I recently bought this Magnavox 8 track, record player with TV console and I was first trying to see how I can tell what model this is and once I figure it out, how could I repair the TV? The radio, 8 track player, and record player work fine just not the TV.
You will need the model number for this before you can start. Normally on the inside of the TV set in the back there should be a label to tell you the make and model. Once you can find this then you'll need to search for a repair book to understand the wires and tubes. More than likely one or more tubes are burned out.. You can easily identify these tubes and chnange them out first. Then if you are lucky the TV will work again. I do not think you will get any channels on it or you can hook it up to cable. You may need some adaptors in order to do this one.
Typically all the info you need is on the back of the wood case--usually in a lower corner on a metal or silver color tag. If the previous owner removed it, you would need to take it apart.
There are a lot of YouTube how to videos so you could see if you are comfortable doing this and getting the tubes needed (most likely still a tube TV) to make the repairs. Here are some sample videos:
www.youtube.com/
You can still find the tubes (sometimes) on eBay and at least where I am, there are a few places still around who fix the old TVs. You could check that out also, although you would probably want one that makes house calls since this things are super heavy!
This is a neat piece! Thanks for sharing!
Your console was made in the 70's and that makes a very old TV.
Not sure why you want it to work as I'm not sure too many people would actually use one even if it was working well.
You will have to take the TV out of the cabinet if the serial number is not visible. You cant get the right parts without it.
Although I'm late to the conversation, According to my catalog collection, this is a 1975 Magnavox "Star System" model 4977. The "Star System" was the first on-screen channel display and clock.
I have one of these and the best thing I can tell you is that you need to find someone or place who still repairs vintage TVs and this particular TV is powered by what is known as tubes. These tubes, when operating good, light up like a very dim light bulb. Wendy's TVs go bad it is usually one or few of those that burn out and that is all that needs to be replaced and the TV will work perfectly. I read an answer on here that says that you need to look for the paper that has the model number but most likely what's the age of this television that label will be worn out and unreadable.
I was a Magnavox service tech for many years. If you are located near the Philadelphia area, I can help you get this set working like new. It was top of the line in it's day.
I have a 1974 Magnavox TV Stereo Console with the 8 track, stereo, and record player. The TV does not work. I was told it needs vertical bars replaced to bring the picture back on the TV?
