View Full Version : Life Span of LCD RPs vd CRT RPs
UIGrad02
06-30-2004, 05:22 AM
I'm about to purchase a HDTV and was wondering what the life span and normal maintance costs were when comparing these types of set. I'm down to a 50 inch Panasonic LCD RP and a 46 inch Sony CRT RP. The cost difference is about $1200 and I'm trying to decide if the Panasonic is a better value in the long run compared to the Sony.
What I was told is the following.
a RP CRT's light gun after the first year will significantly get dimmer.. although you won't notice it cause you are watching it all the time. Once the light gun is worn out (depending on how much you use your tv) you have to get the whole unit replaced. This might not be for a long time but when it does blow it is a costly replacement.
The idea behind the lcd rp tv's is that there is a single replaceable bulb in the set that once it goes you can easily purchase and replace yourself. I think the cost of the replacement bulbs are approx $299. The life of the bulb depends on the set but on the sony's it's approx 8000 hrs est.
Basically RP TV's are now priced to be disposable, but you should be able to get at least 4 years out of a set.
Considering the quick pace of technology changes in the HD world, its not feasible to think long term ownership right now.
kevinw
06-30-2004, 11:38 AM
A REAR PROJECTION will last at least 10 years..Odds are you will want newer technology by then.
bnaivar
06-30-2004, 01:25 PM
When I bought my lcd I also purchased an extended warranty. The extended warranty covers replacement of the bulb and was cheaper that repalcing the bulb myself. :D
mikehbkwm
06-30-2004, 02:21 PM
4 years where are you getting your info from.... a properly setup CRT based RPTV could last anywhere from 10-15 years easily....
spaceman_spiff
06-30-2004, 02:53 PM
And dont forget LCDs also exhibit degradation in time. So its not just CRTs that degrade, LCDs degrade too because of extended light and heat exposure. But that should not worry somebody. Average use might not make huge difference in CRT or LCD degradation till you are ready to buy new TV again.
DLPs are less prone to degradation.
4 years where are you getting your info from.... a properly setup CRT based RPTV could last anywhere from 10-15 years easily....
True, I have seen RPTV's last over 10 years, but frankly the picture looks like crap due to CRT wear and convergence. You may not notice early on since it's a slow progression into oblivion, but look at an old set side by side with a new set and you'll see a dramatic difference. This is only after 5 to 7 years. Yes you can have it calibrated (about $500 per pop) or replace the CRTs (roughly $750 to $1000) to get it looking like new again.
I plan on a new RPTV every 5 years... just the way I am.
Fact is, much like people, RPTV's will last well past their useful age. :wow:
