More than a month ago my Mitsubishi VS50501A Wide Screen TV flashed a few times and then completely shut down. My service technician told me that the RED CRT went out and took the power supply with it. After a month of waiting for parts I am about ready to go mad after being forced to watch a 19 inch TV. I contacted Mitsubishi and they tell me that the part number 251C091010 has been discontinued. After being transfered to customer relations and being on hold for almost an hour, I have given up and have been searching the net for assistance. Is there anyone out there that can give me a lead or two where I may be able to track down a replacement CRT. My electonics shop is having no luck as well. I'm afraid I'm going to have to go shopping.
Thanks,
Bill
Desparately Looking for a RED CRT for Mitsubishi
Fri, 07/15/2005 - 16:54
#1
Desparately Looking for a RED CRT for Mitsubishi
Man, this is a pretty dead site....
Bill,
I don't think the problem is that TechLore is a dead site, I just think the problem is that regular people like us can't really help you. We're TV users just like you, not repairmen. TechLore is a site where people talk about gadgets, and help each other learn to use them. This article explains what TechLore is all about: http://www.techlore.com/article/10219/
You're half-right Tie Guy. Given that TechLore is a site devoted for consumers, these kinds of questions are often ignored in the community forums. However, TechLore is a post-purchase electronics community, and dealing with broken products is a part of the product life cycle. Bill's question is no more or less important than anyone elses, but nearly impossible for a consumer to answer.
If Bill wishes to claim TechLore as a dead site, he is welcome to do so, but there is enough activity elsewhere that would prove this otherwise. Just because his particular question did not receive an anwser doesn't mean the entire site is dead.
Bill,
I am sorry to hear about your TV problem. When a part is discontinued by the manufacturer, repairing devices that use those parts becomes significantly more difficult... and costly. I respect your opinion that TechLore is a "dead site", but I'm curious what you were expecting from a consumer-driven community.
Just to clear confusion, your TV isn't a wide screen. It's an analog 50" 4:3 TV. "VS" indicates it's a 4:3, "50" is the screen size, and "501" is the model series. Given the model timeline, your TV is from the 97 or 98 model year, so it's about 7 or 8 years old. I'm doubting that a service center would stock a CRT for any rear-pro TV that old, so if the part is discontinued your chances of finding one is slim. You're welcome to call repair shops at random, but the attempt is probably futile.
That leaves you with 2 choices. You can try to find a used VS-50501 to strip for parts, or replace the TV. Unfortunately, I see no other options.
I hope you keep us all informed as to what happens next. If you decide to purchase a new TV, you'll get much more activity from the community if you need advice on what to purchase. I'm sure you'll find many different and valuable opinions. TechLore even has a full article series that talks about all the different kinds of TVs.
Thanks Matt, Thats exactly what I need to know. I have spent countless hours on the phone trying to find the parts. My delima was, now that it's been over a month with no success from my repair facility or my own searches, just how long shoud I sit and wait. Now I know I should begin the process of selecting a replacement unit as this wait could go on forever. Yes this unit is a 1997 model, I sure thought I should get more than 7 years of service from this expensive unit before they would discontinue making repair parts for it. I will definately NOT replace it with another Mitsubishi product after this experience. Heck I can still get parts for my Sony 36 inch console TV I purchased in Berlin Germany way back in 1988 for cryin out loud. That's pretty sad product support in my mind.
My reference to this beig a dead site was not a slam on the site it's self, but a bit of frustration of not being able to get any information during this entire ordeal, I apoligise.
Thanks again...
Bill
Very understandable Bill, broken devices can be extremely frustrating. It is unfortunate that your big screen lasted only 7 years. You would normally expect about 10, but individual use can alter the life span in any direction.
I'd like to point out that most manufacturers discontinue most major parts after 7 years, so just about anything you buy will eventually have this problem. After a certain amount of time, it is likely that someone will replace a broken device rather than fix it. Producing and stocking parts few people want becomes very expensive. TVs have many parts that are used for years in future models, so certain parts can still be available for a long time after you buy your set, that or a third party continues to produce and sell a part. This can happen, but not usually with CRTs, cabinets, etc. If you deem Mitsubishi as sad, you'll need to do the same for just about all major brands.
I only defend Mitsubishi because they are a product leader in certain TV categories, and I'd hate for you to dismiss them based on a problem you'll have with just about all brands.