Big TV

[JB]

I have a 7 year old Sony KDF-55WF655. The "light engine" is going out for the second time. The first time was covered by the warranty.

It would cost around $1500 to fix it again. I think I can now buy a better and more reliable 55" TV with added features (internet) for less than that.

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Big TV

I personally love my Samsungs, we have 2 now and my son has 2. We`ve never had a problem with any of them. Take them out of the box ,plug em in and enjoy.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7223661&Sku=S222-5506

 

[HANGEYE]

Re: Big TV

^^^^^ What he said ^^^^^

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Big TV

I think all of the big screens are Internet capable now because of netflix etc. Just to add my two cents my LG 55 has been flawless and has every thing your asking for plus more.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Big TV

Don't over pay to get that internet tv.
You can hook any tv up to the internet thru your computer, or buy a separate streaming box (Roku) for $50.

Last years non internet model may save you hundreds.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Big TV

http://www.fatwallet.com/Newegg-coupons/lg-60-1080p-3d-smart-plasma-hdtv/

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=147066


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05775561000P?i_cntr=1331498654293


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/allrevie...5561000P&dataBrand=SEARS&i_cntr=1331499093996


There a dime a dozen JB wanna spend less?...That sears deal is great dont get caught up in the lcd vs Plasma debate

 

[JB]

Re: Big TV

Don't think I want 3D unless it uses passive viewing glasses. Even then I don't want to pay extra for it.

So far the Samsung UN55D series has the best credentials and recommendations. Maybe I can find a NOS leftover without 3D for a bargain price.

I have a little time before the light engine in the Sony becomes un-viewable. What should I do with the Sony when I get a replacement?

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Big TV

JB,

If you get something before it goes out, then the local goodwill or salvation army will take it, if after, put it on craigs list free for parts.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big TV

I use this site to find bargains on TVs:
http://www.techbargains.com/

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Big TV

I bought a 55" Sanyo 2 or 3 years ago for $650. I saw the same TV a few weeks ago for about $100's less. Roscoe mentioned the Roku box. The wife bought one a few months ago (she loves her Netflix), it's wireless and works great. We also have a Vizio DVD/Blu-ray player that streams Netflix, Blockbuster, Pandora and some other internet apps. It does some really neat stuff, but we don't use half the stuff it will do.

You can get a brand new TV for much less than it would cost to repair one. As far as getting rid of your old TV, contact some recycleing centers. Some places will take them to try to recover some of the metals used in it's production. Good luck.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Big TV

Save your money and buy a non "smart" TV, then purchase a surround sound or a Blu-Ray player with "Smart" capability. Usually much cheaper.

+1 on samsung for Blu-ray

Check out LG for TV.

 

[JB]

Re: Big TV

What does "smart" mean?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big TV

What does "smart" mean?

He is referring to a TV that has internet connectivity so you can stream video. Really not needed since you can always use a Roku type box or Blu Ray player that have the same functions.

 

[JB]

Re: Big TV

Thanks, Bruce.

 

[oops!]

Re: Big TV

um....being a fix it kind of guy....

you might just have some bad capacitors...

do you have ant teck kinda friends that can change them?

my buddie owns a fix it shop....and we fix tvs all the time.
its a real cash cow for him......swap a few capacitors....1 hour work....3 bux in parts.....and a 250 dollar bill.
people ate tickled pink because the other shops are quoting a grand for the repairs.

 

[JB]

Re: Big TV

Ordinarily I would do that, oops!, but this trouble is warping of a plastic part (the light engine) causing color distortion. The part is $1500. It happened before exactly this way. This technology also wants a $250 lamp replaced every couple years.

I got by for years buying big analog color CRT TVs (big for the 60s to 80s) at garage sales for 5-10 bux, fixing them and either using them or selling them for good profit. This is the equivalent of a failing 27"CRT in an analog console.

OW! This post was typed left handed with about a dozen typos.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big TV

I have the 60" version of the exact TV. It haven't had the bulb issues of its smaller brothers but I will replace the whole TV when it does go out. These are rear projection TVs and were the first generation of LCDs that came out so newer LCDs have such a WAY better picture it doesn't warrant spending any money on it.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Big TV

Some of the things you should consider JB......are you going to watch alot of sports,ifin you are you might consider a plasma,,,only because of the 600hz which is better for fast sports {Nascar,hockey and games} in a darker roomThe new lcd>leds are coming out with 240hz...so beware they are dumping alot of 720p 60hz models.....You want at least 1080p and 120 hz ...Sony had a terrible sales year last,they will be dumping lots this year...so lots of competion>lower prices....I personally love LG products and own 3 great picture

 

[rbh]

Re: Big TV

I sure love our 1 year old, non 3d, 54 inch Panasonic Viera.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big TV

Some of the things you should consider JB......are you going to watch alot of sports,ifin you are you might consider a plasma,,,only because of the 600hz which is better for fast sports {Nascar,hockey and games}

This is pretty much a non issue. JB's current TV is 60Hz so if he is fine with that, he will be fine with a 120Hz LCD update rate. I have 2 LCD TVs. One is 60Hz like his and the other is 120Hz. All I watch on my TV is sports and there is no noticeable difference. You will get more artifacts from the compression of the satellite TV or cable signal than you would ever get from the TV refresh rate.