Aboutcleggsan Expertise Consumer Electronics of all kinds. Audio, esoteric audio systems and components, video, tv. Digital equipment for consumer use. Ham radio and automotive electronics.
Experience Electrical Engineering; recording, broadcasting, design, international standards, tv and radio theory and practice.
Organizations FELLOW of AES (Audio Engineering Society)
Senior Life Member of IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers)
International Consulting Organization
Publications IEEE Spectrum
Various Consumer Electronic publications
Education/Credentials BSEE
MSCS
MBA
Awards and Honors Famous Engineer for Digital Audio
Expert: cleggsan Date: 7/21/2008 Subject: Magnavox TV Problem
Question A very elderly friend has a Magnavox 27MT3305/17 television that she purchased about three years ago. For the last few weeks the picture has had an approximately one inch black bar along the top edge, while the bottom of the picture is clipped off, though less severely (as a rough reference, only the top half of the CNN scrolling news ticker at the bottom of the screen is visible). It's almost as if the whole display has dropped, except that it's more pronounced at the top. Didn't find any external adjustment controls on the set, like on the old sets, so guess the question is, does this sound like a fairly minor adjustment or is she looking at a pricey visit to the repair shop? Thanks!
Answer Based on your description I would say with total confidence the problem is related to the vertical deflection amplifier and it requires replacement of the vertical module or power device, usually a transistor or FET device. It is done in a shop and requires an experienced tv tech. The cost of repair will vary depending on which component must be replaced (there are about 60 components in the vertical section) but will range from $50 to $100.
I cannot, with confidence, advise repair of this set for three main reasons: A) It is a Magnavox - which does not have a very good reliability record and B) A set this size, of any manufacturer, is not a very good candidate for expensive repair and C) The replacement cost of this model is not much more than the repair. As a general rule when the cost of repair is 50% or more of the original cost it does not make a good investment.
