The Things We Don't Think Aout

[monophoto]

After we moved into our new home 13 years ago, I set up a small TV in my office. No splurge here - it was an old TV that had belonged to my wife's aunt. But when that TV eventually failed, I bought a replacement. OK - one of the modern flat screen units. Wow - I've moved into the 21st century (finally).

Yesterday, I started having a problem with an intermittent signal that I eventually tracked down to a defective HDMI connection - the connection at the cable box is OK, but the connection at the TV is loose. Several days ago, I inadvertently bumped the TV causing it to tip over, and I suspect that the stress of the fall put pressure on the point where the HDMI connector is soldered to the circuit board..

While it may be theoretically possible to repair, the practical solution is to replace the entire circuit board. And of course it would be less expensive to replace the TV.

When I bought the TV I didn't notice that:
1. The HDMI cable simply plugs into the side of the TV with no mechanical attachment between the cable and the TV case - so that any stress applied to the cable is transferred directly to the point where the connector attaches to the circuit board. That's a really lousy design!
2. This model has only one HDMI connector. Other models have more, some as many as four, so if one fails, there are spares to work with.

I'm an engineer, so I should have noticed the chintzy design and the lack of redundancy.

Kicking myself all the way to the store to buy a replacement - - -

 

[studioseven]

You lost me after TV. But I'm still upset that my 8 track player died last year.

Seven

 

[Akula]

you get what you pay for.....chances were, if you had not bumped it, would have lasted many years


Couple months ago, we changed from DirectTV to Comcast. TV in the bedroom would not work, so bought a new flat screen.

The other day, we had a big storm roll past, lighting hit the transformer outside..took out the new TV. In my joy and rush to set it up from the old TV...I did not put it back on the Surge protector...ugh

I'm in the same boat as you. Replace the power board for $30 or replace the TV for a few hundred

 

[alankulwicki7]

Yes newer tv's have more hdmi inputs but not that long ago hdmi wasn't very popular yet. I'm guessing your tv was made around that time, hence only one hdmi input.

 

[tbroye]

What they have flat screens, were do the tubes go?

 

[avbill]

Hey what a TV. Have not had a TV in my house going 20+ years. Yet, in one room my office downstairs there are 1500+ book. the second downstairs room the library all walls from floor to ceiling. Books

There life out there beyond TV. All you have to do is read a Book!​

YEs you can call my family a book worms

 

[Joe S.]

1. The HDMI cable simply plugs into the side of the TV with no mechanical attachment between the cable and the TV case - so that any stress applied to the cable is transferred directly to the point where the connector attaches to the circuit board. That's a really lousy design!

Isn't this what you usually see or am I misunderstanding you? I thought they didn't have mechanical attachments (like the screws in monitor cables) so it was easier for people to plug/unplug things. That still is unfortunate design though, even if TVs aren't typically moved around much.

 

[monophoto]

Isn't this what you usually see or am I misunderstanding you? I thought they didn't have mechanical attachments (like the screws in monitor cables) so it was easier for people to plug/unplug things. That still is unfortunate design though, even if TVs aren't typically moved around much.

This is the only TV I have ever owned that has an HDMI input, so I can't say what is normal.

But if the HDMI jack is soldered directly to the PCB such that a mechanical shock on the cable can cause irreparable damage to the PCB, then it is most definitely a poor design.

 

[mecompco]

Isn't this what you usually see or am I misunderstanding you? I thought they didn't have mechanical attachments (like the screws in monitor cables) so it was easier for people to plug/unplug things. That still is unfortunate design though, even if TVs aren't typically moved around much.

This is the only TV I have ever owned that has an HDMI input, so I can't say what is normal.

But if the HDMI jack is soldered directly to the PCB such that a mechanical shock on the cable can cause irreparable damage to the PCB, then it is most definitely a poor design.

Sadly, a pretty common design, even on laptops. If you can get the chassis apart and access the logic board, you could try re-flowing the solder where the HDMI connector is soldered to the logic board. I know things are "disposable" these days, but it might be worth a shot.

 

[HamTurns]

try re-flowing the solder where the HDMI connector is soldered to the logic board

That was my first thought, any engineer can do that!

Plus, it's free.

Happy Turning - Tom

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I prefer old technology - and I have no reason to upgrade my tv from the tube with vcr and dvd player to a more expensive model that requires more 'data' to run, and thus more monthly bills...

 

[thepenfriend]

Does it not have any other input besides HDMI? Usually if your TV only has one HDMI it would also have either an VGA (computer) or even Coax (yuck). Perhaps even some RCA inputs. They do make cheap cables that will convert the input from your HDMI cable box and go into a VGA or RCA. You may not get the full 1080 or 720 but it will be close and you only spend the money on a cheap converter. You can try HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! - Monoprice.com to find a plethora of converters? Maybe this would help?