Thread: Plasma/LCD TV...how long do they last?

How long does the plasma/LCD TV usually last before breaking down or something is not working and needs to be fix????

I am hearing most of the TVs break down within 2-5 years and cost hundredsss to fix.

Interesting question? I can understand that with Plasma, but what about LCD?
I have a JVC HD Projection TV, I have to replace the bulb anywhere between 9 months to a year and a half. Depending on where I buy the bulb from.

I think the numbers you are seeing refer to the older DLP projection sets. They have a bulb life of a few thousand hours, and the bulbs generally cost around $200,

Modern plasma and LCD sets have projected life of a decade or more given normal use. Of course, a failure can happen with anything and the newer sets don't have a lot of repairable components inside. Often, if it breaks, its toast, especially for the bargain brands.

This technology is still young. Hard to give an average of life expectancy. Half life for most before dimming (no issues) is rated at 50k to 60k for most of the new hdtv's. Some even more.

Alot of people buying hdtv's will sell their tv before it breaks down. Opting for the next best thing.

True - most modern HT electronics become long of tooth technology-wise long before they actually break down. It's even worse with computers and cell phones. I've had my current (home) laptop in service since '00, and my current cellphone since '05. Both work fine in terms of doing what they were designed to do, and for the most part that's all I need or want. I've even brought my phone "back from dead"...twice!...after accidental dunks in my pool. For the most part the reliability is there, but there are always "early mortals".

I was going to make that point about functional obsolescence, but I'm not so sure about HDTV. I think we have reached a stable point unless 3D takes off in a big way. Stuff tends to go through a rapid growth phase, followed by a long stable period.

Look at receivers as an example. Dolby surround came out in the late '80s and nothing much happened until Dolby Digital came out with DVDs in the late '90s. It stayed stable until the new advanced CODECs hit last year. I expect it to remain stable for some time to come. (I also expect more receivers churned due to HDMI switching than the advanced codecs)

TVs went through a projector revolution in the mid-90s, and now a flat panel/HDTV churn. Again, I expect about a 10 year cycle before the next big churn moment. Not that manufacturers won't try to get us to move on, but I don't think there will be anything compelling for the average viewer.

I've had my Sammy 58" plasma HDTV for 18 months and (as expected) zero problems. Keeping the firmware current is important, but a very simple process to perform. I too expect it to last solidly through the point at which I sell it for whatever I upgrade to in another 8-9 years or so. It's certainly possible that something could go wrong with it before 2018-2019 and that I may have to replace it, but I sure hope not.

I am planning on replacing the preamp I've had for 9-10 years with one that can handle the new audio codecs of Blu-ray discs, in about 2-3 months, but aside from that, am not planning any major electronics purchases in the near future...

I just purchased a Vizio 55" LCD set on January 3rd. The 42" plasma I had up until then lost it's picture. It was an Audiovox and did not last even 3 years. I don't think they even make flat screens anymore. I would never buy another plasma set. Mine put out alot of heat and used 400w of power. The LCD I have uses 200w and operates much cooler. It is the model with 120hz refresh rate. Could not ask for a better picture. The sound is somewhat poor but I have a surround sound outfit that takes care of that. The HD picture is great on my LCD. I would highly recommend it.

Maybe this is one reason why plasma is so much cheaper than LCD for those in the same size of screen. Plasma has better picture quality than LCD though don't they? I heard that plasma's break easily.