I purchased Samsung LA37A550 LCD TV on December 2008, it worked fine for 2 years and then in Jan 2011, it developed a problem of DARK images. I had to get the backlight to MAX and brightness to MAX to watch the images. I called Samsung service, they said panel has to be replaced. Cost = approx 20000 Rs.
After about 4 weeks i.e in Feb 2011, the problem rectified automatically. I switched back to my standard settings i.e backlight=2, brightness = 50
During the last one week (Jan 2012), the TV developed WHITE BRIGHT SCREEN with PHOTO NEGATIVE images. Called Samsung support and they again told me to change the panel. Cost = approx 20000 Rs.
I did some investigations on my side and figured out that the t-con board is the culprit and not the panel (I actually ripped off the complete TV up to the panel separating the t-con board from the top lcd boards which are tied by 2 ribbon cables and tried this: http://www.jkturner.net/samsung/index.html since the symptoms are similar ) and assembled it back!! . Since the procedure did not solve the issue, the t-con board should be the culprit and the service engineer agreed with my finding, but said t-con board is not sold separately, so I would have to change the panel!
This is not true, I could actually see the same t-con board part numbers in shopjimmy.com, ebay.com and hdtvpartstores.com from AUO for AUO panels (yes, my TV panel was made in Taiwan by AU Optronics)
"What warranty would you provide on the changed part?" was my next question.
"One month Sir" was the service technician's reply!
So if Samsung Customer care is listening, here is my request:
(1) Please get a tcon board and replace it, so that I save some money! Samsung will make more money since you will have a "delighted" customer who will spread the word about excellent Samsung service!
(2) If #1 is not possible, provide a ONE YEAR WARRANTY for the CHANGED PART only.
I am being reasonable here, I am not asking for one year warranty for the complete TV, but only for the changed part. DO realize that I cannot buy a new TV every two years and can neither change panels every one month!
I hope somebody from Samsung would contact me soon with a valid proposal.
Regards
Sumit
Bangalore
I too faced the same problem I bought the set LA37A550 in Jan 2009 and in June 2012 the TV developed WHITE BRIGHT SCREEN with PHOTO NEGATIVE images.
The samsung service engineer advised replacement of panel for approx Rs. 20000 which i had no alternative but to accept. However, they were unable to source the panel and ultimately refunded me 50% of my purchase price after deducting the balance amount as depreciation.
Very smooth ways of samsung, to sell products which are discontinued and then fleece customers.
13-Feb-2012: I am happy to say that Samsung solved my problem, though it took some time. Thank you Samsung!
Dear akhilesh.kr@partner.samsung.com,
Nobody has contacted me yet, I shall keep on posting the status till Samsung gets in touch with me.
Regards
Sumit
sumitgupto@gmail.com
Dear akhilesh.kr@partner.samsung.com,
You posted on Jan 5th that somebody from Samsung to revert with a solution, till now, nobody has called me to find a resolution to my problem. I hope you have escalated the situation and I should hear from Samsung on Monday or latest by Tuesday.
I have sent you emails at the above address and you did not reply to that as well.
Regards
Sumit
An email communication has been sent to Samsung India on January 5, 2012, 3:40 pm
Hi Sumit Sir,
I am facing the same problem. what exactly you did after that. Did your problem solved or not from Samsung. kindly let me know the status. You can reach me on my mobile no.********62.
with profound regards
vinay