Samsung 50" PN50A550 - 2 vertical black bars

[tripslipfall]

Just picked up this TV, there is 2 vertical black bars on the right side. One of them is all the way on the right, the other one is about 4 inches left of that one. Both of them are about 1" wide. A couple times, I've gotten some random pixels to sparkle in black bars, but nothing solid.

Picture is great everywhere else on the TV, haven't tested voltages yet since I can't find my voltmeter, but everything seems to be fine. I've tapped around on the E, F, Y, Z, and logic board, but no change.

Any advice? Besides it being a bad panel.

[tom66]

Re: Samsung 50" PN50A550 - 2 vertical black bars

If random pixels are sparkling occasionally, maybe the X drive connectors are loose. Sadly with these newer Samsung plasmas it is often the panel that is bad.

[tripslipfall]

Re: Samsung 50" PN50A550 - 2 vertical black bars

Where exactly are the X drive connectors? I've looked around and it looks like they are behind a strip of plastic that runs along the bottom of the TV and attached to the E and F boards permanently... Although I might be wrong.

[tom66]

Re: Samsung 50" PN50A550 - 2 vertical black bars

Where exactly are the X drive connectors? I've looked around and it looks like they are behind a strip of plastic that runs along the bottom of the TV and attached to the E and F boards permanently... Although I might be wrong.

Shoot. You might be right; the connectors might be permanently soldered to the boards in which case you won't be able to repair them. Sorry.