Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - brightness slowly fading
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nbjmiller
05-07-01, 11:05 PM
'86 "MGA" brand, 27 inch (think it is made by Matsu****a). The brightness used to go very light, then dark, until warmed up (15 minutes or so). Now it just stays kind of dark, no fluctuation. Can still see picture, but think it is getting worse. After researching, think might be picture tube. What do you think? If so, is that something I can fix myself and would it be worth it? Thanks, Nick
Smokey
05-08-01, 05:56 AM
Good Morning, nbjmiller:
I am inclined to agree with you about the picture tube. The industry developed the tubes we are using with the intent that they last a minimum of five years. Of course, it is not uncommon that they last many times that figure.
Actually, the picture tube never wears out. It is the electron guns in the neck of the tube that actually fail over time. A "crust" forms on the emitting cathode and the tube cannot display the video image on the face of the tube. A quick check on this issue is to turn the brightness control to maximum. The images on the tube will lose their quality of resolution and appear "muddy". This is a sure sign the tube is on its last year of operation.
Is it worth the repair? No. If you spent the dollars to replace the tube you would still have a 16 year old TV set. Then it is the prone to additional failures from the aging circuits. It is time to think about buying a new one. This time, think high definition TV. The old TV that we have had for so many years is about to enter a new era of picture quality. The old sets will not be able to receive the new technology.
Happy viewing,
Smokey ;)
I am inclined to agree with you about the picture tube. The industry developed the tubes we are using with the intent that they last a minimum of five years. Of course, it is not uncommon that they last many times that figure.
Actually, the picture tube never wears out. It is the electron guns in the neck of the tube that actually fail over time. A "crust" forms on the emitting cathode and the tube cannot display the video image on the face of the tube. A quick check on this issue is to turn the brightness control to maximum. The images on the tube will lose their quality of resolution and appear "muddy". This is a sure sign the tube is on its last year of operation.
Is it worth the repair? No. If you spent the dollars to replace the tube you would still have a 16 year old TV set. Then it is the prone to additional failures from the aging circuits. It is time to think about buying a new one. This time, think high definition TV. The old TV that we have had for so many years is about to enter a new era of picture quality. The old sets will not be able to receive the new technology.
Happy viewing,
Smokey ;)