TV Service - Who do you recommend?

[veyj]

My 35" Mits tube just puked.  Black screen with dark blue diaganol lines.  The lines disappear after 1 minute.  Still have sound but the video is gone on all inputs.

I'm looking for a good TV repair shop, preferably south side of Milwaukee.  Surely you experts know someone that's not going to rake me over the coals.

TIA,

John

[veyj]

Ok.  South Side isn't that important.  I work in Cedarburg so I suppose I can do some traveling to get the TV fixed.     Moving that beast is a two man job.

I appreciate any input.

John

[Kevin Arnold]

Interesting question since I suspect most of us are operating under warranty or extended warranty and have little choice in where to get repairs.  So it become difficult to recommend a repair shop for self pay HD repairs.  Or is this tv a standard def? Many times for SD it's too costly to repair and easier to replace.

[veyj]

Thanks for the reply Kevin.  The TV is a SD set.  Oh, I've had all kinds of thoughts about upgrading it to HD, but I'm quite sure that mama won't be too thrilled.  After spending 5K downstairs, I'm not sure she wants me to spend another 1K plus for more HD experiments.:rolleyes:

Aye Carumba, (2) HDTV's?  TWC would probably be the best option for that senario.  Please don't make me go back.  Although I did see their new commercial in which they say how they've improved customer service.  Hmmm.  What about the Hughes E86 (Keep it or sell it)?  Can I be without the NFL Sunday ticket?  Can one purchase the NFL Sunday ticket without any other programming?  Why did this damn TV crap out?  I just want things to be the way they were. LOL  Kicking it doesn't seem to help.

I just thought I'd try here and see if someone had a place where I could get an honest estimate and go from there.  If it winds up being a couple hundred bucks, then we'll have to look at other options.

Anyone else have more than (1) HDTV?

[Dan]

Since you work in Ceadrburg. I have had success with Barth Electronics in Port Washington. I had a TV taht was left for dead and for $125 they fixed it. This was 5 years ago. The owner is veryu involved in the business and IMHO they are fair an ethical.

Good luck

Dan

[veyj]

Thanks for the info Dan.  Is this the place you're refering to?

Barthel Tv & Electronics - Sales & Service  
139 W Grand Ave
Port Washington, WI 53074-2218
Phone:(262)268-0101

And do you think it's the same ownership as the following in Cedarburg?

Barthel Tv & Electronics    
W62N555 Washington Ave
Cedarburg, WI 53012-1968
Phone:(262)375-1010


Gregg - You have any experience with Barthel's in Cedarburg?

[Gregg Lengling]

yeah it's the same company in Cedarburg (they used to have a bigger store up near Scott's Service Center but the building was sold to some Medicos and they had to leave.  They didn't have a Cedarburg Presence for about a year but they finally found a hole in the wall by RJ Thirstys...where they are now.  I've had limited experience with them...but then again I've not heard any complaints loally.....

[Dan]

Hi, I have had experience with the Port Wash location. Dave is the owner and Mike is his side kick. They are both very knwolegdeable and honest. I have used them for sat install in my previous home in Grafton and I was impressed with the work.

Dan

[veyj]

Thanks Dan & Gregg.   I'll see what they can do.

[veyj]

Here's the latest.

Went to drop off TV @ Cedarburg location on Monday.  Only person there was a woman who basically mans the counter.  She recommended that I take it to their Port Washington store as there would be someone there to help me carry the beast (200+ lbs) and that is where the TV would end up anyway.  So I did that. Filled out the necessary paperwork, gave him $10 for the estimate and I was on my way.

Today, I received THE call.  He said there was something wrong with a couple components on the video circuit.  They would need to be replaced.  Cost for components and labor is $235-$255.  Guaranteed for 1 year.  He said the the picture tube looks good and said it's definitely worth repairing.  The 35" Mits is 9 yr's old and has been a great set.  Haven't had a single problem which is one of the things the tech said makes it worth repairing (Good track record).  Also said he's been doing this for 25 yrs and has never seen a tube go bad on a Mits.  The other reason he sited was if the repair cost was less than 1/2 the cost for a new comparable set.

I'm leaning towards getting it repaired but welcome any input, for or against.

Thanks guys,

John

[Matt Heebner]

Well you are definitely not going to find a 36" set in the price range that it's going to cost you to get it fixed.  I say do it, unless you are planning to get a 34" widescreeen HDTV direct-view or something...of course at about $2000, it is the more costly of the two choices.

Matt