Samsung Plasma PN50C550G1FXZA No Picture No Sound--Please Help

[atvnewbie]

Newbie here. Was hoping you folks would be willing to help me diagnose what happened (and how to fix) to my 2.5 year Samsung 50" Plasma TV which now has no Picture, no sound, no red lights when I plug it in.

A few nights ago my wife and I were watching Jimmy Kimmel when a load lightening bolt exploded. We heard a loud sizzly/snap/pop from the TV and it went completely blank. Haven't been able to get any signs of life from it since. We didn't notice any smell or smoke from the TV.

It was connected to the power through a surger protector which had other electronics connected to it (including a Comcast cable box, DVD player, etc.). These all function fine. The only other piece of equipment which stopped working which was the cable modem connected in another room (it appears that its ethernet port stopped working).

Anyhow, I hopped online to see if I could get lucky and fix it. After removing the 25+ screws I took the back off and located a single fuse. A continuity test showed it was blown. I ordered replacements from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GFA9VU/ . I got these today...they all passed a continuity test. I replaced the one. Tested it in place and it passed the continuity test. I then closed the back of the TV and reconnected it to power. Still no picture nor sound nor light. My wife and I did detect a burning plastic type smell. I then unplugged it and removed the back again. After testing the fuse I determined that the new one had blown. I have replaced it...but decided I better ask here for help before I plug it in again.

It looks like I can buy some parts for this on Ebay which I am ready to do if you folks suggest. Also, I have a multimeter, etc. if you think I should test some more stuff.

Here are some pictures of the inside:














Thanks in advance!!

[baitism]

Re: Samsung Plasma PN50C550G1FXZA No Picture No Sound--Please Help

I would start by using a multimeter to test the output voltages on the pins of your power supply. Make sure you unplug the power supply from the main board first.

From what you described, the PS is probably shot, but better to double check it first.

[atvnewbie]

Re: Samsung Plasma PN50C550G1FXZA No Picture No Sound--Please Help

Thanks for your reply baitism! (EDITED OUT some earlier confusion)


OK I saw the guide here https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18542& which gave me a couple hints what to try. What I did was disconnect all three connections from this power supply board (pictured in the third pic above). I then used my multimeter to probe test the voltage outputs from the connectors. Most tested zero. While I was doing this, however, the board starting smoking (coming from the large green disk-like component in front of the two black box like components towards the lower right bottom of the power supply board). It smelled very similar to what my wife and I smelled after we turned on the TV after replacing the fuse. I guess this confirms my power supply board is kaputz!

This brings up a couple questions:
(A) Would Ebay be a good source to get a replacement power supply board? (Looks like I can get one for about $23)
(B) How do I verify that the other boards on my TV are functioning safely? Or do I simply just replace this board and wait to see if the TV works?
(C) How easy is it to replace this power supply board?

THANKS!

[atvnewbie]

Re: Samsung Plasma PN50C550G1FXZA No Picture No Sound--Please Help

Brief update: I ended up buying a Power Supply board on Ebay ($23 bucks, paid Sat, received Mon). After swapping it in...my Plasma TV now works! Thanks for your help!

I am tempted to diagnose the old board...probably just need to replace a few capacitors, but will save that project for a rainy day.

By the way, I found this video very helpful in understanding the advice given here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GReg9cPDP-c