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

Scratches on new Samsung LN40A550

Jan 27, 2009 9:35AM PST

I just got this TV last week and I noticed in the upper right side of the screen, there are obvious scratches. The scratches are only noticeable when looking at a certain angle but it annoys the heck out of me given its a brand new TV. I'm certain the scratches were not caused by me and I'm debating whether of not if I should exchange the TV for another one.

I don't know if I'm being too anal about this or not...

It's kind of a hassle because I would need to unscrew the wall mounts off and repackage it and do screw back in the wall mount when I get the replacement...

Although I think the Samsung housing around the screen is really sleek looking, I think its very prone to fingerprints and scratches...

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Scratches on new Samsung - Yes, You're too Anal!
Jan 28, 2009 12:50PM PST

To use your own words...yes, you're being too anal about it. More likely than not if you return this TV for some,what I am assuming are just some minor hair thin scratches in an otherwise perfect TV, you'll find something wrong (even worst) with the next one and kick yourself in the butt for returning the first one. You'll be hard pressed to find any TV that doesn't have ANY slight imperfections during the manufacturing process, particularly when looking at it from angles that are not meant to be looked at, at such close range and in the perfect light, etc. Anything you buy, when put under such close scrutiny, will show flaws. If you can't see them while viewing at a normal range and there is no damage to the screen and the picture is perfect, there's nothing to worry about. Put a flashlight up to the bezel plastic and take a close look at the same angle and you'll find tons of little scratches and swirls, and it's perfectly normal. They may not even be actual scratches on your screen. Sometimes the packing material edges rubs up against the screen when removing or packaging and leaves a rather tough scuff that appears to be a scratch. Take a microfiber cloth, slightly damp with just a 'touch' of water or LCD screen cleaning solution if you have it, wrap it around your finger and gently rub in a circular motion adding a bit of pressure, and see if that works. You may be surprised their not scratches at all. Happened to me, that's why I know Happy Best of luck with your new TV and just enjoy it. Regards.

- Collapse -
Look Hard Enough And You Will Find What You Are Looking For
Jan 28, 2009 4:23PM PST
- Collapse -
You could try.....
Feb 2, 2009 12:53PM PST

esbe02,

I can't make a judgment call on if you're being too [ahem] picky about anything. If you're confident that it wasn't caused by you (or even during the unpacking process), you might try to take pictures in to your retailer of the scratches, explain the situation and see what their policy is regarding such issues.

Keep me posted.

--HDTech