So I messed up my t.v. and I want to know if its fixable?

Question

I was moving my 27inch t.v. and I thought I had it completely unplugged but I guess not. It was somehow still connected to the wall through a co-axle cable and I accidentally ripped the co-axle connector thing out of the back of the t.v. itself. Does anyone know if this can be fixed and if so how much that might cost? Thank you! And yes I know that what I did was stupid.

Answer 1

Like Henpecked says it might be cheaper to get a new one.

But, as others mention, it could be easily repairable. I don't recommend this for everyone, but, if you are even a little bit handy, since yours is already busted, you may want to take a shot at seeing just how much damage you've done. Turn the power on with it plugged in, then after a few minutes, leaving the power switch ON, unplug it. Leave it is unplugged overnight to bleed off any built up charge. Then take off the case and look at the damaged area. If the co-ax connector is just pulled out leaving bare wires - that may be easy to fix. If there is a circuit board that's been trashed - forget it. I don't recommend you touch anything unless you know what you're doing - you could get a hair-raising experience!

Also consider how old is the set? If more than 2-3 years old or if its not a flat panel, you are probably better off getting a new one. They are so cheap. I've seen 26" Flat LCD's for $350-$400. Costco has 42" Vizio's under $700.

As one answerer says this could be about a $125 repair for what will still be a used set.

We don't know the extent of the damage - neiher will the repair shop 'til they see it, so it's going to be hard to get an estimate without bringing it in - and of course you'll have to pay for the estimate and/or service call.

Then, if you bring it in, or have the guy come out, you're going to think, gee it's/he's already here, I had to pay $_____ for the estimate, might as well have them fix it. Then maybe something else related or unrelated to the damage you've done could crop up next week. It's unlikely the repair shop will urge you to get a new one.

In South GA and some parts of Fla they have Brandsmart stores - really cheap prices on name brands and their house brands, Coby & Haier (I think). If you can afford it, stick to Panasonic, Sony or LG. They are warehouse carry-out stores and not the most convenient stores to shop in, but make up for it in price (and if you push, you can usually get a further discount - the salespeople all have cheat cards that tell them how low they can go).

They also have 1-3 years free interest, even with mediocre credit. Just make sure you make regular payments and have it all paid off before the end of the interest-free period or they really nail you. I'm sure most parts of the country have similar discount electronics stores.

If you decide to get a new one, shop hard. Check www.cnet.com and other web sites and chat rooms for comparisons. Pay the $35 for a Costco or Sam's Club subscription - you'll save it on your first purchase and they have excellent return policies (off-topic, but they have the absolute cheapest prescriptions - my meds at Walgreen's $87; Costco $38 as an example - that's without insurance).

The Vizios seem to be good sets, come in all sizes are LCD flat panels and you can buy an extended warranty in case you bozo it up again ;<)

If you don't have Brandsmart or similar, you should check Best Buy and Circuit City, They are often the cheapest, but not necessarily. Of the two, I prefer Best Buy. Sound Advice is probably the most expensive, but the salespeople are usually more knowledgeable. Don't forget CompUSA - they sometimes have excellent bargains on sale, open-box or manager's special.

The sets are mostly all the same. They may have different model numbers ('cause they do that to confuse you and dissuade you from comparing). But a 27" Panasonic flat LCD display is basically the same wherever you buy it regardless of the model number - and regardless of what the salesman says, Unless you are a real videophile, you'll not notice the difference. Some will have more features, better speakers etc. but not really noticeable. And they are almost all HD these days and have the tuner built-in (but make sure).

Actually your cable company probably makes as much difference as the brand name.

I am currently looking at an ad for a 50" Sony LCD/HD RPTV (a bigger, rear projection model) at $698 new or a 50" Haier PLASMA/HD/flat panel at $898 at Brandsmart (that's really cheap).

Most stores have them all lined up to the same channel for comparison. If one looks "off" don't be afraid to fool with the controls. Sometimes the salesmen will purposely goof up a cheap one to get you to buy a more expensive one or one that pays a higher commission (or, if you want to give the sales folks the benefit - some kid came in and played with the controls)

Good luck. Look before you pull ;<)
-a guy named duh

Answer 2

As far as tv repairs go, on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 10 (hardest), I rate the actual repair at about a 2. Any one that knows how to use a soldering iron can make the repair.

The parts and tools necessary to make the repair are available at Radio Shack. The time to make the repair would be less than an hour (most of the time spent, taking the back cover off and putting it back on).

You might check to see if a local vocational school will let a student make the repair if you supply the $5 part. Otherwise, a television repair person might charge you $75 to $100 or so to fix it.

Answer 3

Is the TV's coaxial input completely severed from the television, or is it still hanging on?

If the TV has auxiliary inputs, you might be able to use them with a VCR and/or DVD player and/or cable box, but if wires have been ripped, a short circuit may occur somewhere and pose a fire hazard.

Answer 4

It may also be cheaper just to buy a new tuner. They are not to expensive, and a ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuner would get you all of your providers analog and digital channels. Plus it gives you a new coaxial input. This will only work if your TV has other inputs, preferably component (blue green red)

That is your cheapest option.

Answer 5

It could be the way it's set up. Flat screens have their lens plate adjusted to have the appearance of convex, like the old ones. If it doesn't mess with the game don't worry about it.

Answer 6

It may be cheaper to get another TV

Answer 7

It would probally be cheaper to buy a new one.