Expert: cleggsan - 9/18/2004

Question
Hello! I have a Sony TV Trinitron, 6 years old, model# KV-32V26. serial #70005739.  For the past 6 months everytime I turn it on there is a delay before it actually turns on.  The delay is getting longer and longer.  Today it is at least 7 minutes...  Then when it finally turns on, the sound is on but the picture goes on and off, on and off.  First very fast then slower until it stays on for good.  This on and off thing lasts an other 4 to 5 minutes.
I do not know what to do.  This is a heavy tv.  It sounds like something electronic ( but what do I know?).  Do you think this is a part that I could buy and remplace myself?  It would be very very much appreciated if you could help me.
Also, can I adapt (transform) this Trinitron TV to HDTV ?.  Is there a unit that I could by? and to your opinion is it worth it?
Thank you for taking the time to respond to these questions.
Mr. Yves Blondeau
mryves@citlink.net

Answer
Last question first: No, you cannot convert it to HDTV.  But, all hdtv programs are also broadcast on regular tv, so you are not missing any programs on tv or cable.  If you wish to view hdtv programming you must purchase a monitor that is hd capable and in most cases, depending on your cable company provider, you must purchase a special receiver for the monitor.  The cost will be several hundred dollars at the minimum.

The trinitron you have is at the point where it is highly questionable as to whether you should fix it or replace it (with an HDTV unit?).  Normally, a set this size that is over 3 or 4 years of age is a candidate for replacement.  The reason is simple.  Repair costs go up.  New sets are getting cheaper each day.  AND the likelyhood of getting another failure soon after the repair job is statistically very high.  Even with sony it is likely the set will have several repair bills, now that problems have started, before it reaches its normal life span of 10 years.  That money could go to the purchas of a new set.

What is wrong with your set?  It looks like one of two possibilities:

ONE:  The power management has gone sour.  Replacement of the power module will cost at least $150 to $200.  The repair may be something you can do yourself if you are experienced in soldering and testing and have equipment to do the job. I would classify it as a middle level electronics tech job.

TWO:  There is something in the set that is drawing too much current and setting off the internal power protection circuit.  The delay is probably caused by the turn ON relay being held up by the power protection circuit. This design is to keep the set from going into self destruct or other serious damage.

Eventually, the set will fail all together; then you will have a more serious repair bill.

CONCLUSION:  It looks best for you to think about a replacement set.  But, if you do want to repair it, find an authorizes Sony repair station and get their best estimate of repair cost.  Before you start doing any repairs by yourself a more certain diagnosis must be made.  

Hope this helps point you the righ direction.

Cleggsan