TV Dies – Aguanga, CA

We have known that our ancient TV was on its last legs. It is huge and heavy, like an anchor! The video would go out occasionally. We would turn it off/on and then video would return. But not today, video would not come back. We kept the TV connected to the DirecTV DVR. With a little work, we could play the recorded news programs and listen to the audio without video.

Boots started researching and went looking for a new TV / flat panel. This provided an opportunity for us to see a lot of Temecula as we sought out Target, BestBuy, CostCo, etc. We narrowed it down by options and price to a Samsung or LG at Costco. After much thought, we decided on the simpler LG mostly because it was $70-80 cheaper. We elected to wait until we were back in Santee to simplify traveling with a loose TV.

At the Costco in Santee, the smart TV Samsung was $70-80 cheaper here than it had been in Temecula. So, we ended up with a “smart” TV – hoping it wasn’t going to be as complex as our “smart” phones turned out to be. We took the box home and began the install process. Moving the old heavy “anchor” to the floor out of the way was the biggest part of the job. Basically, we attached the TV stand, plugged the TV into power and the DirecTV DVR; and we were in business. Checking into our recording list we discovered that we had indeed recorded all of our favorites and were 4% from full!

Now all we need was for our local RV repair guy, Bill, to mount the TV. Simple, right - no! We wanted to install the TV in the cabinet space in such a way as to allow for more storage space behind the TV. We would put the DVR, and eventually the DVD/BluRay and Receiver below the TV mounting. The first mounting mechanism we had bought at Costco with the TV wasn’t going to work with the current cabinet structure.

Bill went away and Boots began the researching and shopping again. Once we found the mechanism that would work for our circumstances, off we went to our standard options: Target, BestBuy, Costco, etc. BestBuy had exactly what we wanted but the price was twice what Target’s option was, Costco didn’t have what we needed at any price. So, now what??? We went back to check online for other options and surprise surprise – BestBuy’s model was $70 cheaper if ordered on line and could be picked up at the local store so there was no shipping charge. How do these companies make any money???

So, overall the savings on the TV and mounting mechanism paid for Bill to come back and install it all, Whew! Now, we need to figure out how to secure the TV for when we travel. If it ain't one thing it's another!