Theoretically Repairable TVs Are Just Junk

We've heard quite a few arguments here on both sides of the question on whether getting an extended warranty for your flat panel TV is a good idea. While I've been pretty firmly in the just-say-no camp myself, one reader's recent comments have me wavering.

The reader wrote:

"I enjoy your column and usually let contrary o

We've heard quite a few arguments here on both sides of the question on whether getting an extended warranty for your flat panel TV is a good idea. While I've been pretty firmly in the just-say-no camp myself, one reader's recent comments have me wavering.

The reader wrote:

"I enjoy your column and usually let contrary opinions slide right over me, but: I've been a TV servicer for 35+ years and an independent factory authorized servicer for most of that time (for many brands, but not as a dealer employee). In the past my profession never recommended extended warranties since they would typically cost more that one or two repairs. There was a change that took place, however, around 2000 - 2002."

"The manufacturers responded to pressure from dealers and customers and redesigned TVs to be home repairable by exchanging circuit boards. (I have emails from Hitachi stating this) The problem is that no one builds new boards for old sets and when they run out (18 - 24 months) the TV becomes unrepairable. I have personally seen a TV exchanged in warranty less than one year from purchase date because they ran out of circuit boards and the manufacturer (Sony) could not repair it. The boards have very limited repairability due to design and layout. The manufacturers pretend that rebuilders can repair them but they do not do so effectively, most fail again within a few months. Sometimes several attempts are needed to even get a working rebuilt board."

"Since the boards are expensive ($300 - $2000), customers seldom try again at a repair and the set is disposed of. The manufacturers go on blissfully unaware that the set was trashed rather than repaired and think their repair program is working. No manufacturer or survey has ever contacted any independent servicer (that I have ever talked to or heard about) about the number of unrepaired TVs. This data only appears anecdotally from the few recycling centers and landfills. The only feedback to the manufacturers is from dealer/servicers who generally only touch TVs within a 2 year period and have no idea about the status of older TVs that need repair."