In the bygone days of the 80s and 90s, it was not uncommon for people to resort to giving their television a good whack when it malfunctioned. Whether the image flickered, the antenna signal faltered, or the colors went awry, smacking the TV was a last-ditch effort to resolve the issue. Surprisingly, it sometimes worked, although the reason behind this phenomenon remained a mystery.
Nostalgically, many who lived through that era recall the frustration of TV problems and the subsequent release of anger in the form of a “magic thump” to the television set. While the practice may seem amusing in retrospect, it wasn’t a widespread ritual of using TVs as punching bags. Instead, it was an impulsive act fueled by frustration, often occurring during intense gaming sessions or crucial moments in sports events.
Don’t do it today
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that attempting this on a modern Smart TV is ill-advised. Unlike their robust CRT (cathode-ray tube) predecessors, today’s flat-panel TVs are more delicate and prone to damage from physical impact. The resilience of old tube TVs allowed them to endure such percussive maintenance.
CRT TVs, despite their quirks and frequent issues, were known for their durability. People kept them in the family for years, as there was little reason to upgrade due to slow technological advancements. Consequently, these TVs often experienced performance problems and failures as they aged.
Returning to the question of whether hitting a TV worked and why, it did provide temporary solutions in many cases. CRT TVs had a different internal structure with various components, and they generated a substantial amount of internal heat. This heat could lead to problems such as minor corrosion, resin drying out, or loose connections inside the TV. Sometimes, parts would shift from their intended positions.
A well-placed smack or a gentle shake could temporarily resolve these issues. It might dislodge dried resin, re-establish connections, or put parts back in place. However, these fixes were often short-lived, serving as a temporary reprieve until the TV ultimately failed.
In today’s world of sleek Smart TVs and rapid technological advancements, the practice of hitting a television set is a relic of the past. While it may evoke nostalgia for simpler times, it’s a testament to how far technology has come in providing reliable and hassle-free entertainment.
