CRT still holding up
 

Just wanted to update. That CRT I rejuvenated with a tester, that's in my daily watcher, is STILL holding up! I mean, the reds still have a slight smear that's coming back, but it's still tons better than it used to be.

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...02809535_o.jpg

That was over a year ago, I wonder how much more life it could possibly have?

Uhh, would turning "Down" the color just a bit help out any in that regard ?

The contrast level (video gain level) is more likely to affect the 'bleeding' issue in a weak CRT. Yes chroma level and brightness also affect it to a lesser degree. If you were able to somehow replace the video output transistor for the weakened gun with a higher-gain/or transistor with higher dissipation characteristics, the problem might be less prominent. In a crt which is marginal, the video output devices on the neckboard have to work harder to drive their respective cathode. The result is a form of clipping/saturation distortion.

The neck board on this TV contains no electronics, it's just a plug to the mainboard really.. The PCB just links the socket to wires, that's it.

Turning down color does lower the bleeding, but then I'm desaturated. I have the color where it looks very vibrant but not too unrealistic.

Contrast is actually down a bit already.. It's set to a level that's no more "bright" than say a tube powered set of the 60's (on average).

Whether or not the video output transistors are located on the neckboard makes no difference in their behavior under these conditions. I have exhibited the aforementioned scenario many times with solid state chassis.

No of course not, just means I gotta actually try and find it on the main board. :P Being lazy I am, until it really warrants a repair, because so far in every day situations I barely notice it in real life.

The screenshot you posted looks fine to me, unless you like turning up contrast and chroma real high. On most material, I find that a more conservative setting is best, for fleshtones especially.

Not at all. My patents raised me to never crank contrast up. I in fact watch the TV in a dark room cause contrast is set to 60%. Color is set to a level that seems natural yet alive.

Is this your Hitachi?

No, Samsung. I don't have the hitachi. My little sis owns it now.