tv is packing up - any tv ghostbusters in Mumsnetland?

[skyatnight]

Hello

Anyone here an expert in television engineering?

I know nuuuthing (very little) about televisions. My Philips old-style tv has got a problem. IT is ok for 10 minutes or so after I switch it on but then the picture starts to flash back to the black (off) screen. This gets worse until it is mainly black screen. If you switch it off for a while and then on again, you can get another 10 to 20 minutes viewing before it happens again.

I have recently connected up a combined vcr/ dvd player via scart. I have also recently got a new, substitute, generic (I think) remote control for the tv because the original one was broken.

So, I am wondering whether either of the above changes have affected the tv? Is this possible? Or is the tv just packing up (it is only about seven years old)?

I have tried to do some basic troubleshooting - checked all the connections secure, tried disconnecting the new dvd/vcr from tv, tried taking batteries out of remote control and using manual controls on tv - no difference - problem is still there.

I tried playing a dvd - works but still with the flashing off and on - suggests it is a tv problem. When I tried to play a video tape, it didn't work - as in I couldn't find the channel and the tv seemed to be flashing/thrashing through different Ext 1, 2, Svc, etc., channels.

There have been a few indications of problems with the tv in the last year. Sometimes the picture has been a funny colour. Also, when you switch it on, it is slow to come on and makes a hollow clicky noise.

Please - anyone got any ideas?

[redadmiral]

Sounds like you've done all the right things. I would say the TV's got a problem. Very very unlikely to be the changes you've made. It might be a component going that could be replaced - might be worth asking local repair shop for their opinion before taking it in. Components called capacitors produce this kind of effect when they are dying, and they are easy to replace - it's just finding the faulty one! May not be cost-effective.

If you want to get a new one Freecycle might produce someone who'll take it away and fix it, but there are loads of CRT tvs being thrown away at the moment so maybe no-one will want it.

[redadmiral]

Doh! You could try Freecycle for a new (to you) tv. There are often ones going in my area (London).

[skyatnight]

Thanks for responding redadmiral and for the freecycle suggestion - that is an idea. I am also still mulling over trying to get this one fixed or maybe splashing out on a new one. Can't really afford it, and not environmentally sound of course, but, this close to Xmas, it would be an expedient option.

[redadmiral]

I think if you're even thinking about mending it and the repurcussions of chucking it, you're probably not the kind of person that fills up skips single-handed. Maybe treat yourself for Christmas! (Mind you, some of the old CRT tele's still a better picture IMO.)

[redadmiral]

or even HAVE a better picture...