Expert: Phil - 2/22/2004

Question
Phil,  I have a Sony KV-32S26 TV that is giving me a problem.

1. When I power on the tv, the picture does not appear for about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Once the picture does appear, it does so at an intermittent rate.  That is, it blinks on and off irregularly.  Pic off - 30 secs., pic on - 1 sec., pic off - 30 secs., pic on - 1 sec. ...
3. As time goes forward (about an additional 10 minutes), the interval of on/off quickens: pic off - 1 sec. pic on - 1 sec. ...
4. Sometimes the picture will stay visible if the scene is a dark scene.  If it is a bright scene, the on/off pic alternates at about 1 sec.
5. If I significantly lower the brightness control on the tv, the picture will sometimes stay on constant.

I need help with this one.  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Lee Klimek
919-387-3450
129 Swan Quarter Drive
Cary, NC  27519

Answer
Hi Lee,

Your set has a weak picture tube. Sometimes turning up the screen control on the flyback transformer will make the set last another few weeks to two years, but eventually, you'll have to replace the set. The cost to replace a picture tube is over $1,000.00

Phil