My Avant was purchased in 1997, VCR model. Recently the screen has started to flicker and to show red tinted screen with red horizontal lines, instead of the transmitted picture. Is this a sign that my tube is about to blow?

Hi,

Unfortunately yes, that does sound very much like the tube is on it's way out.

Sadly too, the value of these sets are so low now that it would be uneconomic to replace the tube

On the positive side, you can pick up another Avant for very little money - less in fact than it would cost you to fix your existing set.

Regards

Many thanks Michael.

Slight red lines could be a problem with the 'G2 adjustment' (screen voltage for the red tube, I believe) - my BV3 had this problem about a year ago, and a small adjustment sorted it.  I fixed mine myself using the service manual available on site but I wouldn't recommend taking the back off your TV unless you know what you are doing - there are very high voltages inside!

If you have a friendly TV engineer it could be worth 30 mins of his time before deciding to scrap the TV.