Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

[Gipson]

Hi All!
new to the forum, hoping to get some advice on an issue with my Plasma screen
I bought the Tv from an auction yesterday, not really having any idea whether it would work or not.
Got it home, plugged it in and bonus! It turned straight on with everything working as it should, except for one white/grey vertical line on the top right of the screen, extending about halfway down. It is less than a cm in width, very defined edges and is bright white at the top, shifting to a grey on the way down.


I have taken a few photos to show the issue, but can't find a great deal on the net to explain the problem. Just wondering if it is a common issue or something that can be fixed at home etc?


I have taken the back off the TV, and although it is very dusty, after a clean all looks to be in good order and all the ribbons etc are connected and clean as they should be.


Can anyone shed some light on the issue?
the model is a TH-50PZ70B


Many thanks in advance! -Dan

[freakaftr8]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

that looks like a chip on film ribbon failure but to be sure you could take the connector off and reconnect it on that driver to see if its just a bad connection. especially since you said it was dirty inside but if not I would be assuming that it's a panel failure

[jakirsama]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Maybe main board i seen many panasonic plasma has same issue if not it could be panel it self

[Gipson]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Thanks guys! I removed the buffer board yesterday and had a look at that, couldn't see any visual problems and after cleaning all the ribbon connections and refitting the problem was still there. I have ordered a spare buffer board to check that (it was only £8 so worth a shot). is the main board something I could switch out myself as a next step in troubleshooting if I can find a cheap replacement?

really hoping this buffer board will fix the issue, seems strange that it is a defined rectangle rather than just a random strip. will find out when the post comes!

[Alastair E]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

The PZ70 series use address-chips top and bottom. Looks like your upper address-chip in line with the issue has failed. These address chips are part of the panel, so unfortunately the set is stuffed.
--It wouldn't be a SC buffer board fault--that would give horizontal lines.

You may get lucky and find a poor connection to that address-chip, but experience says otherwise.
--You may find that chip gets hotter than the others rather confirming the issue.

It Wont be a Main Board fault IMHO....

[Gipson]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Hi Alastair, thanks for the reply!
so the address chips require the full panel replaced then? bugger! I was under the impression that the horizontal lines would be caused by the side buffer (X axis) boards and vertical lines were produced by those along the top buffer board? because If I unplug the corresponding top ribbon the whole block turns white?

[Gipson]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Replaced the buffer panel today, made no difference unfortunately!

Should I take it that the little white line of doom is terminal?

[newtothis]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Yes, Generally vertical lines are bad panels and horizontal are buffers

[tw2005]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

from the guide for this series

[Alastair E]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

PZ70 series was first gen Full HD set.

To get all that extra resolution, the maker split the screen into four quadrants and used address-chips top and bottom reaching exactly halfway down the panel, most earlier and later sets dont use address-chips on both top and bottom as tech has moved on and all the screen can be driven by chips from one edge, while earlier 720p could be done with one set of chips....

These first gen Full HD Pan. Plasma sets are probably the most complicated and intricate ever made, but usually pretty reliable, just the odd panel failure and PSU issues....
I used to have a 42PZ70B, Excellent set with superb picture, sold it some time ago, working well Only drawback was its Huge power consumption and heat generation--505W!....

[Gipson]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Hi Alastair, interesting to know! I did actually spot a sticker in the back there with 2007 on it and couldn't believe my eyes! it is a really modern, good looking telly for the year.
And as you mention (apart from the line) the image is flawless!
think I will just have to get used to it then, it isn't too distracting really!

[Gipson]

Re: Panasonic 50" Plasma white vertical line

Just on a side note I don't suppose you have a photo handy of the address chips? might give me an idea of which I have to wiggle to see if there is a loose connection!