Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Snowy picture. Help needed please.

LOL. Hopefully I'll be getting up tomorrow and I'll try all the suggestions. I also complained to Samsung yesterday, and another tech is supposed to come out to take a look at it.

Any word yet Cam?

Hey Rick,

I haven't got anywhere yet. I've been back and forth on the phone with Samsung and the local shop that sent out the service tech. The guy reported that what I'm noticing is normal with plasmas. I told Samsung that I want someone else to come and look at it, and they're telling me that the ticket needs to be closed first by the service technician; whom I have to contact.

I've tried many suggestions like calibrating my set because my brightness is set too high, unplugging it for a couple minutes, connecting it directly to the set, changing cables etc., and nothing has worked.

I've had some extensive conversations with an ISF calibrator, and the last suggestion that he gave me (which I haven't been able to try yet) was to see if it makes a difference having nothing connected to my TV from my AVR, and only have my TV and player plugged into my separate 20 amp circuit, therefore eliminating the chance that something is causing noise.

I contacted Samsung again today, and they're now saying that it is my satellite causing the problem, and the satellite company should come in and check things out. I really, really hope that you guys don't ever have to deal with Samsung's technical support.

As bizarre as it may seem, especially in this day of interactive and sophisticated A/V systems, I have found when dealing with technicians their knowledge is generally restricted to their own product and little or nothing is known about the interaction of peripheral equipment that is hooked together with it. Unless there is a problem with the signal on the screen, cable and satellite people basically no nothing about televisions and generally speaking unless they are an enthusiast, none of them knows anything about Audio/Video systems and Home Theater and how it all ties together.

In the end, you have to do your own trouble shooting and by trial and error try to pinpoint where the problem may originate. Frustrating, but a reality that never seems to change.

Well guys, I received lots of advice on AVS, one of which was to see if I notice the snow/static with the Spears & Munsil calibration disc, and my results were as follows-

I am getting the same snow/static with the black screen and bars up; it's consistent right across the screen. I also disconnected everything and had only my TV and player connected to my separate outlet, with one hdmi cable into my tv (nothing connected to the tv from my avr), and again, no difference. I have also tried 3 different cables.

I am really at a loss, I can't imagine it being anything else but the TV.

The service technician called me a couple days ago and they have to take my plasma TV into the shop. Samsung suggested that they try to adjust the Vscan, to remedy the problem.

It's going in on Monday. I'm kind of worried about the possibility of it returning with a scratch or something on it. Do you think it's a good idea that I get them to sign something stating that there are absolutely no imperfections on the TV prior to taking it, to cover my butt?

In my experiences paper is worthless in instances like that, unless it is used in their favor..............

Cam, if you're worried, get someone to take a few pics of the TV beforehand.

Update-they picked the TV up this morning. Just before they disconnected it, I showed the service tech the snow/static with the Spears and Munsil calibration disc "pluge low test" (it's very evident), and he actually noticed it; simply amazing.

Here's hoping they can fix it, and it ends up back here in the condition it left. Unlike another repair shop here in town that I've dealt with before, I really have no faith in these guys.

Er... You probably meant "ends up back here fixed"...

"Yeah, we fixed it, but you made us sign this waver promising to return it in the same condition in which it left. So we broke it again. That'll be $300, thanks."