Hi all!

Today I just bought my first plasma tv to upgrade from my old crt. Its the entry 42" model from Samsung, ps42a457 (all i can afford at the moment!).

There is a strange problem with two pixels. Whenever the screen is a light blue colour these pixels show up white. As soon as the screen changes to any other colour the white pixels disappear, i.e. they assume the correct colour.

Any ideas? Is it likely to correct itself, or should I return the tv?

Thanks.

I suspect it will probably fix itself. Some here might suggest using programs like "Cars" for example to help fix the problem. If the problem doen't fix itself withing a few weeks I'd return it.

Thanks for the reply.

I downloaded the Dead Pixel Locater program and ran through the colours. Aside from the two white pixels, I have now found another pixel that remains permanently black, and another one that sometimes flashes black on a blue background.

Sitting 10 feet away from the tv, one of the white pixels is very noticable when the screen is blue, while the others are not noticable.

I would return it. You shouldn't have to put up with Dead Pixels out of the box.

Just noticed a tiny scratch, about a millimeter in length, on a corner of the glass screen. At first I thought it was a bit of dust but it won't clean off. Its not in the viewing area, but I'm starting to feel disheartened by this tv, which is a shame as it was rather exciting getting my first plasma. I think I'll try and get the store to replace it.

Just noticed a tiny scratch, about a millimeter in length, on a corner of the glass screen. At first I thought it was a bit of dust but it won't clean off. Its not in the viewing area, but I'm starting to feel disheartened by this tv, which is a shame as it was rather exciting getting my first plasma. I think I'll try and get the store to replace it.

Now a scratch :eek:
Just replace the set. :cool:

Sounds like my first two 46pz85Us. At this point, I doubt plasmas (or any flat panel TV) even come 100%.

Got the set replaced today and have just tested the new one. While there are no dodgy pixels on this one, there is a new problem!!

Underneath the glass panel there is a red line, 2 millimeters in length. It looks like it might be red ink. As it is on the underside of the panel it can't be cleaned. With the tv on it isn't very noticable but can be seen as a small black mark from 10 feet away when the screen is bright.

This is becoming a real pain. Do I go back to the shop and complain, or just live with it? I am beginning to think Samsung's quality control is rubbish, and am reluctant to risk another replacement incase it turns out to be worse again! I feel like asking for my money back :(

If I were you, I'd return it. If you're like me, it's going to be a while before you stop caring.

I know what you mean about the big pain this is causing you. I've already replaced two panels - both had the pixel problems you described in the original post.

I've yet to try again. It was taxing seeing the same delivery guy for the third time, making the phone calls, disappearing from work for 45 minutes a week to go home, etc. They think I'm weird, and it's hard to explain to people that from my perspective and budget, something that costs this much should be perfect when it's brand new.

Having said all that, I'm planning on ordering #3 in the next two weeks. I'm actually thinking of getting the 50" instead of the 46" this time because it's less than $200 difference. This lowers my confidence of having no pixel problems though because there's more panel. Can't wait to get a good one. I guess I'm unwilling to pay $300-400 more in a retail shop for instant gratification (same day swap). Again, my confidence is low that my next one is going to be perfect. I'm starting to think it might be more cost-effective for amazon.com to fly me out to where these ship from for inspection. How many times can I go through this w/o my wife and/or my employer thinking I'm really annoying? How many times will amazon continue this?

If I were you, I'd return it. If you're like me, it's going to be a while before you stop caring.

I know what you mean about the big pain this is causing you. I've already replaced two panels - both had the pixel problems you described in the original post.

I've yet to try again. It was taxing seeing the same delivery guy for the third time, making the phone calls, disappearing from work for 45 minutes a week to go home, etc. They think I'm weird, and it's hard to explain to people that from my perspective and budget, something that costs this much should be perfect when it's brand new.

Having said all that, I'm planning on ordering #3 in the next two weeks. I'm actually thinking of getting the 50" instead of the 46" this time because it's less than $200 difference. This lowers my confidence of having no pixel problems though because there's more panel. Can't wait to get a good one. I guess I'm unwilling to pay $300-400 more in a retail shop for instant gratification (same day swap). Again, my confidence is low that my next one is going to be perfect. I'm starting to think it might be more cost-effective for amazon.com to fly me out to where these ship from for inspection. How many times can I go through this w/o my wife and/or my employer thinking I'm really annoying? How many times will amazon continue this?

I left my job to go back to university so it takes ages for me to save money. Took me a year to save up the cash for this plasma, and even though its the cheapest 42" samsung, I kinda hoped it would be perfect considering I haven't got money to throw about.

I think I'll phone the shop when it opens to see what they advise. Hopefully they will understand my annoyance.

And good luck with your next replacement sebadoo, I hope its a good one!

Can't you go to the shop and do an on-the-spot-inspection? Like literally un-box the TV then and there, plug it in, and inspect it? is that against the rules? It is not unreasonable for you to want a non-defective TV, it is YOUR MONEY, after all.

Called the shop and they told me to bring the tv back tomorrow. The guy sounded a bit cheesed off on the phone! I'm thinking of asking if I can swap for a different brand other than samsung.

Just got my third set. Its better than the other two, but not 100% perfect. There are two tiny specks on the glass that can be seen close up, but are not noticable from more than 6 feet away. I guess I can live with that, I doubt I'll get any better.

At least there are no dead / stuck pixels this time.

Thanks all for the advice!

Just got my third set. Its better than the other two, but not 100% perfect. There are two tiny specks on the glass that can be seen close up, but are not noticable from more than 6 feet away. I guess I can live with that, I doubt I'll get any better.

At least there are no dead / stuck pixels this time.

Thanks all for the advice!

I think you most certainly can live with that.... Glad you got a better set the 3rd time around...

I think you most certainly can live with that.... Glad you got a better set the 3rd time around...

Thanks!

Just got my third set. Its better than the other two, but not 100% perfect. There are two tiny specks on the glass that can be seen close up, but are not noticable from more than 6 feet away. I guess I can live with that, I doubt I'll get any better.

At least there are no dead / stuck pixels this time.

Thanks all for the advice!

Bronzeman, I just bought my first plasma, the Samsung pn63b550. I have also noticed a small speck behind the glass about the size of a pixel. I can't really tell if it is debris or maybe an anomaly in the glass. It isn't noticeable past 5 or 6 feet and even then you have to be at the right angle and squinting to see it. I suspect if you inspected all glass TVs with a fine tooth comb, you’d find slight imperfections in most, if not all, of them. Have you come to terms with the specks in your plasma? Does it affect viewing at normal seating distance in HD? I know if I tried to replace the tv I would just find something else wrong with it. Since it is so small and not noticeable at normal viewing distance, I believe I will just try to forget about it. I have no dead pixels and everything else seems fine. Let me know how you are doing with yours after these few months have passed. Thanks.