TV Advice

**BouncingSoul** · August 1st, 2011

I have a 4+ year old Samsung DLP. It's served me well this whole time, I haven't had to do any repairs, haven't even had to change the bulb. A few months ago I noticed a smudge on the screen. It won't wipe off, so I figured it had to be on the inside somewhere, I just don't know where. Since I can't get to it, I don't think it's an actual smudge, it's probably something on a mirror or something with the bulb. I was about to order a replacement bulb when I noticed I have a "dead" pixel as well. Now I know it's not a pixel on DLPs, I just don't know what else to call it. It's a constant white spot, like the light is shining right through that point. I can't imaging this is a bulb issue. So now my problem... Start spending money on stuff and hope to fix the problems. Or just save up a get a new TV. I'm leaning towards new, but I love other opinions as well, and there is always a chance that maybe someone here knows how to fix it. Worth a shot.

**LordOfLA** · August 1st, 2011

First I'd investigate costs of getting an engineer out to take a look and possibly fix.

Then I'd investigate cost of a new Pioneer or Panasonic Plasma TV

And jump for whichever was cheaper.

**chastity** · August 1st, 2011

I would look into a onsite tech/engineer call first to find out if its repairable and if so how much.

I would also research a replacement to be safe, I would say LCD/LED but if you have the money Plasma might be worthwhile as well but LCD/LED TV's seem to be cheaper and more common

**LordOfLA** · August 1st, 2011

LCD would be inferior picture to an existing DLP

You either want another DLP or plasma

**LeeJend** · August 3rd, 2011

Ditch the bitch!

"Service engineers" are what in the old days we called "tube jerkers". They swap parts at your expense until you throw them out of your home or they fix it by accident. They have minimal if any training. Think middle east call center. Oh, and you are paying $100 an hour or more labor plus 100% mark up on the parts they install.

The parts to rebuild a product cost 2-3 times what the set cost new.

In the last 4 years new TV prices have dropped by 50-75%.

As for which technology to buy (LCD, LED LCD, DLP, Plasma) go to a store and look at them. When you see one you like do what we OSNN'ers always do. Mail order it for a lot less.

PS Panasonic has a horrible reputation for power supply failures and it went on for years. They may have fixed it but I will not take the risk.

PPS If you must rebuild the set instead of buying new be advised. Buddy at work went through the process doing the work himself (he's a real hardware engineer and has the skills). Not sure if I remember the part names right but - bulb, shutter, and the spinning part before he had it back in shape. Be careful to not touch any of the parts. Bulb will fry from skin oil, smudges on other parts will cause issues with the image. Good luck.

**LordOfLA** · August 3rd, 2011

Panasonic are getting good reviews for picture quality (rivaling pioneer) and longevity in Europe these days.

**BouncingSoul** · August 3rd, 2011

Thanks for the advice all. I think since it still "works", I'll hold onto it and just save up for a little while. I probably have until the Super Bowl before I NEED one.

**Johnny** · August 3rd, 2011

I have a samsung 50 inch plasma and it is the best tv I ever owned. I love it and would gladly buy another one.

**Vanquished** · August 4th, 2011

I love samsung, I would try and get another DLP, since I think its the best picture (at least over the LCDs) and certainly for the price.
I've got a Samsung 61inch DLP and I love it, shame that yours had that problem

I've also got a Samsung 42 inch Plasma and its good as well!
On the other hand, my friend just got a 73 inch Mitsubishi DLP and that is even awesomer

**Xie** · August 4th, 2011

Originally Posted by Johnny

I have a samsung 50 inch plasma and it is the best tv I ever owned. I love it and would gladly buy another one.

I also have one of these, and love it as well.

<3

**Johnny** · August 4th, 2011

I thought about a DLP myself. But I was worried about viewing angles and dimness caused by lighting situations.

SysProg · August 5th, 2011

From what I have read, plasma sets are much better for rapid scene changes (sports especially) and have a much larger viewing angle - but have issues in a brightly lit room and also consume a LOT more power than an LCD set.

I have a Panasonic 42" plasma (1080i) and a Samsung 58" plasma (1080i). The Panasonic's manuals says that it consumes 535 watts of power. I have not been able to find the power usage of the Samsung - it isn't in the manual nor anywhere online. Both sets have a wonderful picture. My only complaint about the Samsung is that the sound quality is tinny compared to other sets. The cause of this is the speakers as the set is only 1" thick.

**LordOfLA** · August 5th, 2011

Plasma display panels are usually brighter then DLP, RearProj, and LCD/LED screens. So if you can't see your PDP TV it has to be a *really* bright day

**Johnny** · August 5th, 2011

Yeah, I have no issues with dimness on my plasma. It is good in all lighting situations. I haven't noticed the amount of power consumption either.

The reason why the plasma is good for fast action is because they have a 600mhz refresh. Most lcd's I think are around, at most 60mhz? . A high end LED only has 240mhz.

**Johnny** · August 6th, 2011

The one thing I did find with my plasma, and annoying at that, is burn in. My samsung tv has a setting the shakes the screen to keep it from happening. It goes so fast that you can't see it, but it seems to be quite affective.

**Vanquished** · August 7th, 2011

Originally Posted by Johnny

The one thing I did find with my plasma, and annoying at that, is burn in. My samsung tv has a setting the shakes the screen to keep it from happening. It goes so fast that you can't see it, but it seems to be quite affective.

Yea, I think that's a non-issue now. I used to be so against Plasma's because of burn-in, I leave mine on while playing video games for hours and no burn in from the hub or anything.

**BouncingSoul** · August 21st, 2011

Update for everyone. I don't think my tv is going to last very much longer. Shortly after I posted this thread, another white spot showed up. Opposite side of the screen, slightly lower. Today, the wife is watching and it looks like someone sneezed on the damn thing. White spots everywhere. Looks like I'm going shopping this afternoon.

**Johnny** · August 21st, 2011

I hope you find one you like, Bouncingsoul.

**LeeJend** · August 24th, 2011

I wish I had been paying more attention to your post earlier:

Numerous white spots on Smasung DLP TV - FixYa

1-800-samsung about my HL-T5075S white spot syndrome

It's the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip. Common problem on Samsungs. Some people got free repairs. Not sure if you can with a 4 year old set.

BTW according to the posts your set will white out completely very soon.

**BouncingSoul** · August 24th, 2011

I meant to update this post shortly after I ranted about going to shopping, but I forgot. What LeeJend said is correct, I got a hold of Samsung and they have requested an authorized repair rep come fix my DLP for free! Thankfully I didn't buy anything in between the time I found the extra dots and the time I figured out you can call Samsung.

August 1st, 2011	Top \| #1
BouncingSoul Stranger Than Fiction Joined: January 2004 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 1,289 Reputation: 877 Power: 122	TV Advice I have a 4+ year old Samsung DLP. It's served me well this whole time, I haven't had to do any repairs, haven't even had to change the bulb. A few months ago I noticed a smudge on the screen. It won't wipe off, so I figured it had to be on the inside somewhere, I just don't know where. Since I can't get to it, I don't think it's an actual smudge, it's probably something on a mirror or something with the bulb. I was about to order a replacement bulb when I noticed I have a "dead" pixel as well. Now I know it's not a pixel on DLPs, I just don't know what else to call it. It's a constant white spot, like the light is shining right through that point. I can't imaging this is a bulb issue. So now my problem... Start spending money on stuff and hope to fix the problems. Or just save up a get a new TV. I'm leaning towards new, but I love other opinions as well, and there is always a chance that maybe someone here knows how to fix it. Worth a shot.

August 1st, 2011	Top \| #2
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,031 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 213	Re: TV Advice First I'd investigate costs of getting an engineer out to take a look and possibly fix. Then I'd investigate cost of a new Pioneer or Panasonic Plasma TV And jump for whichever was cheaper. If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

August 1st, 2011	Top \| #3
chastity OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: July 2002 Location: Arizona near the Grand Canyon Posts: 2,108 Reputation: 613 Power: 147	Re: TV Advice I would look into a onsite tech/engineer call first to find out if its repairable and if so how much. I would also research a replacement to be safe, I would say LCD/LED but if you have the money Plasma might be worthwhile as well but LCD/LED TV's seem to be cheaper and more common

August 1st, 2011	Top \| #4
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,031 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 213	Re: TV Advice LCD would be inferior picture to an existing DLP You either want another DLP or plasma If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

August 3rd, 2011	Top \| #5
LeeJend OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: January 2003 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 5,261 Reputation: 3386 Power: 199	Re: TV Advice Ditch the bitch! "Service engineers" are what in the old days we called "tube jerkers". They swap parts at your expense until you throw them out of your home or they fix it by accident. They have minimal if any training. Think middle east call center. Oh, and you are paying $100 an hour or more labor plus 100% mark up on the parts they install. The parts to rebuild a product cost 2-3 times what the set cost new. In the last 4 years new TV prices have dropped by 50-75%. As for which technology to buy (LCD, LED LCD, DLP, Plasma) go to a store and look at them. When you see one you like do what we OSNN'ers always do. Mail order it for a lot less. PS Panasonic has a horrible reputation for power supply failures and it went on for years. They may have fixed it but I will not take the risk. PPS If you must rebuild the set instead of buying new be advised. Buddy at work went through the process doing the work himself (he's a real hardware engineer and has the skills). Not sure if I remember the part names right but - bulb, shutter, and the spinning part before he had it back in shape. Be careful to not touch any of the parts. Bulb will fry from skin oil, smudges on other parts will cause issues with the image. Good luck. Thought for the new millenium: In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates? - Open Office - Firefox - Thunderbird - Gimp -Ubuntu - Red Hat -

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August 3rd, 2011	Top \| #6
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,031 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 213	Re: TV Advice Panasonic are getting good reviews for picture quality (rivaling pioneer) and longevity in Europe these days. If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

August 3rd, 2011	Top \| #7
BouncingSoul Stranger Than Fiction Joined: January 2004 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 1,289 Reputation: 877 Power: 122	Re: TV Advice Thanks for the advice all. I think since it still "works", I'll hold onto it and just save up for a little while. I probably have until the Super Bowl before I NEED one.

August 3rd, 2011	Top \| #8
Johnny Paul Reed Smith Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 4,869 Reputation: 2369 Power: 173	Re: TV Advice I have a samsung 50 inch plasma and it is the best tv I ever owned. I love it and would gladly buy another one. Paul Reed Smith.

August 4th, 2011	Top \| #9
Vanquished B's logo for a game! Joined: January 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,840 Blog Entries: 1 Reputation: 1816 Power: 144	Re: TV Advice I love samsung, I would try and get another DLP, since I think its the best picture (at least over the LCDs) and certainly for the price. I've got a Samsung 61inch DLP and I love it, shame that yours had that problem I've also got a Samsung 42 inch Plasma and its good as well! On the other hand, my friend just got a 73 inch Mitsubishi DLP and that is even awesomer Phenom II X4 955 BE \| 12GB DDR3 1600mhz \| Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 \| ATI Radeon 5770 CrossfireX \|Windows Awesome (I Mean... Windows 7 Ultimate!) OSNN - The Best Place to Stay on the Internet! Watch Improv-A-Ganza!

August 4th, 2011	Top \| #10
Xie - geek - Joined: September 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 5,224 Reputation: 1730 Power: 175	Re: TV Advice Originally Posted by Johnny I have a samsung 50 inch plasma and it is the best tv I ever owned. I love it and would gladly buy another one. I also have one of these, and love it as well. <3 tehgeek \| tehgeek \| geeking out to tech \| IRC \| Parted Magic \| A+ Certified Professional

August 4th, 2011	Top \| #11
Johnny Paul Reed Smith Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 4,869 Reputation: 2369 Power: 173	Re: TV Advice I thought about a DLP myself. But I was worried about viewing angles and dimness caused by lighting situations. Paul Reed Smith.

August 5th, 2011	Top \| #12
SysProg OSNN Addict Joined: June 2002 Location: North Aurora, IL Posts: 90 Reputation: 0 Power: 121	Re: TV Advice From what I have read, plasma sets are much better for rapid scene changes (sports especially) and have a much larger viewing angle - but have issues in a brightly lit room and also consume a LOT more power than an LCD set. I have a Panasonic 42" plasma (1080i) and a Samsung 58" plasma (1080i). The Panasonic's manuals says that it consumes 535 watts of power. I have not been able to find the power usage of the Samsung - it isn't in the manual nor anywhere online. Both sets have a wonderful picture. My only complaint about the Samsung is that the sound quality is tinny compared to other sets. The cause of this is the speakers as the set is only 1" thick.

August 5th, 2011	Top \| #13
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,031 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 213	Re: TV Advice Plasma display panels are usually brighter then DLP, RearProj, and LCD/LED screens. So if you can't see your PDP TV it has to be a really bright day If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

August 5th, 2011	Top \| #14
Johnny Paul Reed Smith Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 4,869 Reputation: 2369 Power: 173	Re: TV Advice Yeah, I have no issues with dimness on my plasma. It is good in all lighting situations. I haven't noticed the amount of power consumption either. The reason why the plasma is good for fast action is because they have a 600mhz refresh. Most lcd's I think are around, at most 60mhz? . A high end LED only has 240mhz. Paul Reed Smith.

August 6th, 2011	Top \| #15
Johnny Paul Reed Smith Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 4,869 Reputation: 2369 Power: 173	Re: TV Advice The one thing I did find with my plasma, and annoying at that, is burn in. My samsung tv has a setting the shakes the screen to keep it from happening. It goes so fast that you can't see it, but it seems to be quite affective. Paul Reed Smith.

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August 7th, 2011	Top \| #16
Vanquished B's logo for a game! Joined: January 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,840 Blog Entries: 1 Reputation: 1816 Power: 144	Re: TV Advice Originally Posted by Johnny The one thing I did find with my plasma, and annoying at that, is burn in. My samsung tv has a setting the shakes the screen to keep it from happening. It goes so fast that you can't see it, but it seems to be quite affective. Yea, I think that's a non-issue now. I used to be so against Plasma's because of burn-in, I leave mine on while playing video games for hours and no burn in from the hub or anything. Phenom II X4 955 BE \| 12GB DDR3 1600mhz \| Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 \| ATI Radeon 5770 CrossfireX \|Windows Awesome (I Mean... Windows 7 Ultimate!) OSNN - The Best Place to Stay on the Internet! Watch Improv-A-Ganza!

August 21st, 2011	Top \| #17
BouncingSoul Stranger Than Fiction Joined: January 2004 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 1,289 Reputation: 877 Power: 122	Re: TV Advice Update for everyone. I don't think my tv is going to last very much longer. Shortly after I posted this thread, another white spot showed up. Opposite side of the screen, slightly lower. Today, the wife is watching and it looks like someone sneezed on the damn thing. White spots everywhere. Looks like I'm going shopping this afternoon.

August 21st, 2011	Top \| #18
Johnny Paul Reed Smith Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 4,869 Reputation: 2369 Power: 173	Re: TV Advice I hope you find one you like, Bouncingsoul. Paul Reed Smith.

August 24th, 2011	Top \| #19
LeeJend OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: January 2003 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 5,261 Reputation: 3386 Power: 199	Re: TV Advice I wish I had been paying more attention to your post earlier: Numerous white spots on Smasung DLP TV - FixYa 1-800-samsung about my HL-T5075S white spot syndrome It's the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip. Common problem on Samsungs. Some people got free repairs. Not sure if you can with a 4 year old set. BTW according to the posts your set will white out completely very soon. Thought for the new millenium: In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates? - Open Office - Firefox - Thunderbird - Gimp -Ubuntu - Red Hat -

August 24th, 2011	Top \| #20
BouncingSoul Stranger Than Fiction Joined: January 2004 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 1,289 Reputation: 877 Power: 122	Re: TV Advice I meant to update this post shortly after I ranted about going to shopping, but I forgot. What LeeJend said is correct, I got a hold of Samsung and they have requested an authorized repair rep come fix my DLP for free! Thankfully I didn't buy anything in between the time I found the extra dots and the time I figured out you can call Samsung.