When your television begins to have problems, ranging from distorted picture quality to a burning smell to a totally non-functional set, you might be tempted to repair the television yourself. The good news is that many television repairs can be easily completed by knowledgeable consumers with the proper tools. Unfortunately, as with any electronic repair, poking around inside of your TV can be dangerous. You might exacerbate the problem, create a new problem or seriously injure yourself.
Diagnose the Problem
The problem that many do-it-yourself repair enthusiasts make is instantly opening and poking around inside of their television sets at the first sign of a malfunction. It's important to have some basic knowledge first, to properly diagnose the issue and consider your options. In a projection TV, distorted images are typically due to bad convergence chips, a repair that might cost only $70 with a parts kit you can purchase online. Burning smells or TVs that just won't turn on are often due to a faulty power supply.
Basic Safety Rules
While working on your television, keep in mind that you're working with dangerous electricity. Power off the TV and unplug it from the wall. From here, you might think it's safe to start tinkering. However, electrical voltage is still circulating through the television, and it could take hours for this power to completely dissipate. To stay safe, wear rubber-soled shoes and be sure that the TV is resting on a carpeted or rubber surface.
Your Body Is a Circuit
Any remaining electricity in the television will attempt to find the path of least resistance. The goal is to avoid this path ending up being your body. This means that performing a repair with two hands is simply not an option. If you touch something with an electrical charge with both hands, the current will travel straight through your body, including your heart, with potentially fatal consequences. To avoid the temptation of using both hands, work with your dominant hand, and keep the other firmly planted in your pants pocket.
Problem Areas
Two parts inside your television are particularly dangerous. These are the switched mode power supply and the line output stage. Both of these should be clearly marked with warning labels and protective coverings, but some older sets will not include these safety measures. If you aren't absolutely confident of the locations of these parts, consult the diagrams for the TV included in the user manual. Never touch these parts under any circumstances.
Considerations
Even if you consider yourself an electronics repair expert, have somebody with you as you attempt a repair. This way, if something does go awry, that person can contact emergency services and assist you in case of injury.
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