Sunday, March 1, 2020

SOL 1: Time to Get a 21st Century TV


Last night I turned on my television, and while there was audio, there was no video. This photo doesn’t really show what I see, which is gray and white stripes across the screen. (Why is it so hard to photograph a TV screen?) I’ve had this TV for more than 20 years, and it is the old-style, picture-tube type.
            Now I’ve been thinking for years about getting a flat-screen TV, but even a relatively small 32-inch would require a new table, which means I need to find someplace to put the cable box and DVD player, as well as the device that also plays VHS tapes, which I still have quite a few of. Not to mention all those vinyl records. So I’ve put it off and put it off and put it off.
            When I couldn’t get any video, I of course called my cable provider right away. (We’ve always had cable because our apartment building is in a poor reception area.) After rebooting the cable box, the agent I spoke with said I needed a tech to come look at my system—and I was able to get an appointment this afternoon.
            The tech actually arrived at the beginning of my appointment window (amazing!) and unplugged the cable from the TV. The screen remained the same—which told the tech that the problem is in my TV, which means it must be replaced. I can no longer put this action off. I have to get a new TV. Stay tuned...
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I’m participating in the 13th annual Slice of Life Challenge over at Two Writing Teachers. This is day 1 of the 31-day challenge.  It’s not too late to make space for daily writing in a community that is encouraging, enthusiastic, and eager to read what you have to slice about.  Join in!

6 comments:

  1. I haven't had a TV in decades. I just use my computer - no cable connection - and Netflix. I don't think I would even know how to buy one! I think you could get a few more slices out of this dilemma: your decision making process, the final purchase, its installation. I might learn a few things along the way, too.

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    1. I've stuck with cable so far because my provider has a local TV news station, including a very good local news analysis person twice a day. I'd hate to lose that — though it's possible it's all available on streaming.

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  2. My DVD/VCR combo machine stopped working years ago, and I cannot part with all of my old VHS tapes. I still listen to vinyl records, too. I relate well to your reluctance to buying newer machines. I feel the convenience of our access to modern digital compromises our experiences.

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    1. I still have lots of vinyl, but my turntable stopped working recently, and I'm thinking (thinking!) about getting one of those turntables that will also burn CDs so I can get rid of the vinyl. More purchasing decisions...

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  3. Change is hard! But you will hopefully love your new set up! Or... there's always the option of no TV! : )

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    1. Change is hard, indeed! Thanks for the sympathy.

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