I was wondering if anyone reading this cleans the CRT lenses (and mirror) inside their RPTV on a regular basis. I've never tried it myself. How often should it be done? I'm planning on getting a 16:9 RPTV in August or September, but will keep my 4:3 RPTV for my bedroom. I've had it about a year-and-a-half, so I'm curious if cleaning the CRTs would be beneficial. If so, how difficult would it be for a complete novice to do?

Also, if I do get an extended warranty when I get my new TV, part of the contract includes a yearly lense cleaning. Is it worth getting the extended warranty for that?

Thanks.

I would look at the manual for what it says about cleaning those components. My guess is it says let a professional do it. I'm a mechanical engineer and have no problem taking things apart and fixing them but I wont go near my TV. I bought the extended warranty because it's cheap and it includes the cleaning and adjustments twice a year.

The manual doesn't actually mention anything about cleaning the guns. Then again, the manual is almost completely worthless, as are the factory settings on the TV itself. Since my original post I found a site--hometheaterspot.com--that has some useful information about cleaning the CRTs. I think I'm going to give it a shot. I'm just really curious how much dust accumulates over time inside the TV and how it affects the picture. I ain't got me no mechanical engineerin' DEEgree, but I think I can do it!

You had better get a service manual and know exactly what you are doing. Making a mistake can result in dropping the mirror inside the cabinet and destroying your lenses. Or worse.

Exactly, that's why I don't touch it no matter how much I think I could.

Get a professional to do it if it needs to be done!