Confirming Fault with Samsung PN50C550G1FXZA Plasma

[dmanthei]

Hello folks,

I picked up a Samsung PN50C550G1FXZA 50" plasma off Craigslist today
where the listed fault was "no picture, sound still works".

I took it home and opened it up and couldn't spot any faulty caps
or other parts that were clearly toast.

I plugged it in and turned it on,
only to hear a sparking sound and a wisp of smoke
coming from an IC on the lower part of the far-left circuit board,
which has ribbon connectors up and down the length of the screen.

Looking at the panel itself, I noticed a small point of impact damage
that seems to have pierced the outer glass.

Therefore, is it correct to assume that this impact damage
has likely resulted in the edge controlling board to fail,
meaning replacing the panel itself is likely the only solution?

I've repaired numerous LCDs before, but never a plasma,
so I don't really know how they work, electrically,
other than huge voltages required to drive them.

The TV does otherwise "turn on" and make startup sounds and shutoff sounds.

The seller isn't responding to my messages
so, if this sounds correct, I will likely have to part this out to recoup my loss.

[rccrasher65]

Re: Confirming Fault with Samsung PN50C550G1FXZA Plasma

Sounds like a damaged panel, not cost efficient to replace. Part it out.

[tom66]

Re: Confirming Fault with Samsung PN50C550G1FXZA Plasma

Yes, this sounds right. Unlike an LCD, a plasma will generally not produce any light when the screen is damaged. Damage to modern plasma displays often causes the Y-buffer board to fail, as the electrodes in the screen can be easily damaged.

Lesson learned! -always- check the screen for obvious damage before picking it up... LCD or plasma! You can see every type of damage to a plasma using a torch (LCD is not always visible, just hope backlight comes on.)

[dmanthei]

Re: Confirming Fault with Samsung PN50C550G1FXZA Plasma

Thanks for the replies and confirmation.

Appreciate the extra bit of explanation, tom66.

Thankfully I didn't spend a lot of money
or I'd be more than a bit let down.