Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Pioneer SD-P5071 shuts off frequently - Advice?

Hi,

I purchased a Pioneer SD-P5071 about 6-7 years ago. Until a year ago, it had been operating great with no repairs required. Last year, it started shutting off (picture, sound, and green light in front) and the only way I could get it back on was to unplug the unit for >10 secs or so. When I plug it back in, it stays on for anywhere between a 20 secs and a whole month sometimes. Since this problem began, I was able to link it to the brightness of the picture. So, I adjusted the settings to as low as visually possible which seemed to extend the duration between shut-downs.

Last month, I called a service company who sent a technician out and gave me a quote for $650 - saying he has to haul the TV and replace the power supply. When I said I would think about it, he told me he could do it for $250 after hours with no warranty.

Any advice you could give me on the diagnosis or amount for repair would be great! I am not a TV techie, however I am familiar with computer (PC)electronics, soldering, computer boards... Anything I can check?

Thanks!
Albert

Good Evening, Albert:
We're happy you fired your technician. He doesn't inspire confidence in my books.

I feel strongly that the problem is located in your High Voltage regulator circuit. Let me explain: Your set generates anywhere from 25,000 to 45,000 volts to light up the screen. When the picture goes to a black, the High voltage wants to rise. When you get a scene with a high white content, the High Voltage wants to decrease.
So, the manufacturers put in regulator circuits to maintain the voltage at a constant value during both extremes.
A failure in this circuit causes fluctuations in the High Voltage and the circuit has a failure mode. If the voltage gets out of tolerance, it shuts off the TV. Why? Well, for one, the TV suffers from the variations. The other reason is that the X-Ray radiation problem increases and causes a safety hazard. Unregulated HV causes arcs and sometimes fires in the set. Be grateful it is shutting off.

We don't see any Pioneer sets in this end of the world. Where are you located?

Another site you can check for further information is at
http://an.hitchcock.org/repairfaq/REPAIR/F_tvfaq.html

Smokey ;)

Thank you for your response as well as the link you sent! This site / forum has been very informative - you guys do a great job helping the non-experts decipher the techie jargon some repair people use when they present you with a $$$ quote.

I live in Houston and have bought Pioneer video equipment for a while. I have been truly impressed with the current model until this incident - maybe 7 years is the life span for this TV. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like something I could fix, so I will probably get another repair quote but this this time I can sound more knowledgeable when I talk to the techncian - hopefully this will reduce the repair bill.

This is a good motivator to consider this other Pioneer that I have had my eye on for a few months now: SD-643HD5 (64" 16:9 HD). Best Buy lowered its price to $3,725 and I should be getting an additional 10% discount coupon within a week or so. Is this a good choice in your opinion? A friend of mine bought this identical TV and he is elated with it.

Thanks!
Albert

Good Morning, AlbertC:

Well, I am a supporter of Pioneer equipment and have always found their electronics worth owning.

Replacement at this point may make sense. These projection units don't have the life span of the old CRT sets. The average running life seems to be about nine years. Of course, there are those that only make seven years and I've seen a few that went on to ten and eleven years.

But, if you have to put a lot of money into the repair, you should consider that you will still have a seven year old set when you get it up and running.

Since you're the one with the check book, weigh the alternatives and make your decision.

Smokey ;)