During the first year or two of use, LCD and plasma TVs are just as reliable overall as picture tube TVs, which historically have required few repairs.
That’s one of the conclusions from the latest reliability data from Consumer Reports National Research Center, which appears as part of the November issue.
According to the survey, LCD TVs from JVC, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba had no repair issues during the first year or two of use. However, Dell LCD sets had higher than average repairs. In plasma, there have been no repair issues for Fujitsu, Hitachi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony or Toshiba. The repair rate for Philips and Vizio plasma sets has been higher than average, according to the report.
Consumer Reports testing shows that LCD and plasma technology have made strides during the past year or so in addressing weaknesses that detracted from picture quality. The best new LCD TVs improved in producing true black and natural-looking motion, as well as expanding their viewing angle. The best plasma TVs have added features to minimize distracting reflections and screen burn-in, according to the report.
For more information, visit: www.consumerreports.org.
