Common CRT TV Problems

As with any electronic devices, TV sets that use cathode ray picture tubes can have their share of problems. Many of the problems often relate to the picture quality, color and clarity. Many times, the cost of repairing such problems can exceed the cost of replacing it with another CRT or even LCD TV set.

Size

Size and weight of CRTs can become a problem when compared to their LCD counterparts. A CRT set is much wider than an LCD set and will weigh two to three times as much.

Color

The blue and red outputs of the TV wear out over time, causing the screen to take on a green hue in the dark areas of the picture.

Focus

Increasing the contrast on a CRT TV can cause noticeable problems with the focus and the screen purity. This is especially true on large screen sets.

Magnetization

Magnets placed near a CRT can damage the set's "shadow mask," which can cause the wrong colors to appear in that area. High-power magnets can actually bend the mask, which is usually irreparable.

Warning

A damaged glass screen on a CRT set can be very dangerous, as it can cause an implosion within the vacuum tube that can cause glass shards to bounce back outwards.

Misconceptions

Despite concerns from the very earliest sets, there is little to no danger of health hazards from CTR TVs regarding radiation or electromagnetic flux.