Why do the CRT TVs last so much longer than LCDs or Plasmas?

Question

Since my TV went kaput, I now suddenly have all sorts of TV related questions coming to mind. So please excuse me. Anyway....

My TV is now apparently in TV heaven (or hell, take your pick). It was a CRT and lasted around 8-10 years. All other CRTs I've had have lasted even longer, as have the CRTs of everyone I know or have known. On the other hand, everyone I know has had nothing but trouble with LCDs and Plasmas (especially the Plasmas). Thank God for warranties, I suppose.

Anyone else have these same experiences/observations? If so, what gives?

Answer 1

>Why do the CRT TVs last so much longer than LCDs or Plasmas?



They don't always last longer, but in general.....



A. The old CRT TV have been made since the 1930s, plenty of time to fix the bugs in the technology.

B. The CRT technology was a lot simpler and there were a lot fewer things to go wrong.



As for replacing your old TV....



A. You can get a used CRT set real cheap on Craigslist.com One idea is just get a CRT set in like new condition and use it till it dies. By then the price on flat panel TVs will drop even more and they will have had more time to work out manufacturing bugs.



B. Extended warranties



C. Some brands have a higher failure rate than others. Buy a brand with a lower failure rate.



D. Don't buy new models when they come out. The slightly older models they are getting ready to discontinue have gone through more of a debugging process.

Answer 2

The Manufacturers have figured out how to build a limited life TV that will have to be replaced at regular intervals. Our LCD TV just quit after 4 years. I am still watching a 25" CRT tv made in 1996.

Answer 3

A CRT is a lump of glass with a few bits of metal in it so there's not a lot to go wrong, apart from the Extra High Voltage (EHT) supply. Plasma and LCD TVs are chock full of electronics (an LCD screen is a wall of transistors) and therefore have more likelyhood of going to electronic Valhalla.

Answer 4

You probably got cheap brands of LCD and Plasmas or perhaps when they were new and of lower quality. LCD and Plasma last about 20years now if you dont abuse them

Answer 5

well...to well'd have to wait another 10 years to answer this one. lcd/plasma can dim over time due to the backlighting.