Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

[mbarnidge78]

Hi everyone,
I have recently acquired a Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV that has the following symptoms. The unit powers up to static though it flickers rhythmically with no sound although there is a clicking sound coming from the region of the y-sus board in time with the flicker. Menu buttons don't seem to be responsive. Below is a short video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en2OVVKf_Ec

Judging from what I have read on this forum as well as googling I suspect either the y-sus board or the y-buffer boards. Does it sound like I am on the right track? Also what is the best way to narrow down the faulty component. I do not have an o-scope, however, I do have a good multimeter and I have a decent hand with a soldering iron. I have found chip repair kits for the y-sus board, but I want to verify this is the bad component if possible before buying replacement parts. Also I checked the y-sus fuses and they are still good.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Michael

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

This is a Y-buffer plus Y-sustain issue.

The repair may turn out to be uneconomical unless you can replace the IPM on the Y-sustain yourself; the Y-sustain and Y-buffer is likely to be over $150.

[mbarnidge78]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

I feel like I can replace the chips myself. I have replaced surface mount proms on my tivos before with success. Do you think this issue involves all 3 boards or would refurbing the ysus be sufficient. Right now I am in this no more than the labor it took me to haul off the TV and I hate to just throw it away, seems wasteful.

Thanks

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

Y-sus IPM can be replaced -- only need to do the Y-sus.

Both Y-buffers need replacing at the same time. There are in total I think 6 SMD chips on each, or 12 chips to replace -- may end up cheaper to just replace it.

[mrmaddbrad]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

I'm going to piggy-back this thread :P

My P50HDTV10a is also doing the same thing. However, it does not have the giant bar in the middle of the screen. According to Cuppel TV's website/blog the bar is generally due to Y-buffer boards being bad. I also followed their guide on how to test them with a multi-meter, which I did. The buffer boards test fine. I assume I just need a y-sus board?

Anyone have any thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxdhEHT1pI

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

If it's simply flashing (with OK picture), then the buffers are OK, and it is the Y-SUS IPM.
But it doesn't look like you get any picture so the buffers may still be bad.

Internally this is an LG plasma TV with a Vizio main board.

[mbarnidge78]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

Guess i will start by replacing the IPMs on the ysus board. See if that works. Then if not buy replacement ybuffer boards. They don't seem real expensive to just replace the whole buffer boards instead of all the chips.

[mbarnidge78]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

I'm going to piggy-back this thread :P

My P50HDTV10a is also doing the same thing. However, it does not have the giant bar in the middle of the screen. According to Cuppel TV's website/blog the bar is generally due to Y-buffer boards being bad. I also followed their guide on how to test them with a multi-meter, which I did. The buffer boards test fine. I assume I just need a y-sus board?

Anyone have any thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxdhEHT1pI

Hi, could you post the link for the guide on checking the buffer boards?

Thanks.

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

You have to be careful - I do not know about this but sometimes bad buffers on LGs can damage the sustain boards again. The IPM modules are about $30 each.

[mbarnidge78]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

You have to be careful - I do not know about this but sometimes bad buffers on LGs can damage the sustain boards again. The IPM modules are about $30 each.

:o good to know!
Might be worth changing the buffers.

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

It is common with older Samsung plasma panels but I don't know if it affects LG plasma panels.

[mrmaddbrad]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

Cuppell TV Buffer Board Test:
http://blog.coppelltvrepair.com/2010...-lines-in.html

As far as my TV goes, I can see the small "No Input" box in the center, while the screen is flashing. I assume if i hook up a source of some sort, the tv will show sort of picture?

It's probably worth a shot.

As another quick question, if my Y-Sus IPM's are bad, can i just replace the whole y-sus board instead?

[tom66]

Re: Vizio P50HDTV10A Plasma TV Screen Flicker

I'd advise you try, doing so would rule out the buffer as being at fault.