When our 6 year old, 53"" Sony rear-projection HD TV died I visited two repair shops in Austin, both of whom suggested that we discard the TV and buy one of their new models. The best-known of the two shops quoted $350 to pick up our 280 lb. set, provide a estimate, and dispose of it if not economical to repair. \r
\r
We were about to recycle the TV when I found an ad for Dean TV in Pflugerville. Dean quoted a very reasonable charge to visit our home and provide an estimate. He came out the day we called, repaired the set in about an hour while I watched, soldered in brand new Sony parts, and gave us the old parts to keep or throw out. The TV is now working like new, there's a 45-day warranty on the repair, and the cost was almost exactly the same as the estimate and disposal fee (but no repair) at the other shop. Note that Dean needed our exact TV model number before he came out, presumably to have the right parts on hand.
Pros: Repairs large and HD TV sets at home, while you wait. Provides a warranty. Much faster than the repair shop.
Cons: You'll need to be home during the repair.
more