Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

[nikev]

Hi,

I have a Samsung LN-S3251D whose HDMI ports failed. First HDMI 1 stopped recognizing inputs, but HDMI 2 worked. After a few weeks HDMI 2 failed as well.

I took it to a local service shop, who say that the physical connectors are ok, so the only fix is to replace the main logic board. The board itself costs $250 from Samsung in Canada.

I see however that there are boards available over the net from reasonable dealers for about $50, so I thought I might try to fix it myself.

My question is whether there are differences between the various versions of the motherboard out there of which I should be aware. Also, if there are any standard gotchas in swapping out the board, that would be good to know as well.

Finally, I'm wondering if there's any other cause of HDMI failure that the shop might have missed.

For what it's worth, I have not had any of the standard issues with capacitors in the PSU on this TV

Thanks in advance for your help,

Nike

[PlainBill]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

The number one 'gotcha' is looking only at the price and ignoring the reputation (feedback rating) of the seller. There are many sellers that will sell untested boards, overcharging for shipping. If the buyer complains they are asked to return the board and a refund will be issued when the board is received. Since the shipping charges paid for the shipping, the eBay listing, and the seller's time, he's not out any money.

It would be a very good idea to make sure the part number of the board you are buying matches the bad board, and the revision level is the same or higher.

PlainBill

[retiredcaps]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

I took it to a local service shop, who say that the physical connectors are ok, so the only fix is to replace the main logic board. The board itself costs $250 from Samsung in Canada.

This TV is 720p. Does the component inputs work? If yes, that should give you 720p without having to use the HDMI.

Wow, $250? That is almost 50% of the cost of a new Samsung 50 inch 720p plasma that was on sale this last Saturday (sale price was $548 CDN).

[nikev]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

Actually, Samsung wanted $250 for the part, and $100 on top for labour. It's crazy.

Where was the 50in TV you mention was on sale? It seems like the 32 inch TVs have all been around $450 for a long time now.

I am probably just going to replace the TV, and fool around with the board for fun if I can find one cheap.

Cheers,

Nike

[retiredcaps]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

Where was the 50in TV you mention was on sale?

50 inch Samsung plasma for $548 ...

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/50-sa...isions-941506/

If 50 inch is too big, 42 inch LG/Samsung plasmas are now regularly $500.

IF you manage to find a replacement board for $50 total, then it might be worth trying.

[nikev]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

The space is small, so a 32 is the biggest size I could use. However, prices on those are not really dropping.

Does anybody here know where I can find reasonable data on brand reliability?

Thanks in advance.

[retiredcaps]

Re: Samsung LN-S3251D HDMI failed

The space is small, so a 32 is the biggest size I could use. However, prices on those are not really dropping.

Does anybody here know where I can find reasonable data on brand reliability?

This forum is more for fixing things. If they are not repair related, then I will direct you to

redflagdeals.com

for Canadians. If you take some time to look through it, you will find deals like

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/warm-...pmd-fs-940515/

for $313.

Ask "deals" questions over there and let's end this thread unless you have more repair related questions.