Yes, how long does a TV really last? In the past, a thick TV from a well-known manufacturer could last up to 20 years. Today, advances in TV technology have made it possible for us to have higher and higher quality TVs. While we can really appreciate the higher resolution and performance that modern TVs offer us, the question is whether they are equally durable?
In this article, you will find out how long you can expect a TV to last today.
Does the brand matter?
The short answer is yes, it does not matter, but to a certain extent. However, the brand is not all that it is, when it comes to the longevity of a TV.
For example, there are many high-quality TVs on the market that have not been manufactured by regular giants like Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. On the other hand, it is difficult to find a TV model of these large companies that have not met people’s expectations.
As such, it seems that the brand is not necessarily the qualifying factor for a TV’s durability, but its design, mechanism, and components. These factors are not always consistent in the brand. This is because giant electronic technology companies strive to create products for all price ranges. While the top models may have better images and last longer, cheaper models from the same company may not have the same attributes.
The intended service life of the TV
However, the theoretical lifespan of a modern TV is between 60,000 and 100,000 hours. Plasma TVs have the unofficial title of having the longest lifespans. As their manufacturers suggest, it is about 100,000 hours. As such, LCD screens and LEDs are likely to clock 60,000 to 80,000 hours.
The thing about a TV reaching its longevity, however, is that it does not necessarily mean that it stops working when it reaches a certain age. In fact, most TVs will continue to work well long after their presumed lifespan is over. However, what is likely to happen is that it may no longer provide images with as good clarity as before.
In addition, its brightness can drop significantly. As such, the specified life of the TV may not be a correct parameter for how long you can expect the TV to last. It just gives you an idea of how long you can expect the device to maintain its current performance.
Maintenance and service life – How long a TV lasts
If there is one factor that all experts seem to agree on, it affects the longevity of the television and its maintenance. If you use and care for your TV properly, you can increase its lifespan.
The following are TV maintenance tips that you should consider using:
Decrease brightness and contrast
Decreasing contrast and brightness can improve the life of your TV. This is because these settings depend directly on your TV’s backlight. The backlight, on the other hand, is the most energy-consuming feature of your TV.
By lowering the brightness and contrast settings, it is ensured that the TV is not taxed as much, which means that it can function optimally longer.
Turn off the TV while not actively watching
Remember that every second your TV is on is another second off on your TV’s lifespan. In addition, you can hold the TV for nine hours in a row and overload the battery, making it less efficient.
Therefore, if you are anxious to maintain the performance of your TV longer, you may want to consider reducing its use, especially passive viewing. In addition, you can get a voltage regulator to protect the battery from sudden power outages.
Prevent overheating – How long does a TV last
As with all electrical appliances, your TV is at risk of overheating. Overheating is actually the main cause of damaged components inside the TV.
One of the main causes of overheating is keeping the TV on for hours or days in a row. Another reason is that the TV is located in an area that does not receive adequate ventilation.
If you can not move the TV, you can consider creating as much ventilation as possible. It can be about getting a fan or simply opening your windows. Fresh air blowing over the TV should prevent overheating.
To tell if your problem has an overheating problem, turn it on for at least an hour and then place your hand anywhere on your back. It should feel warm. If it feels hot, however, there is a chance that your TV will overheat. Have it checked by a reputable professional?
How long does a TV last: Summary
The typical lifespan of an average modern TV is about 80,000 hours. Still, it’s just theoretical and it should be much longer. You can expect your TV to maintain its current performance between 7 and 8 years. (But there are of course cases where the electronics start to malfunction much earlier and therefore for technical reasons stop working after only 2-3 years. But this should be seen as an exceptional case)
However, how you handle your TV will play a crucial role in how long it works flawlessly. As such, it is recommended that you take a proactive approach to TV maintenance. Take care of it by following the above tips, and it will serve you well for a long time.
For example, for you who are an OLED owner: OLED burn-in TV: How to fix burn-in and avoid them!
In addition, the brand does not matter as much as the design does. If you are considering getting a new TV, be sure to check out reviews so you can get a great idea for your perfect purchase.