases. That is all that I can come up with at this time in the morning. Let me get some sleep and I will play with my Magnavox and see what I am missing. The other possibility is that the set was out there because it is broken.

[taltos]

Slight correction to my earlier post-that channel 3 suggestion only applies to a set top box or a vct/dvd player. Just for my improper post, I will go smoke a marchito on an empty stomach before going back to bed.

[FlyerFanX]

Originally Posted by davemo

If anyone could help me fix this thing, it would be greatly appreciated, since it would be awesome not to have to go out and buy a TV.

Probably cheaper and easier to buy a new one.

Good luck

[Scimmia]

I'm sure you've probably heard this before, but be VERY careful screwing around inside TVs. If you touch the wrong thing, the capacitors in that thing could kill you. I like screwing around with electronics; but on a CRT, if it's anything beyond the back panel, I just call it a lost cause.

[ragin' cajun]

Maytag repair man sounds like a good idea

[bonggoy]

This usually works ...

[Cigarmark]

Originally Posted by Scimmia

I'm sure you've probably heard this before, but be VERY careful screwing around inside TVs. If you touch the wrong thing, the capacitors in that thing could kill you. I like screwing around with electronics; but on a CRT, if it's anything beyond the back panel, I just call it a lost cause.

Be very careful!!! A guy I grew up with had needle-nose pliers melted into his hand before the electricution killed him. Those picture tubes can store a lot of juice. Take it to a pro or put it back in the trash where it probably belongs. Just my.

[earnold25]

yea, if its an old CRT, the cost to fix it far exceeds the cost to buy a cheap new one

[Darrell]

Originally Posted by Scimmia

I'm sure you've probably heard this before, but be VERY careful screwing around inside TVs. If you touch the wrong thing, the capacitors in that thing could kill you. I like screwing around with electronics; but on a CRT, if it's anything beyond the back panel, I just call it a lost cause.

You beat me to it, I was going to let him know the dangers of messing with the inside of a TV. Good looking out for a fellow BOTL

[Smokey Bob]

Ok....here's what you do.

Go down to the local tv repair shop, and buy up all the TV dohickeys you can afford. Glue them all to the outside of the TV (DO NOT OPEN THE CASE OF THE TV). If the TV now works cool.

If not, buy a used tv for $5 to 50 bucks at a garage sale.

Seriously, we do not want to lose a BOTL by electrocution.

Stay safe

Robert

[Tidefan73]

Sounds to me that the PS isn't working properly. Even though the power light is on, it might not be charging the cathode on the tube...takes a lot of juice to get it to work.

I recommend dumping it and buying a used or new one. Trust me, there can be a lethal amount of current running around in a TV and you DO NOT want to get zapped by a CRT!!!!

[Darrell]

Oh yeah, craigslist.org is a great place to find TV's. We got my g/f's daughter a 32inch Sony TV for $25 it works like a charm.

[jpa0741]

All good advice here. I will state one more time DO NOT OPEN IT UP!