Any older Sony 1080i CRT 32-36" sets not have reliability issues?

[Goldenvoice]

I've been thinking about picking up a Sony CRT "HD-ready" set used, 32", 34", or 36". The reviews online: lots of posts about bad boards.

Are there any of those models that didn't develop problems? I got used to the idea of TVs lasting 15 - 20 years before developing problems. Should I look to another brand???

Thanks, G :)

[57U]

Sony is probably one of the more reliable brands. You see lots of reports because a lot of these were sold and because many of the people who come to forums have problems. They probably have perhaps a 10% failure rate.

When you mention boards are you talking about these CRTs (Tubes) or CRT-based RPTVs with the convergence IC failures?

I don't recall a lot of failures on the tube sets on this forum.

[lassenloop]

Being a 32", 34" or 36" I doubt he's referring to a RPTV.

[Goldenvoice]

Yes, tube based CRT.

I've been scanning the local craigslist listings, and reading customer reviews on Amazon and Epinions for each particular model.

Many of the models I've looked up do have, say, 4 out of 5 stars - but many were posted when the units were new - when reliability hadn't figured into the picture yet.

I also consider the theory that a happy consumer tells one person, an unhappy consumer tells 10 people.

And owners of new units are excited about the purchase, and take the time to post reviews - and/or if their unit goes tits up later, they take the time to post that, too.

I just don't want to buy a 'known' problem child. I know there is always risk involved with purchasing a used unit from a private party - I think my whole life is a used unit from someone - I like the fact if I purchase used, often times the duds have been weeded out!

G

[lcaillo]

Most of the later sony crt sets were pretty good. Stay away from the xbr400, however. A heavy beast with a half dozen rather common problems that cause intermittent shutdown.

[57U]

Being a 32", 34" or 36" I doubt he's referring to a RPTV.
If you re-read my post, you'll see that I knew that, but I thought he may have been discussing Sony CRTs in general. The thing that's confusing to me is that so few Sony tubes (relative to the number purchased) required board work. I would also stay away from any of the 4:3 Sets.

[Goldenvoice]

Now we're getting into the meat!

What's wrong with the 4:3 sets?

And will I screw up the tube if I watch regular TV without stretching it to fit the screen?

G :cool:

[Knicks4973]

When you watch 16:9 content on a 4:3 screen, you'll get black bars on the top and bottom of the screen. If most of the content you'll be watching will be 16:9, then a 16:9 screen will be better. With many programs in 16:9, you're better off with a 16:9 TV as you'll get the most out of it.

As for not stretching regular 4:3 content on a 16:9 screen, as long as you're watching 16:9 content regularly, you'll have no problems leaving regular content as is. If you're going to watch 4:3 content regularly, then you might want tos tretch it to prevent burn in.

[57U]

See: http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1047