Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Green screen...40a630 lcd

Feb 9, 2009 6:14AM PST

This issue started this past Friday, 2/6/09. I purchased the unit in December and just got my satellite upgrade on the last Friday in January (now using a HR21 DVR receiver). My issue sounds similar to some others that I have ready about, but not necessarily on the same model number.

Essentially, at random times while watching the satellite receiver through the TV, the screen goes to this distorted green image with lots of lines and squares all over it. It is not a solid green color, as it looks like it is trying to display images, but in a very distorted manner with different shades of green. The problem is fixed by powering down, and then back up. Once the issue occurs, I can use the remote to switch inputs, but the green screen remains until powering down.

I have not been able to get the issue to occur while using other devices (dvd, receiver, old sat box for over a month prior to new box).

I have been able to get the issue to occur while using both hdmi ports, two different hdmi cords (one a monster cord), and also a component (Red,Blue,Green) input.

My guess is this is what people are referring to as a "handshake" issue with the sat box, as it seems to be only occurring with that device, though it occurs with the different types of ports and not just hdmi. I am concerned with trying to schedule a service call, as I can't make the issue occur on demand, but rather have to wait for it to happen.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Isolated
Feb 9, 2009 6:44AM PST

bfat6565,

I'm sorry to hear you're having these issues.

It does seem to be restricted to the box, based on your description above. However, something to consider is that digital inputs like HDMI have a handshake issue; analog connections such as RGB (component) do not require a handshake. The fact that both caused the same issue causes me to lean towards something in the box itself and not a connection issue with the television.

That said, both do have some form of HDCP on them, and when copy protection software in the box is notified that there might be an inconsistency or incompatibility with the signal's destination, it may cause the picture to scramble. The green may be an issue of scrambling (regardless of how poor of a job the scramble is).

It may be a simple box reset that you can request be done locally - some boxes have that ability, but if it's just a phone call for a fix, it may be worth it.

When the green picture comes on, does it stick around indefinitely? Or will it self correct at some point? If it does stick around, I'd try to show the tech - or maybe have some digital pictures or video to show the technician when he comes.

So that's my insight, but I'm here all the time. So if you have any updates, keep me posted. But initially, I'm leaning towards the box. And I'm not just saying that because we make the TVs. Happy

--HDTech

- Collapse -
Green screen...continued
Feb 10, 2009 4:10AM PST

Thanks for the input. I'll look into the HDCP protection with the box company to see if I can find out something on that end.

Also, I did try to restart the sat box when it first occurred and that obviously did not do anything.

Additionally, last night I went home and watched TV through the hdmi port for a good hour before anything happened. Then the green screen occurred again, I switched to component input and it happened again, then I switched back and watched the rest of the night on hdmi without a problem. Its very odd how it is occurring randomly with either type of input and sometimes happens again quickly and other times not at all. I did take a picture and a small video clip as I wanted to post one or the other on here to show you, but I cannot through the posting interface.

Anyway, I will let you know if I make headway with the satellite box people, but I am expecting them to tell me that it's the TV.

Thanks
Brian

- Collapse -
Component?
Feb 10, 2009 12:41PM PST

bfat6565,

Based on the fact that it happens with component, I'm actually leaning towards the television then. If it's not a handshake issue, then I don't know what is causing that.

I thought it was just happening on HDMI only.

--HDTech

- Collapse -
I thought your original note said...
Feb 11, 2009 7:26AM PST

that it could be related to HDCP issues with the box? Is that the case or do you feel that there could be an issue with the set.

Again,this is only triggered by watching tv through the sat box. When I am using the DVD player, or when I used the old sat box (which could only be connected with RCA cables), I haven't seen the issue occur.

It does occur with the new sat box (HR21) using both the HDMI (either port) and RGB inputs. It occurs at random times on seemingly any channel and is only corrected by powering down the unit and turning it back on. If there is a way that I can show you a picture of what the screen looks like, I do have one available. It looks kind of like snow but with varied amounts of green tint, and patterns that look like watching a scrambled signal on an old cable box (kind of off center, and you can tell when the picture changes).

- Collapse -
It's the TV
Feb 11, 2009 9:40AM PST

OK, I hadn't had the issue occur while watching the DVD player until this evening. I also checked the antenna feed that I have hooked in through the coaxial input and it went out as well. The issue now happens at random intervals while watching any device through any port. This must be an issue with the TV.

Please tell me if you think I this is covered by the warranty. Thanks for your help.

- Collapse -
Yes...
Feb 12, 2009 1:06PM PST

If it's all inputs, then it's my best guess that it is the television.

These issues are precisely what that warranty is for.

--HDTech

- Collapse -
Thanks and a little further info for your reference...
Feb 13, 2009 3:37AM PST

Thanks again for your assistance. I am currently scheduling a service call to have the set looked at.

Just to give some further description of the issue in case you or any reader of this post come across a problem like this again, I have nailed down some further details. The set will work normally for the first hour after powering up. After that initial hour or so, the green screen issue occurs and will continue to occur for the next 15-30 mins. During this half hour or so period the issue is exactly as described in my previous posts. After this period, the TV works normal again for the remainder of my viewing.

Anyway, I am hopeful that the service call will go smoothly and I can continue to enjoy this TV with it functioning properly again.

Thanks
Brian

- Collapse -
update...
Mar 4, 2009 6:11AM PST

After a few rescheduled appointments and waiting for 3 weeks, the Samsung repair guy finally came out to fix the TV. The reason for the delay was apparently that the part he needed was back-ordered. This part was apparently a video board or something and after replacing it, the set seemed to be fine. That is until about 15 mins after he left when the issue occurred again. I immediately called him back as he instructed if the part didnt fix the issue, and he stated that there is one other part that he can replace, which will take another week or so to get in.

I have been extremely patient throughout this process, but if this next part and service visit doesnt solve the issue, I will then be compelled to look for Samsung to replace my set.

- Collapse -
Box vs. TV
Feb 12, 2009 10:46AM PST

bfat6565,

Most of the issues that happen with boxes are limited to HDMI, and not component. When you said you have Component cables hooked up and still got the same affect, that new information didn't exclude the television, so I wanted you to know that it was still a possibility.

If it's ONLY happening with one box, then it's likely either the box, or an incompatibility between the box and the television (which we can correct, with firmware for instance). However, if the DVD player and an older box works, then it's likely the new box.

I think I'm picturing the issue you're seeing on the screen, and it sounds like a transmission issue where the data is being interrupted momentarily.

Don't mean to steer in circles here, but if it happens on the other sources (DVD player, etc), then yes, definitely have the television serviced for that issue.

Does that help explain a little better?

--HDTech