TV Tech Insider

DLP Technology - How it works

2007-02-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

I was going to do a write-up on how DLP technology is used to display a picture on a screen, but Texas Instruments has done a fantastic job of explaining this unique technology. Plus it is in Flash video to boot! Saves me some research and typing...

Anyway, here is the link:

http://search.dlp.com/

Swap outs?!

2007-02-13T14:18:00.000-05:00

Under certain circumstances, when you have a television or other device needing warranty repair, you may get the rare opportunity to have your set swapped out. This can either be done by the retailer or the manufacturer, depending on which warranty you are being covered under (remember, always get the extended warranty on things you can't fix yourself, like televisions!).

Swap outs can happen for different reasons, but are always initiated by a need for authorized repair.

A television, in particular, can be swapped out because that is the store or manufacturer's policy on that make or model.

Parts may no longer be available or manufactured, especially if the set is not a popular model.

If parts are available, but are backordered and the expected shipping date is over a month, then that set will most likely get swapped out.

The parts required to fix the television are not replaceable, even by an authorized service center. This commonly happens to Samsung Plasma televisions when the Plasma screen needs to be replaced and does not have physical damage.

If a customer recieves a unit damaged through shipping, that unit is often swapped out for a new one by the retailer.

The cost to fix the television outweighs the cost of a new television of the same or comparable quality. This commonly happens to Plasma televisions when the screen itself is no longer operative.

And finally, if your make / model is obsolete, due to changes in engineering designs, or has a known defect that keeps the set from working as intended. Sometimes these fixes are done in the field as needed, but other times these sets are recalled quietly, and only when repair is needed. The Panasonic PT-50LC13 LCD Projection Set particularly comes to mind. Anyone with this set has probably already got their set swapped out when the bulb blew. And if not yet, then you are lucky, because when the bulb finally blows, you will end up getting a new TV.

These are the basic guidelines that are used to determine how one person gets repaired and another gets a new set. Length of ownership is taken into account, so don't push too hard for a new set if yours is older than 6 months.

Extended Service Contract - Is It Worth It?

2007-02-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

Inevitably, when we make a major electronics purchase, we are asked if we want to buy the extended service contract. Penny-pinching consumers, myself included, often cringe at this question. But the truth is, that sometimes it is a good idea to fork over the extra cash as an investment of future peace of mind.

DLP and LCD Projection sets use a powerful bulb to illuminate the picture. These bulbs, like any other bulb, has a limited lifespan. Ranging in cost from $200 to over $400 for a replacement, these expendable items are actually covered under extended warranties. Parts for plasma sets are very expensive as well. And if parts are no longer available for your TV, then you will end up with a brand new set. Are you starting to see the value now?

Generally, you will come out ahead buying the extra coverage on televisions and other major electronics purchases, as all man-made things eventually fail. More often than not, electronics have a tendency to fail shortly after the manufacturers warranty runs out. When you look at the cost of parts alone for some repairs the up front costs are translated into the longevity of the device.

However, you will have to weigh the costs and benefits for other items for yourself. If you are a decent computer tech, then an extended service contract may not do you much good on a computer or laptop purchase. If you are a technician with access to technical resources and parts accounts, then you will be able to fix most problems yourself. Just use your best judgement and consider how often and how long you expect to use what you are buying.

My Timings A Little Off...

2007-02-03T11:31:00.001-05:00

Last night we visited Sam's Club for some grocery shopping. When we entered the building, we were immediately greeted by a gargantuan display of flat panel televisions and huge stockpiles of beer. Ahh, must be Superbowl Season... No doubt, Sam's is really trying to push SuperBowl party products this week.

You know, I came up with the idea for this website a couple weeks ago, but I didn't have the time to implement it up until recently. If I had a little extra forethought, and a lot more time on my hands, I could've posted some good information on which TV to buy. Well, hindsight is always 20/20, but rest assured that I plan to have this site up for future SuperBowls to come.

Welcome to TV Tech Insider

2007-02-02T00:44:00.000-05:00

I am a HDTV Repair Technician working on all major (and even a few minor) brands of television. I am here to give consumer purchasing advice on HD televisions from a technician's perspective. My unique perspective will give you insight on you next electronics purchase.

Although I cannot give out confidential information, I will do my best to answer any questions you may have on televisions and repair.