OT - Monitor repair or scrap, oh my!!

DelCallo wrote on 3/19/2005, 4:14 PM
I used to run two Sony Multiscan 400 PS monitors. A roof leak caused water to leak in on one, and, checking with Sony repair quickly revealed that they would rather sell me a new one at a price higher than I paid for the monitor than try to fix this one, so, at the time, I went out and purchased a Mitsubishi Pro900U, that was back in 2000. These are both big CTR's, 19 inches. Have worked with one Sony and the Mitsu since then. Today, the Mitsu refuses to "snap to" The light on the power switch goes green, then, back to amber, never a hint of a picture. In prayerful desparation, I hooked up the other, out of commission Sony. It tried harder than when I last touched it. The amber light turns green, and it displays a recognizable image of the Windows sign-on screen, but, the pic tries to wiggle downward to a full screen image, but can't make it before the screen goes black after a minute or two, then, the amber light, and no more until I power the monitor down and back up which repeats the entire process.

Now, I know no one is likely to offer a clue from the above as to what could be wrong with these once wonderful pieces, but, do you think I should just pitch them, or is it likely there are repair shops around that could repair them.

I'm in the Philly area. Sending the Sony back to the regional repair shop is time consuming and they are expensive. I'm guessing they'd want $600 or so to fix the Sony, probably with no guarantee. For about the same money (or more) they would offer me a refurbished unit (if these are still available) with only a 90-day warranty.

Mitsu stopped making monitors several years back, if I recall correctly.

It is, franky, against my nature to just pitch these things - but, obviously, they are of no use if they won't function - and it doesn't make sense to spend more to repair them than what a new (and probably better) monitor would cost.

I know this is off topic, and beg your indulgence.

Caruso

Comments

BillyBoy wrote on 3/19/2005, 4:24 PM
Monitors are basically just TV sets minus the tuner. So one approach would be to contact some local TV repair shop and see if they're interested in at least looking at it for a nominal fee so you at least learn what's wrong with it. Sadly these days, replacing is more common than repairing. If you live in/near a larger city you may want to consider looking for a handyman type shop in a poorer area. These may offer a quck repair at a reasonable price like around $100-$150 or so. Both sets sound like power supply issues. If so, they probably can be repaired. Often one of the larger capactors shorts out or one of the power transistors gives up the ghost. If that's the issue, and that's a common failure repair is possible, simple and not that expensive. If it turns out its the picture tube, like with a TV, chances are replacement is a better choice.
Coursedesign wrote on 3/19/2005, 4:55 PM
If you spend $350-400 on a good 19" LCD monitor (Samsung is my favorite, I have 3 so far), you'll save a lot of space on your editing desk and will get a sharper picture that is also vastly easier on the eyes (and a 19" LCD has a larger usable image than a 19" CRT).

If you're in or near Los Angeles, you are welcome to come and pick up a Viewsonic 19" CRT in perfect condition for nothing. It is probably as big as what you have though.

If you live elsewhere, just ask around. There are people who don't want to pay hazardous waste fees to have their good but bulky CRTs hauled away.
jlafferty wrote on 3/19/2005, 8:47 PM
Sorry to read of your bad luck. I'm up in NYC -- I'll give you my 19" Hitachi SuperScan for the price of just coming and picking it up, if you'd like. I just switched to LCD's and the SuperScan is long in the tooth but still working fine.

Drop me an email if interested: jim@ideaspora.net

Otherwise, a great 17" LCD goes for $245 these days -- with the same viewable area as your 19" CRT's. Check out Samsung's SyncMaster 710N (beige or black) -- it's great.

- jim
Spot|DSE wrote on 3/19/2005, 9:01 PM
I was in Walmart two days ago, and they have 17's made by KDS for 189.99. That was a shock to see. I looked at how it was setup, and it wasn't as bad as I'd thought it might be for the price.
DelCallo, you'll probably find it best to just scrap it. There are companies that will take it off your hands if you live in an area like we do. You can't dispose of computer parts at our local dump.
craftech wrote on 3/20/2005, 4:15 AM
You might want to check out the refurbished monitors from Overstock.com. I bought two Dell D1626HT 21" refurbished monitors from them a few years ago for around $150 each. They are both Sony Trinitrons.

I tested each for a month then put the other away for a spare. I haven't had one single problem with the first one so the other is still in the basement. The shipping is $1.00 !!!

Do a google search on the monitors they are selling to see how people liked the displays before you pick one (if you decide to go that route).

John