Re: Samsung plasma 50" TV, model PN50C540G3F, has black horizontal lines

I finally had a chance to re-attempt the "short test" on the Y-buffer board. This time I used 2 different meters and R_J's advice on the .6xx diode reading help me confirm with greater confidence the Y-Buffer board HAS NO shorts. My cheaper harbor fluke meter allowed me to set it to read continuity only and not once was I able to get a beep. At this point, I have to assume the Plasma Display Panel is the cause of the horizontal black lines. I've read an oscilloscope is needed to confirm the panel...

Re: Samsung plasma 50" TV, model PN50C540G3F, has black horizontal lines

R J, Your advice is greatly appreciated! I've included a picture which is from a video showing a TV that is 99% like mine. I've labeled the 3 jacks/connectors between the Y-Buffer and Y-Sustain with red numbers (1,2,3). Can provide advice on which pin on which connector I should use to test for shorts? My Y-Buffer has hardly any labels around the connector pins, so it's not clear which pin I should use. Now a silly question: is it best to separate the Y-Sustain from the Y-Buffer before performing the short...

Re: Samsung plasma 50" TV, model PN50C540G3F, has black horizontal lines

Doesn't anyone have experience with Samsung plasma TVs? From the 2 pictures above, is it possible to say it's a bad panel?

Re: Samsung plasma 50" TV, model PN50C540G3F, has black horizontal lines

Sorry for the delay. Here are 2 pics that shows how the TV menu options are overlaid by the horizontal black lines. As you can see, there are many black lines. At the bottom, they're dense enough to create a black rectangle. I would greatly appreciate if someone could tell me how to perform the "short test" with this models Y-buffer board. I get different readings/results when I swap the black/red leads. I know I have my meter in continuity mode, so getting different results is confusing. Th...

First, the black horizontal lines even overlay the TV's menu. Does this behavior indicate that it's the plasma panel that's defective? If not for the black lines, the TV works just fine. I've cleaned the 6 connectors between the panel and the Y-buffer board, causing no change in the black lines. Visually, the 12 ICs on the Y-buffer look brand new (no holes, etc.). I put my fluke meter in continuity mode and tried to perform the "short" test on the 6 panel ports and found many shorts. But I don't think I'm doing the "short" test correctly and I'm hoping someone can provide guidance....

Re: Samsung plasma PN50C550, fried Y-sus/buffer

I realize this thread is quite old, but wondered if you were able to fix your Samsung 50" plasma? What was the main cause?

Re: New Members - please post your introductions here

Hi everyone,
I found this post while searching for technical advice to determine if my Samsung 50" plasma is worth repairing (via replacing boards). It's developed the classic horizontal black lines which even covers the menu "dialogs". I still don't know how to determine if it's a plasma panel ($$$) or just a y-buffer & y-sustain problem ($). Not a lot of concise advise on the net.
As for me, I'm a total computer geek and DIY cult follower. I have certifications in the following areas: cyber...