How much to have a plasma TV repaired?

[erwin1978]

I realize it's a vague question considering a lot can go wrong with a TV. In the most likeliest of scenarios, a few capacitors, resistors, diodes gets toasted, we know those cost only a few bucks to replace. The labor fee is where they get you. So how much do they charge typically for labor to repair a plasma?

I'm purchasing a TV soon and contemplating whether to purchase a one year extension($150) on the one year warranty. The probability that the TV will blow on its second year is something I'm considering into the equation. It would be in my best interest to skip the extension if a TV repair would cost roughly $150 or if it's considerably more then, it would be best to get the warranty extension but with the possibility I will never get to use it.

What do you think? I'm a cheap guy.

 

[cprince]

I don't think that the repair cost, no matter how simple, will be less than $150. Just the estimate alone will probably be more than that. I know that it's just a few capacitors, resistors, or diodes, but it's the labor of taking it apart and de-soldering/re-soldering, putting back together, etc.... You better off buying the extended warranty. $150 for extended warranty of a plasma TV is not bad at all.

 

[jjsbasmt]

I suggest you opt in for the extended warranty. My Dell 42 inch has been flawless (will be 2 yrs in July), however, some have had problems just after the 1 year warranty expired and found out that it was nearly impossible for a repair shop to fix due to not being able to get parts from Dell. I took the 3 yr extended warranty back then on the TV that was over $3000 in 2005. I am certain that any repair facility would command premium prices for any repairs. If I was to do it all over again, I'd go for a Samsung, Panasonic, or other Major TV maker brand due to the availability of repair and parts.

 

[mad0maxx]

Consumer Reports states you should opt out of extended warrantys as TV's generally do not have problems and if they do LCD or Plasma they are only like $200.00 or less to fix.

 

[bruceb]

As said above, in some cases parts are just not available. In other cases,
a generic replacement can be used or the original parts are easy to order.
Also, in plasma tv's and in a lot of other consumer products, they are now
using Surface Mount ICs, Resistors, Caps, Diodes & Transistors ... except
for parts that are High Power ... those have to be discreet parts ... Labor
to replace a failed part, if it is surface mount, like a 64 pin IC is very high.
That's presuming you can actually pin the problem down to one part & then
be able to get it. Most times, easier to just order the Entire Board and swap
it in. Most sets will break down into about 4 boards or so for ease of repairs.

 

[erwin1978]

hmmmm