Video Asylum

Posted by Dalancroft (A) on June 30, 2003 at 10:30:58

In Reply to: Picture bleeding posted by Canuck Hoser on June 29, 2003 at 19:37:30:

First of all, the RatShack Gold line is good stuff for the $$$. I'd go ahead and make the investment. If your TV accepts component video, you're likely to see a marginal if not substantial improvement. A poorly shielded cable WILL pick up stray RFI and EMI that may show up as nasties on your TV screen.

Now for the bad news: That "line" may be inherent to your TV. A few years ago, I bought a 32" inch Magnavox, got it home, excitedly hooked it up, and ... alternating lines of charcoal and lighter gray, especially noticeable in dark scenes. Tried switching out wires, isolating power cables from component wires, etc. No help.

Finally called the technician out, who said it was a design flaw having to do with a poorly shielded power transformer and was not reparable. Fortunately for me, my retailer, Sears, was great about it and took it in return for a 32" Panasonic which exhibited no flaws and has performed perfectly ever since ...