Troubleshooting
From Samsung Plasma TV FAQ
General Troubleshooting resolutions as contributed by FAQ members.
[edit] How can I restore or recalibrate the HDMI settings changed while in the Service Menu?
Download thischeckerboard jpg image.
Feed the checkerboard image from a PC (or any other device you can use) to HDMI1 @ 1280x720. If using a PC you can use windows picture viewer via slide (F11) to run the pic at full view.
Go to service mode and run HDMI calibration, which shouldn't take more than 10 seconds. If it takes longer it probably won't be properly calibrated.
As with any Service Menu adjustments, do so at your own risk.
[edit] News and sports tickers seem to be moving in small jerky motions instead of moving smoothly.
Go to the Firmware Libraryin this FAQ, then download and install Firmware Update #1039 for your particular Samsung model.
[edit] My Samsung TV picture settings keeps returning to the Dynamic mode
Your TV is probably set to Shop Mode. This is common when purchasing a store demo.
To check if your TV is in Shop Mode, press Info on your remote. If the picture mode says "Shop Mode", do the following:
- Press either the Up Volume or Down Volume control on the TV. The Volume bar will be displayed.
- Press and hold Menu on the TV until "Dynamic Mode" is displayed (about 7 seconds).
- Press Info on your remote and confirm picture mode says "Picture Mode: Dynamic".
Shop mode can also be enabled/disabled from the Setup Plug & Play menu and service menu.
[edit] I cannot get any sound using the optical out connector.
The Digital Audio output is disabled when selecting HDMI sources. It can be used for non-HDMI sources and when using the internal QAM/NTSC/ATSC tuners.
[edit] The Audio goes silent on my xx34, xx54, xx64 after a period of time.
This likely is caused by a bug occurring when using HDMI inputs. It was fixed in firmware revision 1024. If you are experiencing this problem and you have one of the xx64, xx54, or xx34 displays, go to the Firmware Libraryin this FAQ and download and install the latest firmware update for your particular Samsung model. Your other option is to connect your audio source to an input other than HDMI.
[edit] My set won't display two Digital Channels with PIP (Picture-In Picture) mode
Digital channels channels cannot be selected for PIP; only air or cable inputs are accessible. Analog TV signals (Cable or Air inputs) can be viewed on the picture-in-picture (PIP) screen while viewing an external video source (DVD, Set-top box, PC, etc.) connected to the Component, PC, or HDMI inputs.
[edit] My xx34, xx54 won't allow me to view jpgs or play MP3's via the side panel USB port
The ability to view JPGs and play MP3s via the side panel USB port is a feature on the xx64 model line only!
These multi-media formats can also be accessed via USB on the xx84 model line.
[edit] I lost power during my Firmware upgrade now my TV won't turn on!
PROBLEM: While in the process of installing a firmware upgrade you had a power failure and lost power to the TV, or you unplugged the USB memory drive while the firmware upgrade was in process, or you accidentally turned the power off during the upgrade... and now the TV won't turn on or off.
SOLUTION: Follow these steps:
- Remove the USB memory drive.
- Unplug power from the TV and wait ten seconds.
- Re-insert the USB memory drive.
- Plug power back to the TV.
- Press the power button on the front of the TV.
At this point the Firmware upgrade should begin.
NOTE: The TV screen will be blank during the upgrade process. The entire process should take about one minute. After the upgrade completes the TV should turn on automatically. If the TV does not complete the upgrade or does not turn on automatically, please contact Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-726-7864 for assistance.
[edit] My Samsung Plasma makes a buzzing sound
A buzzing sound from your plasma TV is normal. It is caused by the electrical charges used to create the images on the screen. The buzzing, however, should not be so loud that you can hear it when the volume on the TV is set at normal levels.
It is also important to determine the type of buzzing sound. A sound like a ground hum is completely normal. This buzzing can originate near the power cord connection or from the SMPS board position on the upper back of the TV. The buzz will be more audible as contrast increases on the screen, most notably when displaying an all white screen. If the buzzing sound is loud, you may have the Contrast set too high. Lower the contrast to reduce or eliminate the buzzing.
You may also have loud buzzing if the rear of your Plasma TV is too close to a wall or other hard surface. Try moving your TV away from the wall until the buzzing is minimized. [1]
If the buzzing is at a higher frequency and resembles a crackling sound (like the sound of Velcro being pulled apart), and originates from the upper middle back of the TV, you likely have a failing SMPS board. Place a support call with Samsung to have the SMPS board replaced.
FP-T5084 Have a known buzzing problem with a very simple fix. If the buzzing is coming from the left or right sides of the rear and the volume can be changed by pressing lightly on those locations, you are probably hearing the vibration of the grounding springs on the back panel. Call Samsung and have a technician confirm the problem. The easiest fix is to insulate the offending spring by applying some felt tape.
[edit] Can I Delete Sources I Don't Need?
You can change or delete the names you assign to sources, but you can not delete the sources themselves, even the ones you don't use.[2]
[edit] I have 3-4 white vertical lines on the side of my display in 1080i mode only. How can I get rid of them?
[edit] What Is Samsung's Policy On Defective Plasma Cells or Pixels?
One or two defective pixels out of the approximately 400,000 to 1.1 million pixels on a typical Plasma television is normal. Generally, then, if you have only a few defective pixels, service is not an option.
With that said, what Samsung will do about defective pixels depends on:
* The number of defective pixels * The location of the defective pixels * The color of the defective pixels * The size of the TV screen
If you are having a serious problem with defective pixels, gather the information listed above and call Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864). Have the model number and serial number of your TV on hand when you call.
[edit] Can I fix defective or stuck pixels?
You may fix stuck pixels using special software that stimulates pixels with rapidly flashing red, green, and blue signals. Visit JScreenFix for more information.
[edit] Samsung Website Troubleshooting Guide
Some interesting info here, but the accuracy of some of it is questionable. "Trouble shooting Guide
