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General discussion

HELP - brand new LN46A650 - flickering on the screen

Feb 9, 2009 3:47AM PST

Hello -

just brought home brand new LN46A650. To my dismay however I noticed
on the 2nd day that there was flickering on the screen (with some noise coming from the speakers) the first time I switched my LCD set on in the morning. The problem went away after I turned the power off for few seconds. I'm using HDMI cable to connect to my comcast box.

To test this further I turned the TV set on and off couple times and the problem reapppeared on the 4th or 5th try.


I also noticed once that the flickering (with slight popping noise) would appear sometimes when I was switching between the channels (this happened only once)

NOTE: the flickering/noise would go away after I turned off the TV.

I thought I've done my research and chose SAMSUNG brand wisely but I'm having second thoughts...????

I'm using MONSTER power surge protector so I'm thinking this is not electrical issue.

I appreciate quick response to this matter - I have only few days to return this LCD to the store.

Discussion is locked

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All inputs?
Feb 9, 2009 1:54PM PST

mazur_1

Is the flickering happening on all inputs, or just the cable box (or coax in the wall)?

Does it do the same thing if you use a DVD player or other device?

--HDTech

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HELP - brand new LN46A650 - flickering on the screen
Feb 9, 2009 9:22PM PST

HD_TECH:

So far I have not seen the flickering when connecting the TV to DVD player (I used DVD player over the weekend for 2 hrs or so).

Also - I switched the connection from HDMI1 TO HDMI2 yesterday and it worked fine for a day. This morning however the problem is back.
The flickering/flashing + slight popping/scratching sound happen now at the moment of changing the channels.
Turning off the TV for a while or disconnecting the power cable completely for 30 sec didn't do anything. Each time when I change the channel now the flash/flickering + slight popping/scratching sound is there.

I am really getting frustrated with this. I spent a lot of money on this set after trusting SAMSUNG brand - and now I'm asking myself should I return this to the store now?
I'm still within the 30 day window.

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flickering on the screen
Feb 10, 2009 8:15AM PST

mazur_1,

If it's not happening on all inputs, it may be a broadcast issue or connection with the cable box. I could go into detail and explain why if you'd like, but basically the cable box has copy protection software that doesn't always connect properly (called a handshake).

Often times, this can be fixed by resetting the cable box or requesting an update from the cable company to install on the box - or sometimes changing the box. I would also switch the input back to HDMI-1 for uniformity sake.

I appreciate the amount of money you've spent and the trust you placed in us. But let's figure out if this is a Samsung problem, or an issue with the cable box.

Of course, if you decide that it doesn't fit your needs at any time between now and the return date, or can't find resolution, do what is best for you. I would rather you be happy above anything else.

--HDTech

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flickering on the screen
Feb 10, 2009 11:30AM PST

Hello Samsung_HD_Tech -

I called my cable provider - Comcast - and we will try replacing the box. I found that when the flickering/snowy flash happened once more when changing channels - I disconnected the cable box from power (which reset it). This seemed to take care of the issue.
Are there more posts related to cable box/handshake issues on this forum? If so I'd appreciate any links -

Thank you for your prompt and professional response -
I hope to keep my LCD as when things work it's just great!

mazur_1

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Box replacement
Feb 10, 2009 2:53PM PST

mazur_1,

There are HDMI handshakes that cause different issues; in some instances, the picture goes out and comes back, or just goes out. Flickering is one of the tame symptoms, and if unplugging the box fixed the issue, then I think you've found your source. You might want to see how long it takes for the issue to reappear. If it happens rarely, you might save the trouble of replacing the box.

There are lots of links, and maybe the best way to approach this is to type "handshake" in the search enging at the top of the webpage. Samsung related = "In this forum". If you want to see all the problems, you can click "In All Forums".

You're quite welcome, and if there's anything else we can do to help, let us know.

--HDTech