Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

[baitism]

Was hoping to fix this and use it as my new tv in the living room. For the most part the tv functions fine. However, the picture on the left and right sides of the screen are different. In addition, occasionally the left side will invert itself. I checked the PS and didn't notice any capacitors out of whack. I am thinking a faulty T-CON board. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.







Video here (granted it doesn't show much that the pictures don't).
http://youtu.be/A55yNUBq63M

[tom66]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

I'm going to say possibly tab bonding issue.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

I thought tab bonding issues only affected the vertical area each bond was responsible for. If you think it is tab bonding, where exactly on the outside of the screen should I be checking? Thanks.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

Update: Well, I found the problem, and I am not sure it is fixable. These are the cables running from the T-CON to the display.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

Update #2. Cleaned some of the corrosion off the connectors. Is there any chance of salvaging this tv? Also, what is the black tape they use around the edges of the screen? I plan on taking off the metal panels and cleaning the screen and will have to reapply it.

[budm]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

Did liquid get spilled inside? Look at the traces to see if they are eaten away, it they are, then the panel is gone. Use alcohol to clean off the board/connectors with soft brush.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

Bud, I am not sure. I bought it for $75. it is the top panel so it seems unlikely, but who knows. The damage doesn't appear to have gone to the board. Could I use solder to reconnect a couple circuits that look to have been eaten away a little?

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

Could I use solder to reconnect a couple circuits that look to have been eaten away a little?

Of course. Just be really careful about it. Apply flux to the area before attempting to solder.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

I watched some videos on trace repair. This looks really difficult just because of the proximity of the traces and the plastic connector. Worst case scenario I part it and still make a profit. However, I ordered two new ribbon cables and I am in the process of cleaning up the connectors to get a better idea of the damage done. I will learn a lot even if I don't fix it. I will post updates in a few days after the ribbons come. Also, it was definitely water damage. I realized I had the screen upside down so the bottom of the screen had the damage. Looked like some knucklehead used windex to clean it.

[baitism]

Re: Vizio M550NV brightness of left and right sides of the screen are different

One other thing. I flipped the two ribbon cables coming from the tv and it made it worse. At least that tells me that the new ribbons will at least help a little.

I also took out some of the pins that go in the connector (from a board of a dead tv). They are identical to what is corroded on the Vizio. I am going to try to see if I can use parts of them to reconnect the 3 pins that are open circuits because of the corrosion.

I am optimistic because after cleaning up the connectors a bit, the picture isn't nearly as bad (even with the bad ribbon cables).

Anyway, here are the pins.