NeHeGL,
Is the unit under warranty?
What was the symptom you were attempting to fix with the firmware?
You may be able to find parts on www.samsungparts.com if that's something you want to consider.
--HDTech
I have an older HT-TX52. I attempted to update the firmware. Double checked the number, grabbed the latest version for my receiver from the Samsung site, loaded it onto a USB key and started the update. It appeared to go fine, until the device auto powered itself off. When turning it back on, the display looks fine on the front of the HT, but I get nothing from the device. I can't play DVD's, Radio does not work, etc. To me this sounds like a failed flash / bricked machine.
I spoke with Samsung support to find out if they have any not so well known ways to restore the flash, or allow a second attempt, and was told nothing other than "take it to one of these local repair shops... they can fix it for you".
The first place I took it too had all the information above. Including a copy of the firmware used. After 2 weeks of not hearing anything, I was told that my machine was dead, that all of the motors had burnt out, they had ordered a $140 motherboard for it, and were upset because now they would have to eat that cost, because it was not the problem. To me this seemed EXTREMELY unprofessional, not only because they ranted and raved about the cost, but because they really didn't seem to have ANY idea what they were doing. I am not an electronics expert, but I do know enough about electronics that I know firmware can either be (reprogrammed with their fancy hardware), desoldered and a new chip installed or recovered using some fancy manufacturer software / hardware. Why would they be replacing motherboards, and why would they tell me the motors are all dead!?!
I called Samsung back quite upset... and was told to try the other place... and explain what happened.
So I contacted the second place, explained for more than 15 minutes every single step I took, what I saw during the flash... basically every detail. The tech there laughed and said "oh he should be able to test if the motors are fine right off the board, and he wouldn't be replacing motherboards if he thought the motors WERE dead". I thought this was a good sign, until I received a call 1 week later telling me that they would have to replace the mainboard for $160.
The last tech said there were two boards in the machine... a cheap one (he said $140) which he had already tried... and a more expensive one costing about $300 with tax (not worth replacing). So what I get from this is that the second tech wants to replace the exact same board, even though I told him it was 100% without a doubt just bad firmware (bad flash).
Both places wanted $30 just to look at it.. so right now I'm out $60. Both places apparently have NO idea what they are doing...
So what are my options!?! I know people way say "dude... HT's are cheap, get a new one", but that's not the point... I don't care about the cost... but I also don't want to pay $140 for a board if there is an easier way to fix the problem.
Can anyone offer suggestions, a fix, tell me the part # so I can relay it to the tech? Anything!?!
Very frustrated. Whatever happened to techs that actually knew what a soldering iron was, and could replace the $.05 piece and bill you just $30... instead of the lazy tech that just replaces everything until he fixes the problem...!?!

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