Are You Dissapointed with Your New Flat Screen TV?

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2009 08:35 AM

I remember being able to buy a TV knowing it would last for a decade or more. In recent years, you knew they would at run for at least 305 years, but the new Flat screen TV's are incredibly disappointing with many of them needing repair or replacement in a matter of month.

I have one Philips flat screen TV that died in 18 months and cost $200 to repair. We chalked that up to bad luck and got a smaller version for the bedroom. Granted, it was a floor model as our frugal side would never allow us to buy it brand new, but in two short months, it is also in need of repair. Fortunately, it is under warranty. Still, I couldn't be more disappointed.

Right now, I am also in a hotel room which as upgraded to flat screen TV's in the past year and the Philips TV on the dresser keeps shutting off and a technician had to come up to fix it.

(I think it is a coincidence that I keep running into problematic Philips flat screens, people with other TV are also complaining.)

Why are flat screen TV sets so fickle?

While the flat screen TV's have great shelf life numbers, (50,000 to 60,000 hours), this life span will only happen if you use 25-50% brightness. (beststuf.com)

In my personal case, I strongly believe that new cable box has caused the problem. It runs very hot and these TV's don't like the heat. Since we got the new cable box, two TV's have burned out in six months. Of course Charter Cable won't admit there is problem, nor will they replace the box.

While no one is willing to admit outside of message boards that these TV's are problematic, the lamps and power units burn out quite often and have to be replaced. If you just type your model number into a Google search you will quickly find out common problems and how to fix them. I don't recommend attempting to do this yourself unless you have experience with working on electronics.

If you do have or are planning to buy a flat screen TV, here are some tips you can use to make your TV last longer from Plasma TV Buying Guide

1. Don't allow a single (static) image to sit on the screen. 2. Adjust brightness and contrast levels so they are not excessive. 3. Make sure monitor is well ventilated. 4. Buy a good brand. 5. Turn off the TV when not in use. 6. Keep the TV out of reach of children 7. Do not mount the TV face down from the ceiling. Bonus advice from me: Get the extended warranty!

I really don't think I am alone with my disappointments with my flat screen TV's, but I would love to hear from other people. Do you have a flat screen TV and what if any are your problems.

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Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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Michele Cheplic (37349) 10 Aug 2009 11:39 AM

Hear, hear! Ours was a gift, but I must say--major disappointment! Not with the pic, but the audio is HORRIBLE!! And I couldn't afford the TV, so there's no way I can shell out for surround sound, but I think these TVs were made for homes with stereo surround sound, blah, blah, blah.

Umatter2Charter (5) 10 Aug 2009 02:01 PM

Hello Andrea,

My name is Eric Ketzer, and I am a Manager with Charter Communications. I am very sorry to hear that you are having so many problems with your flat screens. Admittedly, I have never seen or heard of a box burning out a TV, but I am concerned that your box is running so hot. Please e-mail me the name, address, and phone on the account to Umatter2Charter@chartercom.com, and we will get that box replaced for you.

Hear is wishing you better luck with your flat screens in the future. I have had mine for 3 years now, no issues, and it was a cheapy, guess I should knock some wood now...Eric