As an ex TV engineer from the days of Avo 8's , GEC 868 b&w TVs through colour, valves to transistors to ic's , analog to digital. So many changes in technology and with every change more to learn with no one wanting to pay the price of a repair. A killer for me, in the trade, was when I repaired a VCR for a neighbour and thought I'll just charge him tenner and was met with " how much"? when I dropped it back. In my innocence I said "no your ok a tenner will do". Of course they thought it was too much. When I realised I just said take it and don't call me again. Shortly after that I went looking and found a job with a regular wage out of the trade.
I was in the TV Repair bizz for almost 40 yrs, everyone thought it was just a small fuse or the power switch because it wouldn't turn on, I batted my brains out keeping up with the ever changing technology only to see every new TV technology die, my shop would have literally a couple hundred scraped TV's stacked up, I would "try" to scrap them for parts etc, but instead the prices of new TV's dropped to almost nothing and the Repair business is almost nonexistent....it's really as a hobby, and you can't even make a few dollars after the time and parts( if you can find replacement parts)....I do miss the golden years of Repairs 60s thru 90's, the 2000's were just one failed technology after another and a bad investment to continue in the service profession. Unfortunately, tools, meters, soldering technology is at its pinnacle nowadays....it's great to have so many great options for service equipment but nothing to use that technology on, it's just a throwaway industry. It was a great industry in past years, what a shame to see a life's work go down the drain.
I left this lot before the age of the flat screen TV. You have remarkable patience dealing with parts that have the structural and electrical integrity of tissue paper.
After 30 years as a TV engineer i was driven to a near mental breakdown everyone wanted a lifetime guarantee on every repair, everyone thought it was just the switch as it wont switch on it was ok yesterday also it wont cost much as its only a fuse i heard them all and they wanted them repaired yesterday. Now retired and living the dream but got good memories
Been through that as well in my heyday. “I’m sure you can fit it in. Can’t be much wrong, it was working fine yesterday. I’ll come back tomorrow for it…”
It's funny how many people bring in a Tv or something and say it won't switch on it needs a new on/off switch lol had customers say this so many times over the years.
In 30 Years, I've NEVER had a TV repaired 🎉 Past 20 years, always bought Panasonic, including 2024 LED. ❤. As Allen advised, I always bought from John Lewis with 5 years warranty.
And I thought my (now) old Garage was bad when my MOT took 10 days!! 🙈. And you're right - you need to keep your work life & home life separate. Having tvs strewn thruout the house just leaves a constant feeling of work, even if that's not what you're doing. Any take care, look after your mental health Allen & we look forward to more great vids! 👍🏻👍🏻
Been there and had sleepless nights to cope with more repairs than time to do them. It all comes to a point where you have to take action or buckle under the workload. Best of luck Alan
Yet another great video from yet another great channel probably the best in the business, wish we had more people like Allen in the repair business, if I lived near you I’d be lucky!
While not a real technician, I got out of the business back in the late 1990s. It was obvious even then that repairing consumer electronic items was going the way of the dodo bird. Increasing integration of functions in large flat pack chips that were different only on the outside pinouts and the burned in micro-code that was changed every year insured that. No diagrams or service literature, complete module replacement if available made repair jobs increasingly more expensive than buying a new set. These LCD TVs are only a fixer if it's a switching power supply problem or LED backlights. Even then the number of inferior counterfeit parts out in the wild today makes even that something of a crapshoot.
Yes Allen my sparerroom is a mini workshop with a bed. started during the pandemic I am semi retired now so the repairs keep me sane!! Santa is on his way
Striking that necessary work/life balance is hugely important, and when _work_ starts encroaching into your _living_ space that's when things are starting to get a bit top-heavy and decisions need to be made...And from where I'm standing, this seems to be the right one! 👍 Just do take care over the way this video is presented though; When I saw it in my feed, it came across to me that you might be going out of business on a permanent basis. As it's a temporary pause on new business, it might be best to make this clear in both the thumbnail and the video description. 👍 Hope you manage to get on top of the workload over the coming months...And always remember: *Take time for yourself whenever you need to!* 💯
As a customer the sooner you accept that tv's today are USUALLY going to fail much sooner than the sets from decades ago and buy and choose your purchase accordingly the better off you are going to be. There was a time I tried to buy the top or best mainstream new models and of course they cost a premium. These days I try to find among the best midrange and value for the dollar model and pay about half or less of what the top models go for. I generally do at least consider and many times buy the extended 5 year warranties these days and to be honest almost hope at about the 4 year mark the tv will fail and cannot be repaired then my full purchase price on that set can be applied to the newest/current best midrange value for the dollar set giving me the newest technology and a new tv at usually a very modest money added scenario and yep, again buy the 5 year warranty! You cannot beat them nor can you change the game but you can try to play the cards you are being dealt to where the rules and situations may benefit you the best and not the company that is making products designed to have a more limited lifespan with little chance of repair if it does have an issue.
Worked in a TV shop for 13 years. Only sometimes now ill putter with an antique one like the philco safari I just got working. But otherwise, no more tvs.
The reality is that you need to get very fussy about what TV’s you would fix and that should be ones that are special in function and easy to repair. No point of wasting time on junk which would be better replaced by an new one 😊
Your skills and knowledge and not being able to say no but if customers want the best they'll just have to wait. About your car may i say if the garage could not get your car fixed in a fortnight i would have gone somewhere else and not left it 10 months but that's just me.
I like watchin these ive repaired a few for m8s an i have a sony bravia 55inch needing yet another new main board seems to be an ongoing thing every 5 years or so ive done one when it came here 3 years ago its already sluggish to change channel or turn on the android logo takes ages to sod off usually that means its going again gotta love sony i dont suppose yu have one do you lolo
Well, there's tons of electronic things to repair, so start trying to fix what you would like to be involved in .. like fixing Amateur Radios that some might even just give you to try and fix. Success to you :)
I can’t believe you can find enough people who are prepared to spend money having their TV repaired, at least enough repairs to make it worth your while.🤷♂️
Ok. I'll admit it. I have a pathway through the repairs to my bed. I'm going to be having a serious cleanout over christmas... or I may never be seen again.
As an ex TV engineer from the days of Avo 8's , GEC 868 b&w TVs through colour, valves to transistors to ic's , analog to digital. So many changes in technology and with every change more to learn with no one wanting to pay the price of a repair. A killer for me, in the trade, was when I repaired a VCR for a neighbour and thought I'll just charge him tenner and was met with " how much"? when I dropped it back. In my innocence I said "no your ok a tenner will do". Of course they thought it was too much. When I realised I just said take it and don't call me again. Shortly after that I went looking and found a job with a regular wage out of the trade.
I was in the TV Repair bizz for almost 40 yrs, everyone thought it was just a small fuse or the power switch because it wouldn't turn on, I batted my brains out keeping up with the ever changing technology only to see every new TV technology die, my shop would have literally a couple hundred scraped TV's stacked up, I would "try" to scrap them for parts etc, but instead the prices of new TV's dropped to almost nothing and the Repair business is almost nonexistent....it's really as a hobby, and you can't even make a few dollars after the time and parts( if you can find replacement parts)....I do miss the golden years of Repairs 60s thru 90's, the 2000's were just one failed technology after another and a bad investment to continue in the service profession.
Unfortunately, tools, meters, soldering technology is at its pinnacle nowadays....it's great to have so many great options for service equipment but nothing to use that technology on, it's just a throwaway industry.
It was a great industry in past years, what a shame to see a life's work go down the drain.
I left this lot before the age of the flat screen TV. You have remarkable patience dealing with parts that have the structural and electrical integrity of tissue paper.
After 30 years as a TV engineer i was driven to a near mental breakdown everyone wanted a lifetime guarantee on every repair, everyone thought it was just the switch as it wont switch on it was ok yesterday also it wont cost much as its only a fuse i heard them all and they wanted them repaired yesterday. Now retired and living the dream but got good memories
Sounds all too familiar, there are very few wealthy TV engineers for this reason alone.
Been through that as well in my heyday. “I’m sure you can fit it in. Can’t be much wrong, it was working fine yesterday. I’ll come back tomorrow for it…”
It's funny how many people bring in a Tv or something and say it won't switch on it needs a new on/off switch lol had customers say this so many times over the years.
Dave. It hasn’t changed. I quite upfront about costs straight away.
In 30 Years, I've NEVER had a TV repaired 🎉
Past 20 years, always bought Panasonic, including 2024 LED. ❤.
As Allen advised, I always bought from John Lewis with 5 years warranty.
And I thought my (now) old Garage was bad when my MOT took 10 days!! 🙈. And you're right - you need to keep your work life & home life separate. Having tvs strewn thruout the house just leaves a constant feeling of work, even if that's not what you're doing. Any take care, look after your mental health Allen & we look forward to more great vids! 👍🏻👍🏻
Been there and had sleepless nights to cope with more repairs than time to do them. It all comes to a point where you have to take action or buckle under the workload. Best of luck Alan
Yet another great video from yet another great channel probably the best in the business, wish we had more people like Allen in the repair business, if I lived near you I’d be lucky!
Your right Allen. Take your time 👍
As a former TV engineer I take my hat off to you, I am amazed at your patience.
While not a real technician, I got out of the business back in the late 1990s. It was obvious even then that repairing consumer electronic items was going the way of the dodo bird. Increasing integration of functions in large flat pack chips that were different only on the outside pinouts and the burned in micro-code that was changed every year insured that. No diagrams or service literature, complete module replacement if available made repair jobs increasingly more expensive than buying a new set. These LCD TVs are only a fixer if it's a switching power supply problem or LED backlights. Even then the number of inferior counterfeit parts out in the wild today makes even that something of a crapshoot.
Yes Allen my sparerroom is a mini workshop with a bed. started during the pandemic I am semi retired now so the repairs keep me sane!! Santa is on his way
Striking that necessary work/life balance is hugely important, and when _work_ starts encroaching into your _living_ space that's when things are starting to get a bit top-heavy and decisions need to be made...And from where I'm standing, this seems to be the right one! 👍
Just do take care over the way this video is presented though; When I saw it in my feed, it came across to me that you might be going out of business on a permanent basis. As it's a temporary pause on new business, it might be best to make this clear in both the thumbnail and the video description. 👍
Hope you manage to get on top of the workload over the coming months...And always remember: *Take time for yourself whenever you need to!* 💯
Maybe it's Time to take on helping hand. Hopefully someone. One man show, can be overwhelming. Good luck.
Hope you do carry on allen love all these vids
Take your time Allen mental health is more important!
I can fully understand that! Done the same until I found it saner to retire. Some days I regret it, though...
As a customer the sooner you accept that tv's today are USUALLY going to fail much sooner than the sets from decades ago and buy and choose your purchase accordingly the better off you are going to be.
There was a time I tried to buy the top or best mainstream new models and of course they cost a premium.
These days I try to find among the best midrange and value for the dollar model and pay about half or less of what the top models go for.
I generally do at least consider and many times buy the extended 5 year warranties these days and to be honest almost hope at about the 4 year mark the tv will fail and cannot be repaired then my full purchase price on that set can be applied to the newest/current best midrange value for the dollar set giving me the newest technology and a new tv at usually a very modest money added scenario and yep, again buy the 5 year warranty!
You cannot beat them nor can you change the game but you can try to play the cards you are being dealt to where the rules and situations may benefit you the best and not the company that is making products designed to have a more limited lifespan with little chance of repair if it does have an issue.
Worked in a TV shop for 13 years. Only sometimes now ill putter with an antique one like the philco safari I just got working. But otherwise, no more tvs.
All good priced, Quality repair! place's, get the same problem, more work than there is time to keep up with
Totally understand Allen, best start afresh in the new year or when you’re clear 😊
The reality is that you need to get very fussy about what TV’s you would fix and that should be ones that are special in function and easy to repair. No point of wasting time on junk which would be better replaced by an new one 😊
Your skills and knowledge and not being able to say no but if customers want the best they'll just have to wait. About your car may i say if the garage could not get your car fixed in a fortnight i would have gone somewhere else and not left it 10 months but that's just me.
I like watchin these ive repaired a few for m8s an i have a sony bravia 55inch needing yet another new main board seems to be an ongoing thing every 5 years or so ive done one when it came here 3 years ago its already sluggish to change channel or turn on the android logo takes ages to sod off usually that means its going again gotta love sony i dont suppose yu have one do you lolo
would love to get in to electronics i passed my full amateur radio licence so picked up the basics doing that .
Well, there's tons of electronic things to repair, so start trying to fix what you would like to be involved in .. like fixing Amateur Radios that some might even just give you to try and fix. Success to you :)
@@Tutterzoid To repair and align amateur radio equipment you need a lot of test gear not somethig i would want to start out working on .
You have a radio presenters voice I can't put my finger on. 😄
@@grahamsullivan5322 You want to put your finger on my voice ? Kinky.
@allenfleckney5969 No lad. Didn't know you were UHF. 👋 bye.
Sounds like Micheal Caine with less cockney accent.
@@grahamsullivan5322 what does UHF stand for?
@@allenfleckney5969 LOL :D
I can’t believe you can find enough people who are prepared to spend money having their TV repaired, at least enough repairs to make it worth your while.🤷♂️
@@kevinc112 I can and have. But many have stopped.
They don’t realise the decades of experience and skill level required
Wow, you must really like watching Masterchef :-)
Like on my family's golf the clutch went in July we just got the car back in August
10 months for an MOT, they did, of course, provide a loan? You will have to increase your prices, if you want to entertain Margot.
"Nice problem to have" too much demand for your skills 🎉
10 months without a car!! How is that possible in the modern world/UK?? 😮
Ok. I'll admit it. I have a pathway through the repairs to my bed. I'm going to be having a serious cleanout over christmas... or I may never be seen again.
So your loyal customers have to suffer due to your bad management?
got a new TCL screen is glued to the frame imagine doing backlights in that
lol then you notice that because you are working that much that there is dust gathering in areas of the house because you have not had time to do it.
Step back .
Trump has a TV in every room of the Whitehouse and Fox news is on each and every one of them.
Now I need to know what was wrong with your car!
I thought "engineers" designed things and technicians repaired them. ? Bit grandiose re engineer.
The problem is that young graduates designed them with no experience in why parts fail, ie placing a high wattage resistor next to a capacitor.
Personally speaking this video is 100% click bait!!! Extremely disrespectful and unprofessional of you for this click bait!!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦
What on earth are you talking about?
@@nickjh1968it’s not a urgent message it is bait and click to make you watch this stupid notification
@@nickjh1968he even say’s it’s not click bait, which it really is
Clearly you have never been a repair tech or you would understand rather than make unnecessary comments.
@@Capri-j4i No, it really isn't. It's exactly what it says. Don't like it? Well, you know that answer to that, don't you.
Maybe you old boss can help you and I mean old in the nicest possible way