I had stashed an old (20+ years?) 14" CRT TV stored in the garage for a
few months as it was surplus to requirements, but the other day needed
it and fetched it out again. If I'd thought it through properly I'd
have at least let it warm up to house temperature before switching on,
but I didn't. It worked fine for a couple of minutes while I was tuning
it in, then went phut - the LED channel indicator went blank, and it
refused to respond to any commands and the screen stayed blank. It was
still powered up as I could hear a faint electrical squeaky/hissy noise
from inside.

Bugger, I thought - presumably it didn't like the cold shock or damp air
in the garage, followed by suddenly being warmed up. Or something.

Left it in the house for a few days, as I was going to take it down to
the local tip^h^h^h recycling centre, but before I did, thought "oh
well, might as well just try it once more" and I'm glad I did, as it's
working perfectly now.

How did that happen then?

David