Consider the case for repairs. Depending on the type and age of your TV, it may be worth repairing, according to Consumer Reports' experts. Below you'll find advice on when to consider repair for both picture tubes, a common type of set, and rear-projection sets, which have typically been more repair prone than other types, and where to find help with repairs.
When to consider repair:
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• A 32-inch picture-tube TV may be worth repairing if it's less than four years old.
• A 36-inch picture-tube TV may be worth repairing if it's less than five years old.
• A CRT-based rear-projection TV may be worth repairing if it's less than six years old.
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Where to find help
Help for do-it-yourselfers. If you're the hands-on type, check your TV's manual for a troubleshooting section or search for help online. Some manufacturers' Web sites provide assistance, including user forums and downloadable owners' guides. You might also search the relevant user forums and newsgroups on sites such as Google and Yahoo for information from volunteer experts.
If your TV's warranty is up, consider factory or authorized service, but don't dismiss independents. According to Consumer Reports surveys, they satisfied our readers about the same. True, manufacturers train their authorized technicians on the latest equipment, keep them updated on repair issues, and hold them to performance standards, and such service may be your only choice for a product that's still under warranty. But independents can be good for off-warranty work, especially if the repair is relatively easy and doesn't involve proprietary parts from the manufacturer.
Consider certified repairers. Ask whether the repairer you're considering is certified by a trade group, such as the Professional Service Association, or the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. Membership doesn't ensure integrity, but it does suggest that repairers are qualified.
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