TV engineers honest opinion on todays TV sets

Summary

In this honest, no-nonsense video, a TV repair expert shares his insights on which TV brands to avoid and which to consider. The expert warns against buying Hisense and Samsung TVs due to their frequent failure and difficulty in repairs, highlighting their poor longevity. He recommends LG for budget-friendly, reliable options and Sony for premium quality and durability. The expert also stresses the importance of purchasing a TV with a long warranty, recommending John Lewis and Richer Sounds for their customer-focused service and extensive warranties. The key takeaway: do your research, avoid poor-quality brands, and always opt for a five-year warranty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always buy a TV with a warranty, ideally a 5-year warranty, to ensure peace of mind and avoid future repair headaches.
• 😀 Hisense TVs are generally unreliable and hard to repair, especially after 18-24 months of use.
• 😀 Samsung TVs have declined in quality over the last 5-6 years due to problematic parts, like burnt prism sheets, that make repairs difficult.
• 😀 LG TVs are a reliable middle-ground option, with non-OLED models lasting well and generally being repairable.
• 😀 Avoid buying Samsung and Hisense if you want a TV that will last beyond 3-5 years.
• 😀 OLED TVs, including those from LG and Sony, are prone to image retention (or screen burn), especially if you watch channels with static logos frequently.
• 😀 Sony TVs are recommended for their exceptional picture quality and reliability, with a lifespan of 7+ years.
• 😀 Panasonic, JVC, and Toshiba no longer make their own parts; they’re now rebadged models from other companies and may not offer the same quality.
• 😀 If you're buying from a retailer, make sure they offer a reliable warranty. John Lewis and Richer Sounds are good options with excellent customer service.
• 😀 Repairability is an important consideration; some brands, like Samsung, are difficult to fix due to lack of available parts, making repairs unfeasible.

Q & A

Which TV brands should be avoided based on the repair engineer's experience?

The repair engineer recommends avoiding Hisense and Samsung due to reliability issues. Hisense tends to fail after 18-24 months and is difficult to repair, while Samsung's recent models suffer from failing backlights and burnt prism sheets, making repairs challenging or impossible.

Why is Hisense considered a brand to avoid?

Hisense is considered unreliable because, after about 18 months to two years, many of their TVs fail, and they are difficult to repair. The design of the TV often makes repairs nearly impossible, with components sealed in ways that prevent easy access.

What specific issue has affected Samsung TVs in recent years?

Samsung TVs have had problems with burnt prism sheets due to the placement of backlight strips. This issue has led to poor picture quality after a few years, and parts like the prism sheets are not available for repairs, rendering the TVs irreparable.

What should consumers prioritize when buying a TV to ensure it lasts?

Consumers should prioritize purchasing a TV with a warranty of at least 5 years. This protects the investment and ensures that, if issues arise, they can be addressed without needing to replace the TV early.

What is the issue with OLED TVs, according to the repair engineer?

OLED TVs, including models from LG, suffer from image retention, not technically 'screen burn.' This occurs when logos or stationary images from news or sports channels remain visible on the screen after prolonged use, causing frustration for viewers.

Why is LG considered a good TV brand to buy?

LG is considered a good choice for reliable, reasonably priced models. They offer TVs that generally last longer, and their parts are typically available for repairs. LG TVs are a solid middle ground for consumers who want good quality without the high price of premium brands.

What is the major advantage of buying a TV from Richer Sounds?

Richer Sounds offers a 6-year warranty on all their TVs, which is a major advantage. They are also known for excellent customer service, ensuring that if any issues arise, customers are well-supported and can get quick resolutions.

How does John Lewis' TV warranty compare to other retailers?

John Lewis offers a 5-year warranty with all their TVs, which is highly valued by consumers. The retailer is also known for great customer service, and the warranty ensures that any TV problems will be addressed within a reasonable time frame.

What problems did the repair engineer mention with supermarket TV brands?

Supermarket TV brands like Hitachi, Bush, and JVC are often cheaper, but they tend to have shorter lifespans, typically failing after 1 to 2 years. Additionally, these brands are often rebadged by European companies, with little to no original parts from the original brands.

What factors should be considered when buying a TV to ensure it will last?

Consumers should consider the brand's reputation, the availability of spare parts, and the warranty offered. It is essential to look for a reliable brand, ensure that spare parts are easy to obtain for repairs, and purchase a TV with an extended warranty (at least 5 years).