Projection TV Repair Is Hard To Do Yourself
A projection TV is a major purchase and one that you expect to last for many years to come. Just remember that no matter how many episodes of Home Improvement you've seen, do not think that you can or should attempt to repair the TV yourself. These are complicated electronic devices that require trained service technicians. More important, if you attempt to repair the unit yourself you will likely void the warranty and a simple repair will become a costly venture. Since this is such a major purchase and repair is something that will require a professional, here are some points to consider. Each TV manufacturer will include some type of warranty with the TV. Be sure to read and understand the warranty before you make the purchase. Simply replacing the bulb on a projection TV can cost more than the purchase price of a standard TV set. If you can get a two-year warranty as part of the purchase price, that is preferred. Also check to see if at least one bulb replacement is included in the warranty.
Many products today come with an offer of an extended warranty that you have to purchase. In most cases those are not recommended. But with projection TVs, especially with technology other than the CRT, it is a good idea to get the extended warranty. This is mainly because the technology in the projection TVs is very new and still prone to failure. When pricing an extended warranty a good rule to follow is not to spend more than 15 % of the purchase price of the item. Another point to consider is the location of the nearest authorized service company. If you buy your projection TV from a major retailer like Best Buy or Wal-mart, the service will not come directly from them. In your owners manual you will receive instructions about your warranty. In most cases you will have a toll free number or a website where you can find information about the closest place for repair. You will also have information about how to obtain service. Hold on to your receipt because most service locations will require it to request a service call. And read the fine print. The warranty will likely exclude damage that you cause, like an accident, improper installation or use, or even an electrical surge or lightning. Damage from lightning or other weather event may be covered under your home owners insurance. For a major purchase like this, you'll want to make sure of your coverage. If your problem does qualify for warranty coverage and you have followed all the steps and located a service technician, be prepared to wait some. The service company will schedule a time to come to your house and inspect the unit and make the repair. Due to their large size, it isn't likely that you will transport the TV to the repair shop. |