TV Repair Disabled person

DoctorReno · 11-12-2003, 12:22 AM

I have a disabled neighbor a couple doors away whose TV is dying. She is very income limited and can't really afford a new TV right now.

I know this is a computer forum but if anyone here knows a little about TV repair and can help me possibly fix her TV affordably I would be appreciative.

I am not knowlagable about TV's but I will do my best to describe the problem.
If you want to try to help please PM me and I will PM back and give you details.

Thanks

Steve R Jones · 11-12-2003, 05:58 AM

What city, state or country?

Many shops are going to charge 50 bucks just to look at it. Seems like I've seen 27 inch tv's for under $150..19" can be had for under $100..

XxCowOfChaosxX · 11-12-2003, 06:04 AM

go to walmart
pick a nice and cheap color TV
buy it
christmas gift 4 her
but really, to repair a TV would be more expensive than simply buying a new one
also, im sure you're going to find a hard time trying to replacement parts for a TV thats THAT old

mad1 · 11-12-2003, 06:08 AM

THere is the issue of "high voltage" inside the TV.Be cautious if you decide to tackle the problem.

wju425 · 11-12-2003, 09:25 AM

Nowadays, tvs are not worth repairing. My friend who's a tv repairman retired because of that fact. Xxcow's advice is a good one.

\o/ Billy

stant093 · 11-12-2003, 10:31 AM

i was in wally world a few days ago and saw a nice 13" for i think around $60 or something...look in your local newspaper, i found a nice 27" in my paper for $15 !! needed to be opened and a wire run off the speaker, someone listened to it so loud it blew the tv speaker, easy fix and now we have aiwa speakers on it

much better than the crap in a reg TV

DoctorReno · 11-12-2003, 05:36 PM

I have to reiterate that due to her fixed limited income even a reasonable $150 TV is out of her ability to purchase. Now that winter is setting in seriously, one of her only activities/pleasures is watching TV. With the holidays upcoming this makes her very marginal subsistance income spread even thinner.

I understand that there are several Hi voltage circuits and I understand how to shunt the flyback transformer before working on the unit and I also practice the left hand rule to avoid electrifying myself.

I'm just asking for someone to give me some suggestions as to what the problem might be and possible repair options. If it looks like it's over my head and/or going to be expensive then she is going to have to bite the bullet and look for a new/used TV.

Thanks for your replys

11-12-2003, 05:43 PM

Well, whats it doing? Perhaps we might be able to tell you if it's major or minor. That would help.

Also a couple ideas, perhaps a local church, or charity could repair or replace it for her.
Does she belong to a church? Perhaps a confidential call to the pastor.
Do you belong to a church?
Maybe call a Senior Citizens group for assistance or advice on possible avenues for you to pursue.

Keep us posted

DoctorReno · 11-12-2003, 10:44 PM

Thanks surreal,
From my limited knowledge I think this this is a low voltage problem. I'm just wishing someone with a little TV tech knowledge would PM me so I could detail the specific behavior.
If you want me to go into detail with a long post on the behavior of the TV... let me know and I will submit a long post with the details as I am observing them.

She/me appreciate all of your suggestions and help. Remember this is for a severely disabled person with a VERY limited ability and resources.

Warthog · 11-12-2003, 10:47 PM

Honestly man, I don't ever hear of anyone repairing tvs...typically they just toast out after years of use and are too much $$$ to repair. I bet you could even find a used 27" for $50-70 for her, and give it to her as a Christmas gift like someone said. That would be a really sweet thing to do.