This question for Robert Heron, lead analyst, HDTVs, comes from reader Nathan:
I live in Florida and we have a lot of crazy thunder storms. If I am going to spend my hard-earned money on a fancy HDTV, do I have to worry about my TV blowing up? Lightning struck a few years ago and it only took out the power supply on my LCD monitor. Are most HDTVs the same way or would I need to buy a whole new set?
Robert's answer, after the jump.
Robert Heron: I too have lived in lightning-prone areas of the country and have seen first hand the damage a direct strike on a house can cause to electronics. I've always suggested people plug their HDTVs (and all home theater equipment) into a quality surge suppressor--a product that has been tested and listed to the requirements of UL 1449, the standard for transient voltage surge suppressors.
If the product isn't described as a "transient voltage surge suppressor," then odds are it offers no more protection than a regular extension cord (AKA none!)
I own/use/swear by Tripp Lite surge suppressors--I use them with my own home theater gear, as they offer quality construction and well-documented features.
Keep in mind that all potential pathways for electricity to reach your equipment needs to be routed through the suppressor: data lines, coax connections, and power input.
If you know ahead of time that a bad storm is coming your way, nothing protects electronics from power surges better than completely unplugging them--probably not a desirable "fix", but effective. I hope this helped,
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December 11, 2007 11:31 AM
surge protection is not always enough. it's important to note that HDTV projection TV sets, in particular, are extremely vulnerable to loss of power. for instance if your electricity goes out before the TV can properly cool down it can cause major problems. to help prevent this i personally recommend purchasing a battery backup for your HDTV. that way if the electricity ever fails, you can safely power down and unplug your equipment.
also extended warranties aren't a bad idea either :)
nice article, it's good to make people think about these things. thanks.
http://www.drainweb.com/
December 11, 2007 11:54 AM
good partial answer....never mentioned the spike that can come in through the cable/satellite/antenna cable and their connections to the TV ! The final paragraph does mention "unplugging them", but how many people will reach around behind a huge flat screen and disconnect the cables feeding it (HDMI, component, coax with "F" connector) ?
You need good grounding and surge protection on all of the possible routes into your house and your electronics.
December 11, 2007 5:10 PM
Hi Martin,
Did you read my entire response?
"Keep in mind that all potential pathways for electricity to reach your equipment needs to be routed through the suppressor: data lines, coax connections, and power input."
Take care,
Robert Heron
December 13, 2007 5:17 PM
Is APC's H15 product worth the price?
December 13, 2007 5:17 PM
Unfortunately, plugging the TV cable connection to the cable box through a surge suppressor may attenuate the signal to the point that a number of channels may not come through with digital content.
I had a service call from our local cable provider when my channels started dropping out. Not all of them, but a significant number of digital and HD channels to make me call for a repair man to visit my home.
As soon as he saw my problem, he bypassed my APC home theater arrest box and all the channels came back.
So, like it or not, removing the cable from the wall connection may be the only certain protection. Make it easier by buying a slip on/off coax connector.
December 13, 2007 5:57 PM
I bought a power conditioner from Monster Cable for about $250, that connects my Plasma Tv, and is guaranteed for up to 60k in damage. Its relatively cheap, and regulates the power before it gets to the Tv.
December 13, 2007 7:49 PM
If you have a HDTV with a fan the best option in my opinion is the Monster Battery Backup. It is made for this purpose because if you have a power failure it will keep the TV on for a few seconds and then automatically turn it off but will keep the fan running the amount of time it is suppose to run to cool the lamp down. I have one and it works perfectly.
December 14, 2007 8:25 AM
There are products that install at your electrical entrance which will protect the entire home against lightning strikes (to a point, of course!) and surges. At about $100 each (plus installation) they are good first-line insurance.
You still have to protect against spikes which can come in on telephone, cable and antenna leads separately, and additional protection at the device (TV, etc.) is a good idea, especially if it will handle coax and telephone.
It would be helpful to know which "HDTVs" ( a pretty generic term) need post-shutdown fan cooling.
December 14, 2007 2:23 PM
Surge suppressors are a good idea. But what most people don't realize is that they need to be replaced every couple of years due to all the small, everyday transiants that deteriorate thier effectivness over time. If you have a suppressor that has been in service for 3 to 5 years you may not have any protection at all!