[mommy954]

I have a panasonic 1997 tube TV model number CT-36G32V. When we turn it on the screen is black... I only hear sound until I bang hard on the side of the TV. Then the picture comes on. Does anyone have a fix for what it could be. It will cost $80.00 for someone to just take a look at it. HELP!! :)

[rs232c]

It's cheaper to get a new TV. Electronic devices have a threshold - a point of no return - when it becomes cheaper in the long run to replace than fix.

How much did the set cost - $200, $300 and parts and labor will be 40% that price and up to fix for 30 - 90 days labor warranty? If you got it 13 years ago and paid even $400 your cost of ownership was 400/13 or less than $31 a year.

You have to hit it because it's broken. You keep hitting it at the risk of breaking something else. Electronic devices are built to last ten years. If you fix this you can't expect something else to happen sooner than later.

Sometimes like old shoes we want to hang on to something familiar or don't want to invest in something new, after all I don't think they make tube TV's anymore.

If you want a quick fix, there is none only a 'qualified service personnel' has the proper tools and experience to do that. Getting those last miles out of it may be the gamble you want to take.

Afterwards don't ask yourself if you could've spend the same amount of money on a fully working set on eBay or something.

Either way your three choices - repair, used, or new, neither will last forever so my only advice is to do the math on how you can get the biggest bang for the buck your willing to commit to it.