Whether it is best to fix TV or replace a malfunctioning TV depends on the type of fault.

Televisions have evolved into highly technical devices, with expensive plasma and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) digital TV screens replacing the old cathode-ray tube, and as the central piece of complex home cinema systems. These TVs are thinner, allowing for a mount TV install – so it can be high up on a wall mount. They contain silicone computer chips, ports to link them with your computer, video camera and audio devices, and so on. Because the screens are so costly now, if it say, fell from the wall and the screen was damaged, it is generally generally not worth replacing. But if the fault lies elsewhere, the cost of repair will probably be financially viable. Unfortunately the most common fault is usually with the screen being accidently cracked or broken, or as it simply burns out or the colours malfunction over time. These screens are designed to last 40,000 viewing hours, which is equivalent to about 20 years. As time goes by since the arrival of LCD and plasma TV screens, the availability of second-hand screens as replacements has increased. So it is worth a few phone calls or emails to local repairers to see if a replacement screen is on hand.

It is easy to see why LCD and plasma screens make up the bulk of a TV’s cost: LCD panels are made of two layers of a glass-like material, which are polarized, and stuck together. One layer is coated with a polymer that retains the liquid crystals. Electric current courses through the crystals, allowing them to pass or block light, which in turn creates images. Plasma displays contain cells and within each are two glass panels separated by a narrow gap into which neon-xenon gas is injected as plasma. The gas is intermitently electrically charged and it strikes red, green, and blue phosphors, creating the image. Each group of phosphors is called a pixel (picture element). However, if the fault is a simple switch, plug or chipset, it will definitely be cost effective to have the TV repaired. All modern electronic equipment, such as TVs, contain heavy metals and chemicals that harm our environment, so it is a good idea to repair when possible.

Always consider the option of an extended warranty (usually an extra 15 per cent of the price) when purchasing an expensive television. It tends to be worth it. If the fault is not obvious, such as stuffed screen, have a crack at diagnosing and fixing the problem yourself. There are good plasma and LCD TV repair guides and courses available on the internet. They will take you step-by-step through the various processes and help you save a few dollars. The rule of thumb, as with most electronic or expensive home appliances, is try to repair it as long as the cost is not more than half the price of a new one.