Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - 1991 Magnavox Projection TV

I have a 1991 54" Magnavox Rear-Projection TV that has an extremely blurred and faint picture on all channels and inputs (vcr or dvd). I tried cleaning the mirror, screen, lens but with no luck. However, I did notice what appeared to be a great deal of debris(trash) in the green and blue projectors. I tried to get to the debris but it appears to be in the oil that covers the initial (sorry, don't know the technical terms) projection lens. Could this be the problem and if so how much should I expect it to cost to repair?

Good Morning, dkittrell:

That's the projection lens cooling oil that you are referring to in your post. I have heard tales about the oil getting cloudy and having to be replaced but have never seen the condition personally.

The oil is replaceable, certainly, but the costs vary from area to area. I would recommend calling around and getting some ball park estimates for the job. Oil is available for sale and here is one site that offers it:

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/803.html

Smokey ;)

That fluid also serves another purpose....to transfer the image from the top of the CRT to the bottom of the optical lens system.
Any contamination in the fluid means the picture is degraded. It's a common problem with projection sets around this age. I have seen it many times. It's actually supposed to be an algae growing in the fluid! The red tube usually isn't affected because the wavelength of it's color retards growth of this algae. It is a very messy job, as it's easy to spill the oil and if it runs down into the electronics it can also be very expensive. Unless you feel very comfortable working with a conductive fluid in an area containing upwards of 30,000 volts, I would recommend you let a pro do it.
As Smokey says, prices will vary depending upon where you live. You may find that a lot of shops will be unwilling to come to your home to do the repair.

Thanks for the info Smokey and Troubleshooter. Do either of you think it is worth taking it in to get fixed or should I look to get a new set?

In my opinion, you will be far better off investing your money in a newer set. Life expectancy for a projection tv is approx. ten years. Some make it longer and some don't even make it that long. Even if you invest enough to fix this set, you will still have an old tv with many other parts weakening from age.

Smokey says Amen to this!

Thanks alot guys. Do either of you have any recommendations on which brands I should consider?

According to the reports, it appears that Mitsubishi is the king of the heap.

And don't discard the fact that television as we know it today will be history in the near future. The whole world is changing to HDTV and the old sets will be history.


Smokey ;)