I have a 32 inch rca tv, 4 years old. I plug it in and push the power button and the red light blinks for about 15 seconds and then the red light stays on but the picture never comes on. i also hear a click when i plug it in. What could be wrong with it?

Ethan, January 2010

Combing the internet, I've found that seemingly *everybody* has had the same problem after just 1-3 years. It's been blamed on planned obsolescence (OK, crappy manufacturing techniques by low-paid labor).

The conclusions I've seen are:

1. It could very well be the remote. Buy a new RCA remote and see if that helps ($20-$30)
2. It could be the transformer or an eeprom on the motherboard needing to be replaced. It seems to be a $150 repair if you can find a TV repair place. Consensus there is to toss the beast out the window and buy new, likely you'll not plan on making the replacement an RCA...)

billymac, February 2010