TV Dilemma? Fix or Replace - Please Help

Ltopppbloke on 23/01/2017 - 21:16
Last edited 23/01/2017 - 22:08 by 1 other user

Hi,

So, am in a dilemma trying to make a difficult decision and thought I'd seek help from fellow bargainers:

My beloved TV broke down, Called a tech over to have a good at it and was advised that it requires a Power supply cost.
Current TV: LG 50" Plasma TV
Cost to fix: $300

Options:
1. pay up the $300 and fix.
Am keen, but would hate for something else to breakdown (The TV was bought around 4 years ago )

  1. Buy a lower end TV, around $500-600 will get me a Kogan, Soniq or a Teac TV that's got all the bells and whistles (UHD + smart)
    Am keen on this option too, but been told that the UHD Tv's video & Sound quality with the lower end TVs don't match up to Plasma.

  2. Buy a Decent TV
    Am not keen on paying $1500 for a TV that's going to break down in a couple of years or so.

All Opinions are appreciated to help me chose between option 1 & 2.

Thanks very much

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • EmCKay on 23/01/2017 - 21:24
    1. Don't fix plasma
  • altomic on 23/01/2017 - 21:28
    +2

    don't forget option 3.

    1. fix it your self.

    seriously, TV's are bloody simple to fix these days. as in, they are now just a PCB board or 2, speakers, panel, and control buttons.

    if it is just the power supply then search for a replacement and exchange it yourself.

    the $300 he is charging you for it is probably 75% labour. the remaining 25% will be a hugely marked up amount for the power supply.

    what is the model number of your LG>

    • topppbloke on 23/01/2017 - 22:07

      Hi mate,
      The thought has crossed my mind. the model number is: 50PZ950

      • altomic on 23/01/2017 - 22:23
        +1

        power board from aliexpress US$35 delivered

        if it is your power board then have a look at the capacitors. Often it is a failed capacitor.

        bad capacitors may be slightly bumpy/bulgy on the end.

        I have a LG LCD in my shed that has 9 stuffed capacitors on the power board that need replacing - it was a common problem with that particular model.

        Jaycar has just opened up around the corner from me so I'll get them soon. (hahaha "soon")

        • wukachuka on 24/01/2017 - 00:50
          +4

          Damn, even replacing the whole board just looks like 2 connectors and no soldering.
          I'd definitely be doing it myself!

        • topppbloke on 10/06/2017 - 17:44
          +1

          Hi mate,
          Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation. The Board arrived, I installed it myself & everything works fine now. much appreciated

        • altomic on 10/06/2017 - 18:51
          +1

          @topppbloke: Awesome, glad to hear you were able to fix it, save electronics from landfill and save some money.

          DIY for the win

  • try2bhelpful on 23/01/2017 - 21:32
    +1

    I would go for the decent model - the better picture, and sound, quality will continue to impress long after you have forgotten what you paid for it. You do run a risk it will breakdown but I would expect a TV to last longer than a couple of years.

  • bluesky on 23/01/2017 - 21:50

    A plasma TV generates more heat, this could be an opportunity to move away from plasma to a more energy-efficient tv. And maybe save on aircond costs in summer. Personally, will go for option 2 - a better TV. Chances are it will last longer than a couple of years.

    • John Kimble on 23/01/2017 - 21:59
      +1

      But the cost savings winter!

      • bluesky on 23/01/2017 - 22:00

        Well, run the gas heater then :-)

        • John Kimble on 23/01/2017 - 22:02

          I meant costs savings in winter. My plasma doubles as the heater :) this is offset by a/c and fans required in summer :(

    • Gronk on 24/01/2017 - 09:23
      +1

      A plasma TV generates more heat, this could be an opportunity to move away from plasma to a more energy-efficient tv. And maybe save on aircond costs in summer. Personally, will go for option 2 - a better TV. Chances are it will last longer than a couple of years.

      This, if my plasma broke down any time soon I wouldn't bother fixing it because it chews power, I'd go with a mid-range 55" - 60" UHD panel.

  • Stewardo on 23/01/2017 - 22:09

    Buy a cheap one if you run Foxtel Netflix Apple TV etc the difference is not worth the inflated price. It is now a disposable item. Aldi Kogan fine just throw them away when they break. They are all made in an Asian sweatshop, the high end ones have better tuner marketing and more middlemen, retail rent etc

  • follow on 24/01/2017 - 01:44

    Repair/Replace under consumer guarantees given by Australian Consumer Law. You could argue that a Tv should last more than four years.

  • andrewb55555 on 07/02/2017 - 20:18

    Hey topppbloke, i have the same model also having problems.. Can i ask what the symptoms you had when it was failing? I'm looking to repair it myself as well

    • topppbloke on 10/06/2017 - 17:43

      Hi mate,
      Sorry, just saw your reply.
      I have recently received the Power supply board from AliExpress, the one that Atomic recommended (thanks Atomic).
      Works like a charm

      prior to fixing it, the TV looked absolutely dead. no standby light & nothing happens when pressing any buttons
      Hope this helps.

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