The LED TV is all the rage these days. Here’s an affordable way you can upgrade your old CRT TV to this latest technology.
In 1897, a Scottish engineer John Logie Baird invented the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) which actually made television possible. CRT televisions ruled the world until 2000. The 21st century marked the quiet death of these CRT TVs as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens began to attract consumers. An LCD/LED TV consumes less energy, and its sleek design makes it look cool in your room but it is also more expensive. The market share of CRT TVs fell markedly as LCDs became more affordable in late 2000s. As of 2018, all famous brands have stopped manufacturing CRT TV screens. Now you can buy a brand-new medium size (19’’ – 24’’) LED TV in 16,000 Rupees. Still cannot afford it. Here is a workaround to replace your old bulky CRT by an HD LED TV in less than 10,000 Rupees budget.
Tools & gadgets required:
LED/LCD Monitor (15” – 24”, Used): 3500 – 6500
TV device (New): 1800 – 2500 Rupees
A pair of Speakers or a Sound Bar (new/used): 350 – 900 Rupees
Wall Mount Bracket with Bolt Kit (Optional): 300 – 500 Rupees
Power Extension Cord: 100 – 150 Rupees
A Drill Machine (Optional)
Total Cost = 6000 – 10,000 Rupees
Tips:
Used LED monitors are available at computer markets in all cities. They also offer 7 days warranty on used gadgets
Always run ‘Dead Pixel Test’ before buying a used LED screen, you can download an application for Windows PC from internet. Do not buy it if you see a dead pixel on the screen.
Carefully read instruction manual of TV device for correct installation
How to install it?
An LCD/LED screen takes less space than a CRT television set. You can either mount it to the wall to free up some space or simply keep it on a tabletop. For wall mounting:
Determine the placement of your TV on the wall; it should be mounted at your eye level. A TV screen is best viewed when it is mounted between 3 to 4 feet height from the floor level.
Mark the mount position, drill holes into the wall and fix the mount kit to the wall by tightening the screws.
Attach the mounting rails to the back of your LCD screen.
Hang the screen on the wall mount. Do not forget to install safety screws that keep it from falling off.
Connect the VGA, power supply and audio cables of LCD screen to TV device, speakers and power sockets. You may need an extension cord to power 4 devices; an LCD/LED screen, a TV device, the speakers and a set top box if you use digital TV cable or a satellite dish antenna.
You are all set, just tune the TV stations and enjoy! A used LED screen will last between 3 to 5 years, depending on the usage and you may need to buy another TV device in next 3 years. Unlike a CRT TV box, it rarely breaks down and works great for years. I bought this 15’’ LCD screen (in the first picture) only for 3200 Rupees, the whole setup cost me around 6000 Rupees. I am completely satisfied with picture quality and reliability of this TV setup. I chose a smaller screen because I wanted to install it in a small room. Another interesting advantage of this DIY TV setup is you can also use the same screen with your desktop or laptop computer when you are not watching the TV. And if one-part (speakers or TV device) malfunctions, there is no need to replace the whole unit, just replace/repair the part and make it work again!
Few reasons to get rid of your old CRT TV
It consumes more electricity; 90 Watts (CRT) vs. 35 Watts (LCD) which is bad for the environment.
CRT TV generates more heat than LED which overheats your room and adversely affects air conditioner’s cooling efficiency.
A Cathode Ray Tube screen emits low energy electromagnetic radiation which is hazardous for your eyes.
It is larger in size and heavier than LED, takes up more space and difficult to carry.
A glass screen causes more glare than an LCD and it is also more fragile.