Which capacitor types are the least reliable?

[LukeSimon]

Polyester film capacitors and ceramic capacitors with a 105 celsius temperature rating and a voltage rating that is twice the applied voltage will last multiple human lifetimes. Their life increases by (appliedVoltage / ratedVoltage) raised to the power 7, so the hogher the voltage rating, the better, assuming size and cost aren’t an issue.

I am familiar with how electrolytic age, but oil and paper capacitors are new to me. I mainly have 1990s TVs, and only just got into pre-solid state TVs. So these older capacitor types are new to me. In 1990s TVs, ceramic and film are never an issue, but a few electrolytics in the punishing parts of the chassis need to be replaced. I typically replace the worn electrolytic caps with either miniaturized film caps or solid polymer caps so that they are never a concern again.

Looking at my recently acquired Panasonic AN-72C, I will probably replace the paper, oil, and electrolytic caps with polyester film. The modern miniaturized film caps are quite nice. I will check before and after the change with my oscope to ensure voltage ripple and noise is reduced after the change.

As a newcomer to pre-solid state TVs, I must say the simplicity and elegance of these older TVs is quite simply wonderful. I wish the case for my new 1968 TV was clear so that all of the tubes glowing could be visible. Such amazing technology should not be hidden.