TV FAQ's

• After June 12, 2009, those of you who are using analog TVs, AND ARE USING AN ANTENNA to receive over-the-air (OTA) signals, will be able to connect an inexpensive receiver, (a digital to analog converter box), to their existing analog TV to decode Digital TV broadcast signals. If you are subscribing to cable or have a satellite dish, you will see no change.  VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games consoles and other devices will continue to work for many years to come

• No, whereas your analog TV will have no problems receiving digital signals using a converter box. Digital broadcast, digital cable or digital satellite does not mean a program is in high-definition. Digital does not mean HD.
•  Digital to analog converter boxes will not convert your analog TV to high-definition.
•  To view HD  broadcasts you will have to upgrade your TV to a new HD ready TV.
•  HD ready TV's will be able to receive HD over-the-air (OTA) signals for local channels, using an antenna.
•  HD ready TV's will receive HD broadcasts by Cable or Dish, however, you will have to pay for the service.

•  Repair prices for CRT televisions range from $65.00 to $150.00 depending on the part requirements. The majority run under $100.00 with $85.00 as the average. These are carry-in prices. I give a free verbal estimate at the time the unit is brought in for repair. If the unit goes onto the bench I charge a up-front deposit of $20.00 for CRT televisions and $35.00 for Flat Panel (LCD) televisions, which is applied to the repair.

• Those of us in the repair business feel that most older TV's are well worth the repair costs. An older TV that has been repaired will most likely outlast many of the newer TV's being sold today. Yes, "older" is sometimes better when it come to quality!!  Just so you know, they are heavy and take up space, but the CRT television is still the best quality there is.

• Not normally. I don't make house calls and have space limitations for large sets. . That said, if you can get the Big Screen to me, and insure prompt pick-up once the repair is done, I may be able to do some work for you. Big Screen repair is done case by case and unfortunately, done around my schedule and not yours. Repair prices for Big Screen's can vary quite a bit. The price depends on brand, the problem you are having, and the way the picture is projected. Before The Audio Works accepts a Big Screen for repair, research is done on this end by brand, model number,and type of problem, to see if I can help you. I've been able to do some Big Screen repairs in the $200 to $450 range, others have come in requiring a $1000.00 part. Big Screen repair is not as straightforward as dropping off a CRT television for repair. The entire process needs to be highly coordinated. Doing so will save you money and insure a quick turn time.  I charge a $75.00 up-front deposit, which is applied to the repair. I do not pick up or deliver.

• This is really a tough question. There are many different types of ways to get the picture to the screen, LCD, Plasma, DLP, CRT, Lcos, and perhaps more.  Each type has its pros and cons. Its best to read-up on those pluses and minuses. The big problem is the brand name and the country of origin. Many of these sets are built to fail within about two years (cheap parts). And, don't depend on the brand name to assure where it was built. Check to see what kind of support you will get from the manufacturer (if you can even find them). I think that Consumer Reports gives good information about the new TVs but are lacking in the service information. Many service centers are disgusted with the poor quality of the new technology, the non-availability of parts and the lack of support. Best advice I can give you is to buy the best extended warranty you can find. Be sure it includes pick-up and delivery or shipping costs, and replacement if the set is not repairable. 

Do you make house calls?

• Not normally. The Audio Works, does work on mostly carry-in TVs, Flat Panels, Receivers, Cassette Deck, Cd Players, Karaoke Systems, Speakers, Turntables, VCRs, etc. 

Do you Pick Up and Deliver?

• Not normally. However there is always the exception. If I do, it's to your front door, or just inside the front door. I may  need help to get the TV to and from the truck (depending on size). Sorry, I don't do stairs. Getting too old for that <Grin>. Pick up and delivery does not include cable disconnect or hook up, removal or installation into your entertainment center. That would be considered a house call with a charge of $75.00. I prefer not to make house calls. Charge for pick up and delivery is normally $25.00.

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