Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

[Bpkid]

I noticed about a week ago that my TV had a thin black line about 1.5 inches from the top going across the entire screen. It has now progressed to three lines going across.

I have poked around the web and have seen some times this can be fixed by removing, cleaning ribbon cable connection. It seems other times it is the upper y buffer card. I also read that it can be the plasma screen itself failing.

I have not removed back cover yet. I was hoping to get some direction from you folks as to what may be the problem.

[mmartell]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

I would guess upper buffer but by all means remove and clean the ribbon responsible for that section of the screen to see if it fixes it before proceeding.

[tom66]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

Panel, upper buffer or connections not secured correctly, in that order. Check for small cracks in the glass. On the later models of plasma TV this can cause this defect, usually accompanied by a small black bubble where the image is not discharging. It could be right on the edge of the screen.

[Bpkid]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

Panel, upper buffer or connections not secured correctly, in that order. Check for small cracks in the glass. On the later models of plasma TV this can cause this defect, usually accompanied by a small black bubble where the image is not discharging. It could be right on the edge of the screen.

I finally pulled back cover off to check ribbon connectors. Cleaning and reconnecting had no effect. Over the last couple months the black lines have advanced as seen in picture. If I wanted to gamble on upper y buffer card is that all I need to change or should I also change the y main (y sustain) board as well. Thanks for your advice.

[tom66]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

I think it is very likely there is a problem with your panel somehow and this will not be repairable. There is a small chance it is the Y-buffer but I would say that is unlikely. You will not need to replace the Y-main board in this instance if you replace the Y-buffer as the panel is otherwise being driven correctly.

[Bpkid]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

I think it is very likely there is a problem with your panel somehow and this will not be repairable. There is a small chance it is the Y-buffer but I would say that is unlikely. You will not need to replace the Y-main board in this instance if you replace the Y-buffer as the panel is otherwise being driven correctly.

Thanks for your insight. I have seen boards used for 35 to 50 dollars but it sounds like I would be better just planning to replace TV. With a failing display will the progression of black lines eventually stop or will they continue to march down my screen?

[tom66]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

Thanks for your insight. I have seen boards used for 35 to 50 dollars but it sounds like I would be better just planning to replace TV. With a failing display will the progression of black lines eventually stop or will they continue to march down my screen?

If it is caused by a micro crack on the panel, which is possible due to impact, handling/shipping damage or manufacturing defect, then it will probably progress slowly. Eventually it will damage a scan driver chip on the buffer board, and the panel will stop working or a horizontal miscoloured bar will appear where the defect has occurred. (http://cdn.avsforum.com/9/97/979404ba_294jw51.jpeg)

There is no danger in using the set as it is if you can live with the problem, but it's likely to just stop working one day.

I do not know for sure what has caused this fault, it is particularly common on Samsung sets, but I would look for a small crack on the edge of the panel, particularly on the right hand side of the screen (when looking front the front). It will be around where the lines are.

[Bpkid]

Re: Horizontal Lines Samsung Plasma PN59D550C1FXZA

If it is caused by a micro crack on the panel, which is possible due to impact, handling/shipping damage or manufacturing defect, then it will probably progress slowly. Eventually it will damage a scan driver chip on the buffer board, and the panel will stop working or a horizontal miscoloured bar will appear where the defect has occurred. (http://cdn.avsforum.com/9/97/979404ba_294jw51.jpeg)

There is no danger in using the set as it is if you can live with the problem, but it's likely to just stop working one day.

I do not know for sure what has caused this fault, it is particularly common on Samsung sets, but I would look for a small crack on the edge of the panel, particularly on the right hand side of the screen (when looking front the front). It will be around where the lines are.

The plot thickens. Now a single line has returned and is working as it should in the middle of the previously blacked out zone. Is it common for the dead area to come and go. It is only one single line. I found upper and lower y buffer boards on ebay for 22 dollars shipped so I have ordered them on a gamble.