well mine poped for the second time
both 12 months apart

first one was covered for everything (parts and labor)

just got off the phone with zenith/lg this time they will only cover parts :( (better than nothing I guess)

how much labor (time) is involved?
My local ASC quoted me ~$280 for labor to replace the boards the second time around. Keep trying with Zenith. Tell them you would like to speak with Executive Services if they can't authorize labor also.
p.s. Be nice. It's hard, but seems to get me a lot farther with these people.
Good Luck
Dave

LG / Zenith POS/POP - Add me to the list.
I would like to post my 1-1/2 pages of notes in dealing with LG since becoming a POP victim. To sum it up, I am on my 2nd Zenith Z50PX2D. I bought the 1st one from CC on 1-18-06. On 1-21-07 it started having the red sparkles problem, bad. On 3-20-07, it went "POP" (black screen of death). I started calling LG as soon as the red sparkles started. They told me they were not aware of any defect with this TV. They told me "Sorry, your one year warranty is up" After going back and forth with them over a two week period, all of a sudden they apologized and said "We made a mistake and your TV does have a 2 year warranty". That was strange, never had any company do that.
On 4-11-07, LG had NVC bring me a new replacement Zenith Z50PX2D and of course we were "LG" once again. Now the 2nd one is starting the red sparkles and even green sparkles too. Once again, I shall go to battle with LG.
I want to say, Thank-You to all of you who have posted here. Misery loves company!! Anyone know where I can get a screen shot of the "page 34, two year warranty statement"? After the last 2 hours of going through this forum and reading all the info here, I want my money back. LG should be sued over this. If anyone knows how to pursue a CA suit, I would be glad to help. I paid $2,750.00for a 2 year TV? Now that's not right!

My local ASC quoted me ~$280 for labor to replace the boards the second time around. Keep trying with Zenith. Tell them you would like to speak with Executive Services if they can't authorize labor also.
p.s. Be nice. It's hard, but seems to get me a lot farther with these people.
Good Luck
Dave
im always polite with Cust Service (I used to be in CS and ppl yelled at me like im the bad guy heh :( )

im happy that they will even cover for parts (since im out of warranty)
made my apointment for feb-11, im going to be TV-less for a good while :(

LG / Zenith POS/POP - Add me to the list.
I would like to post my 1-1/2 pages of notes in dealing with LG since becoming a POP victim. To sum it up, I am on my 2nd Zenith Z50PX2D. I bought the 1st one from CC on 1-18-06. On 1-21-07 it started having the red sparkles problem, bad. On 3-20-07, it went "POP" (black screen of death). I started calling LG as soon as the red sparkles started. They told me they were not aware of any defect with this TV. They told me "Sorry, your one year warranty is up" After going back and forth with them over a two week period, all of a sudden they apologized and said "We made a mistake and your TV does have a 2 year warranty". That was strange, never had any company do that.
On 4-11-07, LG had NVC bring me a new replacement Zenith Z50PX2D and of course we were "LG" once again. Now the 2nd one is starting the red sparkles and even green sparkles too. Once again, I shall go to battle with LG.
I want to say, Thank-You to all of you who have posted here. Misery loves company!! Anyone know where I can get a screen shot of the "page 34, two year warranty statement"? After the last 2 hours of going through this forum and reading all the info here, I want my money back. LG should be sued over this. If anyone knows how to pursue a CA suit, I would be glad to help. I paid $2,750.00for a 2 year TV? Now that's not right!

have you tried to call them
877 543 8325

LG / Zenith POS/POP - Add me to the list.
I would like to post my 1-1/2 pages of notes in dealing with LG since becoming a POP victim. To sum it up, I am on my 2nd Zenith Z50PX2D. I bought the 1st one from CC on 1-18-06. On 1-21-07 it started having the red sparkles problem, bad. On 3-20-07, it went "POP" (black screen of death). I started calling LG as soon as the red sparkles started. They told me they were not aware of any defect with this TV. They told me "Sorry, your one year warranty is up" After going back and forth with them over a two week period, all of a sudden they apologized and said "We made a mistake and your TV does have a 2 year warranty". That was strange, never had any company do that.
On 4-11-07, LG had NVC bring me a new replacement Zenith Z50PX2D and of course we were "LG" once again. Now the 2nd one is starting the red sparkles and even green sparkles too. Once again, I shall go to battle with LG.
I want to say, Thank-You to all of you who have posted here. Misery loves company!! Anyone know where I can get a screen shot of the "page 34, two year warranty statement"? After the last 2 hours of going through this forum and reading all the info here, I want my money back. LG should be sued over this. If anyone knows how to pursue a CA suit, I would be glad to help. I paid $2,750.00for a 2 year TV? Now that's not right!

Are you talking about this:

I sure do hope everyone who has warranty issues on things they purchased with a credit card if the item was covered under Visa/MC's double warranty program....

Most major credit cards offer a double warranty if they carry a VISA/MC/AMEX Logo, all you need to do is submit the claim.

This is great for Plasma TV's.. if you know about it.

I'm coming up on a year since mine popped and was repaired. Does anyone have a suggestion on a good aftermarket warranty company? My set will be out of the two year warranty in a few weeks. Don't really want to put any more money into this TV. But if I can get a warranty at a good price I might consider it.

How many people on this board have actually had their set pop twice? If so how long before the second pop?

I have a better (or worse) question. How many have had their set pop THREE times or more?

Now that mine has popped twice, I am more than a little paranoid....

I have a better (or worse) question. How many have had their set pop THREE times or more?

Now that mine has popped twice, I am more than a little paranoid....

Did they (LG) ever replace your Panel or just the boards ?

Could it be the panels draw to much power for the boards to handle as they age and will new panels do the same?

Any one with panel replaced have any problems ??

The ASC just told me they are replacing the Z- board with the up-dated board (rev. C). It was the only one that blew this time. They are not replacing the panel. Once they get the board in, they will do all the voltage checks to make sure everything is up to snuff

I wonder if these boards were used in the 42" models for Zenith and LG? If so, no wonder they are blowing up! (Some math wizard calculate the extra sq. inches) A lot more plasma has to be driven with the same design board.

okay.. my zenith popped too. I purchased it on 11/25/05 and it popped last week. LG extended my warranty. I'm very happy with that. They were very nice and they got me the extended warranty in less than 2 business days.

now I have a question for everyone.. I've read all the posts here. It seems that people are having more luck getting all the boards replaced:

6871QYH039B YSUS
6871QZH044C ZSUS
6871QDH088A LOWER Y DRIVER
6871QDH089A UPPER Y DRIVER
6871QCH059B DIGITAL CBA

or getting the entire panel replaced.

My question is - The boards that are listed - are they the "upgraded" boards? with the better heat sinks? I would like to tell my service repair man which boards he should get so I can hopefully get this repaired faster.

Can someone please tell me the model numbers for the "upgraded" boards? or the model number for the panel?

Plus, if they replace the panel - does the panel come with the boards? or are those seperate?

I just think that it would be good for all of the readers here, including me, to know what parts these service people should be putting into our tv's so they don't pop again in under a year.

Thanks for any help that people can give me.

~Thomas

okay.. my zenith popped too. I purchased it on 11/25/05 and it popped last week. LG extended my warranty. I'm very happy with that. They were very nice and they got me the extended warranty in less than 2 business days.

now I have a question for everyone.. I've read all the posts here. It seems that people are having more luck getting all the boards replaced:

6871QYH039B YSUS
6871QZH044C ZSUS
6871QDH088A LOWER Y DRIVER
6871QDH089A UPPER Y DRIVER
6871QCH059B DIGITAL CBA

or getting the entire panel replaced.

My question is - The boards that are listed - are they the "upgraded" boards? with the better heat sinks? I would like to tell my service repair man which boards he should get so I can hopefully get this repaired faster.

Can someone please tell me the model numbers for the "upgraded" boards? or the model number for the panel?

Plus, if they replace the panel - does the panel come with the boards? or are those seperate?

I just think that it would be good for all of the readers here, including me, to know what parts these service people should be putting into our tv's so they don't pop again in under a year.

Thanks for any help that people can give me.

~Thomas

Try to get the repair tech to order part# 634862-C049N. It's the latest replacement panel, and comes with all the driver boards attached. It's all you need for a reliable repair (we hope). Board swapping is BS. Lots of people here with 2nd pops after board swaps. Haven't seen any reports of panel replacements failing.

Granted there's many more board swap fixes out there so it's going to have more failures. It's the common repair. Much harder to get them to Ok a panel replacement. If the tech recommends it LG seems to allow it though.

gworkman,
A quick ?, if your exchange receipt rang up at the $2600 for the 1500 tv could you have waited a day and returned the tv with the 2600 receipt for full value? I am facing the same
problem and want full value also. thanks

The worst customer service I have ever experienced with LG. This company doesn't care about stiffing people with a defective product, the only thing that matters is the bottom line and now they only give you 1500 dollars back on a 3000 tv what a rip off.



LG = Lousy Garbage

I'm coming up on a year since mine popped and was repaired. Does anyone have a suggestion on a good aftermarket warranty company? My set will be out of the two year warranty in a few weeks. Don't really want to put any more money into this TV. But if I can get a warranty at a good price I might consider it.

How many people on this board have actually had their set pop twice? If so how long before the second pop?

second time on mine
first time @ 10 months
second time @ 12 months later

well we decided once this one gets fixed it's going in my basement (the wifes gym room) where it will only be used for 2hours 3-4 times a week (instead of 13+ hours every day)

im wondering if it took a poop because of the hours per day, because the tv is switched on and off a good 20 times a day or is it a heat related issue? (since some of the posters mentioned that the heatsink was kinda on the dark side) lol maybe I have to open it up wipe down the factory goop (if any:confused:) and apply artic silver :D

Thank You for the webshot. I printed it out and I bet it will come in handy. After looking at it, I remeber a similiar page that boasted this TV having a two year warranty. Hindsight is always 20/20. And in response to if I have called them? I would say 15-20 times now. I just filed acompaint with the BBB. I mailed them a protest letter via certified return reciept. The next step will to start asking for help in taking them to court. They are negligent in their response to this widespread problem and should be brought to bear on this. Maybe a call to a big TV station might help?
I refuse to pay $3,000 for a 2 year TV. I have a Zenith TV that I bought at a pawn shop 10 years ago that works great. LG really blew it on this one!

after some really strong complaining to LG, they did come out and replace 4 boards in the TV. it does work... however, now i have really bad sparklies.

there is only 1 voltage adjustment in the service manual...

can someone post the details on the 196v voltage adjustment that seems to fix the sparklies?

i'll do this myself if i can get the details.


doug
milguy11 -=at=- aol dot com

CC is having a "local" service guy fix my red sparkles issue. He said its a easy fix and all he has to do is turn down the voltage, no boards to replace. Is that a good thing to hear?

the tech who came to repair mine tried to adjust the voltages, and it DID NOT work. Panel replacement is the best option.

On the other hand, if you want a new tv, just keep calling them everytime the red sparklies come back after a voltage adjustment. After so many service calls, you might get a new one from CC (for BB, it's after 4 calls, I believe).

CC is having a "local" service guy fix my red sparkles issue. He said its a easy fix and all he has to do is turn down the voltage, no boards to replace. Is that a good thing to hear?

local guy came today and looked at the voltage which was within range but turned it down anyway which didn't fix my red sparkles. He took my tv away to "scope" it. He said either the panel is bad or the boards are...hopefully I will know with in a week.

hello I have this tv I love the pic on it. I hate it has this kind of problems though. My ? is anyone ever thought about getting a exented warrenty from a outside company or something? I saw some places that do that for like 5yrs for $500 bucks parts and labor I thought it might be a good thing what do ya'll think?

Bought mine in Feb 06 at Brandsmart here in Atlanta. The red sparklies didn't show up for @ 1.5 years. I did buy a 3 year extended and am very pleased I didn't have to deal with LG. A tech from Norman's Electronics (GREAT local repair shop) came out early December. Took the #'s off the TV and ordered a video controller bd and a X-sus. He told me that he was very confident he would not need the sus board. He was right. He replaced the Video Controller the day after Xmas and it has been perfect since. I swear the pic didn't look as good as it does now when it was new.

Get it back on tue with new panel and all new boards. I can not belive
they spent more on parts and labor then the POS is worth.

I will post back on how it looks...:)

arrgh!!! Mine just popped again! this time it's only been a couple of months!!! this is soo frustrating, another few weeks without my main display, this is gonna suck bigtime!

Got it back and hooked the PS3 up and tossed a BD in, looks like new no sparklies color is clean and sharp.

Parts replaced. PDP, Y SUS, Z SUS, Lower Y Buffer, Upper Y Buffer.

The new PDP is dated 2007.06

Do we have anyone with failure affter a panel replacement ?

The original panel had defects in it that where visible.

The new one seems to be flawless.
I wonder if the manufacturing process has been refined ?

When i got this set i read that 2 or 3 imperfections was normal.

Will post back to let you know if any problems come back..

P.S LG paid for all parts and labor..

(Ask for a panel replacemet do not accept any less....)

Mike.

red and green sparklies are just too much.

called LG/Zenith today, going to send a tech out AGAIN....

hopefully i can get a panel replacement this time.


i'll keep the thread updated.



doug

red and green sparklies are just too much.

called LG/Zenith today, going to send a tech out AGAIN....

hopefully i can get a panel replacement this time.


i'll keep the thread updated.



doug

Tell the repair man the only way to fix your set is to replace the panel . If they do not then the boards will toast due to the fact that the panel draws to much power for the sustain boards thus the sparklies you are experiencing. FYI it will have more problems if they do not replace the PDP. Just my thoughts on it .....

Mike

panel replacement for me has been great. HD DVD looks great, no sparklies...no problems...

My PDP replacement allmost looks as good as my new 52" sony bravia (ALLMOST)
and it seems to opperate alot cooler now...

I had the CC tech come out this morning, he thinks it's now the panel on mine, as there is a picture, but it's very muted. He said he'd call back today on whether or not his boss will authorize the panel reeplacement or a total replacement. At this point, I'm hoping for replacement, which I estimate will be about $1,500 to $1,800 (paid $2,800 for the set over 3 years ago). Because the Panel might take 1-3 weeks to come!!!! Ugh, I can't handle another month without my primary set.

Perseverance always pays off!

Good news to whom it may concern: I was a 2 time "pop" victim of the LG\Zenith Z50PX2D. After filing a complaint with the BBB (Appx. # 530 that they have received on this TV) and sending LG a certified return letter of complaint, LG has made things right by me. At first they told me, "Sorry, your one year warranty has expired and we can’t help you”. Then after calling LG@ 877-543-8325 and asking for "Executive Services” I talked to a supervisor named Wendy Luchen. She was very nice and said LG would cover parts and labor for fixing this 2nd bad TV in less than 2 years. The next day I received a letter from LG authorizing this coverage. Then the next day I got a call from Michelle with LG informing me that LG would swap out this TV with a new one at Circuit City. In 3 days I received a letter confirming this offer. I took this letter to CC and they swapped out the Zenith with a brand new Panasonic TH50PZ700U 50” Plasma 1080p. Needless to say, I am very pleased with LG now. It took a lot of phone calls, letters and time but in the end, they stood up and made things right with me. So there is hope for the victims of this particular model sold by LG, which was discontinued last year. Don’t accept less than what I received. Be polite yet firm with them and hopefully they will make things right with the rest of the victims of this poorly designed TV. My utmost “Thank-You!” goes out to the other people on this forum for their insight and help with this matter.

well, the tech called later that day and said his boss wouild issue a replacement set! wooohooo? or booohooo?

Anyone had this happen with the CC ext Warranty? I'm happy to get a barnd new set, but I'm worried I paid $2,800 (+500 for EW) for a TV that's lasted 2 years and will get stuck with a "comparable" replacement like that POS 50" zenith they are sellling for $1200 on sale now or a Vizio.

Ronito, you got a sweet deal, a 1080p Panny??? after 2 years of using the Zenith. I can only dream that CC will allow me to get a set that is over 2K, I'm pretty sure I'll get a comparable POS or the month (my bet is 1,200-1,800 in credit).

We shall see, I need to call them on Monday.

finally got my tv back on Saturday after being w/o for 2 weeks. Was told only part that was replaced was a video board. I asked which one but he didn't go into specifics. Red sparkles are gone and the picture looks better. Hope this lasts forever or dies before the extended warranty expires.

Perseverance always pays off!

Good news to whom it may concern: I was a 2 time "pop" victim of the LG\Zenith Z50PX2D. After filing a complaint with the BBB (Appx. # 530 that they have received on this TV) and sending LG a certified return letter of complaint, LG has made things right by me. At first they told me, "Sorry, your one year warranty has expired and we can’t help you”. Then after calling LG@ 877-543-8325 and asking for "Executive Services” I talked to a supervisor named Wendy Luchen. She was very nice and said LG would cover parts and labor for fixing this 2nd bad TV in less than 2 years. The next day I received a letter from LG authorizing this coverage. Then the next day I got a call from Michelle with LG informing me that LG would swap out this TV with a new one at Circuit City. In 3 days I received a letter confirming this offer. I took this letter to CC and they swapped out the Zenith with a brand new Panasonic TH50PZ700U 50” Plasma 1080p. Needless to say, I am very pleased with LG now. It took a lot of phone calls, letters and time but in the end, they stood up and made things right with me. So there is hope for the victims of this particular model sold by LG, which was discontinued last year. Don’t accept less than what I received. Be polite yet firm with them and hopefully they will make things right with the rest of the victims of this poorly designed TV. My utmost “Thank-You!” goes out to the other people on this forum for their insight and help with this matter.

Good going. Did the second pop occur within two years from your purchase date? Or was it after two years?

well, as expected, CC came back and offered the Zenith 50" or 1,350 + tax....well, it's either go with the Panny 50" for $100 more or a samsung, if I don't want to put too much more in.

I might look into a bigger RPTV instead now. I don't think it's worth getting a 1080p 50", but at 60+ inches, the 1080p makes more sense.

Surfvland,
The 2nd pop hadn't happened yet. But the sparkles and the jittering was starting to happen, exactly like the 1st TV did. This meant I had 1-2 moths before it would pop. This is when I contacted the BBB and LG. I got a TV from CC that is presently valued at $2,999.00 and CC complied with the authorization letter from LG. The letter also stated that if CC wouldn't honor this swap out then LG would find another retailer who would.I received this TV from CC because LG gave me a letter authorizing them to swap out the Zenith with a TV that had the same features, ie; 50" plasma. CC was very good in how they dealt with this and I will continue to shop from them.

Looks good as new with the new panel and boards.
No sparklies . Hope it last at least 7 more years then i will have got the moneys worth out of it .....

Mike..:rolleyes:

CC has the 50" Panny on sale for $1499, so I put $150 in plus another $350 for the 3 year EW, then I'm good to go I think. goodbye zenith, you *were* a great TV for 2+ years ;)

Well, I still wonder....
Has anyone popped three (3) times?
Dave

tech came out yesterday, tried to adjust voltage on the set to rid it of sparklies - no joy.

he managed to get rid of the red ones, but the green ones persisted on black screens.

he told me he was recommending to LG that the PDP be replaced (not the entire set, just the display)


so there ya go - i wonder how long that'll last (?)


doug

tech came out yesterday, tried to adjust voltage on the set to rid it of sparklies - no joy.

he managed to get rid of the red ones, but the green ones persisted on black screens.

he told me he was recommending to LG that the PDP be replaced (not the entire set, just the display)


so there ya go - i wonder how long that'll last (?)


doug
Are you daff?
See this:
Originally Posted by Ronito
Perseverance always pays off!

Good news to whom it may concern: I was a 2 time "pop" victim of the LG\Zenith Z50PX2D. After filing a complaint with the BBB (Appx. # 530 that they have received on this TV) and sending LG a certified return letter of complaint, LG has made things right by me. At first they told me, "Sorry, your one year warranty has expired and we can’t help you”. Then after calling LG@ 877-543-8325 and asking for "Executive Services” I talked to a supervisor named Wendy Luchen. She was very nice and said LG would cover parts and labor for fixing this 2nd bad TV in less than 2 years. The next day I received a letter from LG authorizing this coverage. Then the next day I got a call from Michelle with LG informing me that LG would swap out this TV with a new one at Circuit City. In 3 days I received a letter confirming this offer. I took this letter to CC and they swapped out the Zenith with a brand new Panasonic TH50PZ700U 50” Plasma 1080p. Needless to say, I am very pleased with LG now. It took a lot of phone calls, letters and time but in the end, they stood up and made things right with me. So there is hope for the victims of this particular model sold by LG, which was discontinued last year. Don’t accept less than what I received. Be polite yet firm with them and hopefully they will make things right with the rest of the victims of this poorly designed TV. My utmost “Thank-You!” goes out to the other people on this forum for their insight and help with this matter.

Hello, is anyone out there?

Call the # I have given above and go after LG on this Zenith POS TV.
My 1080P brand new Panasonic 50" Plasma is awesome. You think I am pulling your leg?
Try my advise and see what happens.
Semper Fi

Are you daff?
See this:
Originally Posted by Ronito
Perseverance always pays off!

Good news to whom it may concern: I was a 2 time "pop" victim of the LG\Zenith Z50PX2D. After filing a complaint with the BBB (Appx. # 530 that they have received on this TV) and sending LG a certified return letter of complaint, LG has made things right by me. At first they told me, "Sorry, your one year warranty has expired and we can’t help you”. Then after calling LG@ 877-543-8325 and asking for "Executive Services” I talked to a supervisor named Wendy Luchen. She was very nice and said LG would cover parts and labor for fixing this 2nd bad TV in less than 2 years. The next day I received a letter from LG authorizing this coverage. Then the next day I got a call from Michelle with LG informing me that LG would swap out this TV with a new one at Circuit City. In 3 days I received a letter confirming this offer. I took this letter to CC and they swapped out the Zenith with a brand new Panasonic TH50PZ700U 50” Plasma 1080p. Needless to say, I am very pleased with LG now. It took a lot of phone calls, letters and time but in the end, they stood up and made things right with me. So there is hope for the victims of this particular model sold by LG, which was discontinued last year. Don’t accept less than what I received. Be polite yet firm with them and hopefully they will make things right with the rest of the victims of this poorly designed TV. My utmost “Thank-You!” goes out to the other people on this forum for their insight and help with this matter.

Hello, is anyone out there?

Call the # I have given above and go after LG on this Zenith POS TV.
My 1080P brand new Panasonic 50" Plasma is awesome. You think I am pulling your leg?
Try my advise and see what happens.
Semper Fi

yhpm ronito

I'm on about a month with my replacement panel, no red sparklies, no problems. The screen looks great with my a35

well mine popped also. It all happened 1/4/08, I was watching it no problems then bang! tv went black and died. I looked around on the internet and found this site (yea) on 1/14/08 i was able to talk to somebody at LG and they gave me the same old run around about the tv is out of warranty BLAA BLAA. I was able to talk to a rep who was helpful to my problem. he had me send in a copy of the reciept and the usual list of items they would need to verify things. he told me he would get back to me in a few days (Yep your right) that didn't happen. I called again i asked for the same guy and he came on the phone and said that LG would pay for all repair parts and labor. Great so the repair shop shows up on the 19th to pick it up and take it to the shop for repairs. he tells me it should take about two weeks to get it done.i agree and away he goes. after 3 weeks have past i call the repair shop and ask whats going on with it and the tech tells me he is waiting for parts from LG but they should be there that week. OK i'll wait, finally on february 14th they bring it back to me and it looks good.the repair tag says they only replaced the Y&Z sus boards. i say to the repair guy you didn't find any of the other boards bad? nope just those two its as good as new... yes it was working just fine. so i sign the repair tag and all is ok (yep your right again) after 10 days of use i have red specklies all over it, so i called LG today and get the same story your going to have to take it up with the repair shop they are responsable for 90 days. i think to myself this is going to be fun... but i got ahold of the repair shop and they will be coming back to my house to pick it up on the 5th of march to make further repairs. no charge to me. we will see how all of that works out. i will update you as it happens. purchase date 1/20/06 pop date 1/4/2008 16 days short of two years

Make sure you tell your repair shop that the only way to fix your set is to replace the panel. OR THEY WILL GET THE SET BACK AGAIN SOON!!!! Mine was serviced 1 time at home and 2 times at the shop before it was done right...

Mike....

well mine popped also. It all happened 1/4/08, I was watching it no problems then bang! tv went black and died. I looked around on the internet and found this site (yea) on 1/14/08 i was able to talk to somebody at LG and they gave me the same old run around about the tv is out of warranty BLAA BLAA. I was able to talk to a rep who was helpful to my problem. he had me send in a copy of the reciept and the usual list of items they would need to verify things. he told me he would get back to me in a few days (Yep your right) that didn't happen. I called again i asked for the same guy and he came on the phone and said that LG would pay for all repair parts and labor. Great so the repair shop shows up on the 19th to pick it up and take it to the shop for repairs. he tells me it should take about two weeks to get it done.i agree and away he goes. after 3 weeks have past i call the repair shop and ask whats going on with it and the tech tells me he is waiting for parts from LG but they should be there that week. OK i'll wait, finally on february 14th they bring it back to me and it looks good.the repair tag says they only replaced the Y&Z sus boards. i say to the repair guy you didn't find any of the other boards bad? nope just those two its as good as new... yes it was working just fine. so i sign the repair tag and all is ok (yep your right again) after 10 days of use i have red specklies all over it, so i called LG today and get the same story your going to have to take it up with the repair shop they are responsable for 90 days. i think to myself this is going to be fun... but i got ahold of the repair shop and they will be coming back to my house to pick it up on the 5th of march to make further repairs. no charge to me. we will see how all of that works out. i will update you as it happens. purchase date 1/20/06 pop date 1/4/2008 16 days short of two years

Thanks Lick for the tip. I have already shared that information with him. we will see what he does with it on thursday, March the 6th. the repairman gave me the impression that he may have to take it back to his shop for further repairs. I will have this web sight open to let him take a look at whats going on with these TV's

Well my TV continues to have sparklies, I haven't gotten another warrent repair going yet was going to wait a little more time as my warrent expires next Jan. Anyway now in addition to sparklies I notice if my TV is on for like 3+ hrs...it starts to display artifacts all over the screen for a split second. It does this every 5 minutes or so and is completely random. This could be because it is overheating? I am not sure but wow this is a piece of trash, I can only hope that my 2nd calling in CC will get me a replacement but I somehow doubt it. Anyone have this artifact issue before?

Hello everyone - been lurking for a while now....as I stumbled across this thread while looking to obtain usage hours on the plasma.

I purchased my unit on 1/15/06 and it went pop this morning (3/2/08) and had the red specks prior as well.

Thank you all for the tips and suggestions thus far. I start my process tomorrow and will hopefully rid myself of this unit and find something that will last a bit longer and not have me always wondering in fear if 'today will be the day'...

Well I called Zenith executive line and talked to Amanda and she sounded like she was in my favor to get this thing fixed well. I think Zenith is finally convinced they have a crap product and anyone here should really beable to call this executive number and get taken care of. Problem with my situation is that they know I have a CC extended warrenty and told me to go through that and if I had any issues with that call her back directly and she would set me up. Well I figured I would be nice and go that route again so basically I have to jump through more hoops because I paid 500 bucks for a warrenty! CC and Zenith have some sort of disconnect when communicating and Zenith certified tv repair guys are not even correct in their system for Maine where I live. I am waiting for CC repair locators to call me back to setup an appointment and I gave them another repair guy that did my repair last time but did not replace all the boards. Even though I told him multiple times the sparkly issue and he still didn't correct it completely. I was hoping just going directly to Zenith to start a repair would have them know who was certified as a tv repair guy and also know what exact info he and parts he needed to fix this problem or even..*GASP* give me a replacement TV like some of you lucky folks have gotten. No I have to go through CC who probably doesn't know about this problematic tv and will throw all their money at a repair guy to get parts to fix this POS that will just degrade with the new parts and I'll have a popped tv in a year after repair. Who's gonna fix my tv when that happens? Not CC as I will be out of extended warrenty and as for Zenith who knows what they would do for me. Where the hell are these class action lawsuits anyway? Thanks corporate america you rock.

well GF just called to inform me the tv made gun fire(pops) and died. Crappy since I've only had it back 3 weeks after they fixed the red sparkles.

I'm so glad I found this thread. Add me to the list of poppers and red sparkles!

My Zenith 50inch plasma HDTV popped about a month ago and after calling LG, they extended my warranty and only covered for the parts. Bought the display 12/05 and popped 2/08. Received my TV from repairs just the other day and it seems to be working fine. However, I noticed whenever there is black levels of color, red sparkles would appear. It's not very noticeable unless you stand very closely to the display (1-2ft). I'm a bit worried about this and I was wondering whether I should do something before it pops again.

The receipt from repairs replaced these parts:

-------------------
6871QYH039B PCB ASSEMBLY, DISPLAY : $270.20

6871QDH088A PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DI : $105.98

6871QDH089A PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DI : $105.98

6871QZH044C PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DISPLAY : $195.75
-------------------

I would really appreciate any help for this. Thanks!

Quick question for all of us CC advantage protection plan users. After 5 days of waiting I had a call from CC that they were unable to find anyone to fix my zenith and they would start the process of switching it out with a comparable unit. Now for those who have gone through this am I going to be stuck with a new zenith they sell for over 1500 less than I payed for or am I going to get my full purchase price towards a replacement?

lilcasino

they will offer a comparable TV, so don't expect purchase price. I was offered that other crappy Zenith they have on the floors now (in black) or the option of credit towards buying something else.

I paid over $2,800 over two years ago, and got $1,350 + tx for the replacement about a month ago. Good news is, you can get a really good 50" Panasonic or Samsung for about $50 more and be good to go (they deliver for free and pick up the old set). I went with the Panny and another 3 year EW for $250. The Panny is a considerably better TV than the Zenith.

I recall when I was shopping for my original Zenith, the Zenith was running over 3K (I got it for less with a 10% coupon) and the Panny (comparable to what I have now, but obviously the latest model) was well over 4K.

thanks I guess, I tried looking through the service contract to see the exact wording. The new zenith is now outleted to 1100 yay.

I'm so glad I found this thread. Add me to the list of poppers and red sparkles!

My Zenith 50inch plasma HDTV popped about a month ago and after calling LG, they extended my warranty and only covered for the parts. Bought the display 12/05 and popped 2/08. Received my TV from repairs just the other day and it seems to be working fine. However, I noticed whenever there is black levels of color, red sparkles would appear. It's not very noticeable unless you stand very closely to the display (1-2ft). I'm a bit worried about this and I was wondering whether I should do something before it pops again.

The receipt from repairs replaced these parts:

-------------------
6871QYH039B PCB ASSEMBLY, DISPLAY : $270.20

6871QDHO88A PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DI : $105.98

6871QDHO89A PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DI : $105.98

6871QZHO44C PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY, DISPLAY : $195.75
-------------------

I would really appreciate any help for this. Thanks!

One word... PANEL. This is the only way to fix your set. The panel draws to much power and the boards can not handle it. Get the PDP replaced or it will never look like new. Read my posts......

Damn, so should I call up my local repair shop again and let them know about this? I already paid $220 for labor. Isn't replacing the whole panel, replacing the same boards they already replaced? I hope I don't come across as a total ass when I call them explaining to them that the only way to completely fix the issue is to replace the whole panel because I read it in a discussion forum.

By the way, the red sparkles aren't as noticeable as they were before when you are 1-2ft away form the screen. Should I still worry about this?

Thanks again.

I am not sure what boards those are for the parts but my repair shop also only replaced certain boards to make most of the sparklies go away and now they are still everywhere but aren't as bright or something. I don't really remember the exact difference but they are still there. I am getting my TV in for a 2nd repair and am going to mention that whole Panel needs to be replaced. I'm guessing thats like the main board for the tv that plugs into the other boards such as Y-sus, Z-sus, and X-sus cards. I think my repair guy only replaced 2 of those 3 and that's why their are some sparklies left? I don't know I am kinda guessing at this point my memory of it isn't so good.

thanks I guess, I tried looking through the service contract to see the exact wording. The new zenith is now outleted to 1100 yay.

They gave me a bit more than the price of the set (it was on sale for $1,200 I think at the time), once they give you the ref #, call your local CC and they will tell you what set you can get, or the cash + tax amt.

I took some pictures of my red sparkles. As you can see, they are very annoying. Click on the pictures so you can view them in full screen. I'm going to be calling the repair shop tomorrow and see what they can do.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3830/img0178de8.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0178de8.jpg)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5108/img0181kz9.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0181kz9.jpg)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/766/img0186cj2.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0186cj2.jpg)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6868/img0189gu3.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0189gu3.jpg)

Just what my set looked like after replaceing like 6 boards or so.
After replaceing the display panel (PDP) my set was like new a perfect picture looks allmost as good as my new 52" sony bravia 1080p. Trust me all the zeniths that popped need a new Display PANEL or it will die again soon!!!!! I took some pictures of my red sparkles. As you can see, they are very annoying. Click on the pictures so you can view them in full screen. I'm going to be calling the repair shop tomorrow and see what they can do.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3830/img0178de8.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0178de8.jpg)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5108/img0181kz9.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0181kz9.jpg)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/766/img0186cj2.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0186cj2.jpg)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6868/img0189gu3.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0189gu3.jpg)

PS. i did not pay a dime out of my pocket LG tried to charge me and i put up a bit of a complaint about paying 3500 for a tv that only lasted 2 years. they gave in and coverd parts and labor....

The panel is the part that you see the picture on it is verry expencive and replaceing it is the only way to make your set like new and last for hopefully a long time...
Good luck ...

I am not sure what boards those are for the parts but my repair shop also only replaced certain boards to make most of the sparklies go away and now they are still everywhere but aren't as bright or something. I don't really remember the exact difference but they are still there. I am getting my TV in for a 2nd repair and am going to mention that whole Panel needs to be replaced. I'm guessing thats like the main board for the tv that plugs into the other boards such as Y-sus, Z-sus, and X-sus cards. I think my repair guy only replaced 2 of those 3 and that's why their are some sparklies left? I don't know I am kinda guessing at this point my memory of it isn't so good.

Just what my set looked like after replaceing like 6 boards or so.
After replaceing the display panel (PDP) my set was like new a perfect picture looks allmost as good as my new 52" sony bravia 1080p. Trust me all the zeniths that popped need a new Display PANEL or it will die again soon!!!!!

PS. i did not pay a dime out of my pocket LG tried to charge me and i put up a bit of a complaint about paying 3500 for a tv that only lasted 2 years. they gave in and coverd parts and labor....



Thanks for the reply, I'm definitely contacting the repair shop tomorrow and letting them know about this. I'll keep you guys updated.

Just called repairs and they are sending out a tech to my house to adjust the voltages. They told me they already replaced the panel... so I'm gonna see if they can fix the red sparkles when they come over.

The repair guys just left the house. They fixed the sparkles by adjusting the voltages and it seems that they are gone. Some really really small blue-green sparkles may pop here and there in very small portions of the display but you really have to have you face in the screen in order to see them. Overall the annoying red sparkles are all gone. Looks almost as good as new.

Synthesize ...

I think they BS,ed you. Did you take note of any distinctive marks or numbers on your old panel ? Look in the top back with a flashlight and find the sticker with date on it it should not be the same as the date on the outside back of the set. Also the serial number will be diferent. . When they replace the panel the service manuel that comes with the new panel gives voltage specs for the new panel. They set them useing a multi meter and test the set for a couple of days .

Actually when they came over, he admitted to not replacing the panel. I guess there was some sort of miscommunication over the phone. I told him about this website while he was adjusting the voltages. I was explaining to him that a lot of people with the same tv had the same problems with it popping and getting sparkles, which the panel needs to be replaced.

Most of the sparkles now are gone but before he left he told me I had 90 days of warranty. If you sit close to the display you can see very small blue-green sparkles when an image turns from a bright color to black. My plan now is to keep it for a few weeks before the 90 days are up and see if it pops again before then. Either way I'm gonna call them again about the sparkles and get them to replace the panel. He was also telling me that another board may need to be replaced but I kept telling him the panel is what needs to be replaced. Hopefully I'll get my panel replaced.

Thanks again for the info Lick, I really appreciate it. Is there anything else I need to know before calling them again? I hope they don't give me a hard time and charge me again just to replace the panel.

Synthesize:
Call LG at this # 1 800 243 0000 and let them know you are not happy with the repairs sparklies and all. Tell them you need authorization for a panel replacemet from one of the zenith autorized repair centers. They will argue but be persistant Also let them know you do not think you should pay for labor since they have not fixed it right the first time..


Actually when they came over, he admitted to not replacing the panel. I guess there was some sort of miscommunication over the phone. I told him about this website while he was adjusting the voltages. I was explaining to him that a lot of people with the same tv had the same problems with it popping and getting sparkles, which the panel needs to be replaced.

Most of the sparkles now are gone but before he left he told me I had 90 days of warranty. If you sit close to the display you can see very small blue-green sparkles when an image turns from a bright color to black. My plan now is to keep it for a few weeks before the 90 days are up and see if it pops again before then. Either way I'm gonna call them again about the sparkles and get them to replace the panel. He was also telling me that another board may need to be replaced but I kept telling him the panel is what needs to be replaced. Hopefully I'll get my panel replaced.

Thanks again for the info Lick, I really appreciate it. Is there anything else I need to know before calling them again? I hope they don't give me a hard time and charge me again just to replace the panel.

Synthesize:
Call LG at this # 1 800 243 0000 and let them know you are not happy with the repairs sparklies and all. Tell them you need authorization for a panel replacemet from one of the zenith autorized repair centers. They will argue but be persistant Also let them know you do not think you should pay for labor since they have not fixed it right the first time..

Excellent. I will be calling them very soon and will keep everyone on here updated.

Thanks Lick! :)

Its sad to say but I won't be participating in this thread any longer. Yesterday I got my cc claim number a whoppin 1400 credit and whenever my panasonic comes in the zenith is gone. If only I never called in to complain about my red sparkles.

lilcasino: You don't consider this a win for yourself? If you are getting a non-Zenith brand and getting a TV with comparable specs I would consider this a huge win! Congrats, red sparklies suck and means the TV will probably pop eventually.

Hooray!

Finally got my 2nd POP. This time it only took 4 months after the repair.

My TV was 1 month out of warranty. I sucessuflly argued with Executive services by way of a complaint to the BBB about the quality of the repair while under warranty - they agreed to extend my warranty until June.

When they repaired the set 4 months ago, i did notice sporadic Red Sparkles, but it wasnt enough (in my ignorant opinion) to ask the repair shop to attempt to solve that issue.

This time, I will be pushing for them to correct the Red Sparkles. From what i understand, the only way to clear that issue up is to replace the Plasma Display Panel....Is this everyone elses understanding?

Yes replaceing the (PDP) Plasma display panel is the only correct fix for the sets that popped. You can tweek the voltage then your out of specs but less sparklies ! Not a good fix.. The fact is that when the panels where made the process in witch they made them was not the best. Now they make em alot better .

My old panel i noticed had flaws in it my new replacement has none.

Hooray!

Finally got my 2nd POP. This time it only took 4 months after the repair.

My TV was 1 month out of warranty. I sucessuflly argued with Executive services by way of a complaint to the BBB about the quality of the repair while under warranty - they agreed to extend my warranty until June.

When they repaired the set 4 months ago, i did notice sporadic Red Sparkles, but it wasnt enough (in my ignorant opinion) to ask the repair shop to attempt to solve that issue.

This time, I will be pushing for them to correct the Red Sparkles. From what i understand, the only way to clear that issue up is to replace the Plasma Display Panel....Is this everyone elses understanding?

what do you mean flaws exactly? I'm sure i have an old panel but I would like to see if I can find em. Thanks.

If you take a close look at the panel you will see it is made up of alot of small squares. Look at the squares and see if you find some that apear to be clogged filled in, These are defects in the panel...


what do you mean flaws exactly? I'm sure i have an old panel but I would like to see if I can find em. Thanks.

Good to hear some folks are getting their sets taken care of! I hAve this set, and was wondering if anyone out there has a table top pedestal for one. Mine is MIA, and would rather buy a TV stand I want, rather than get one I am forced into. I have to take mine off the wall to comply with my apartment's lease. Lame.

So PM me if you have one! I don' care the condition or if you have hte LG version, it's fine!

Just got my popper back from the repair shop. Not to bad they had it 2 weeks, The repairman called me after the first week and said he had adjusted all of the voltages etc. and thought that he had it pretty good but asked if he could keep it for another week to do futher testing. i agreed to that and he said he would put it through cold start testing warm start testing etc.etc. just to make sure it was ok. well he brought back to my house and we set it up and turned it on it looked pretty good, color was good the picture was crisp and clear. so i said lets take a look at a movie. I turned on the dvd player and plugged in a movie, it was looking pretty good. then all of the sudden i start to see some sparklies again. the repairman said he seen them too, and he said the only fix he could see from here would be a new pannel. he said i needed to call LG again and see what they would do. The next day i called lg and spoke to very helpful person and she said that she could extend the warrenty again to have any needed repairs covered no charge parts and labor. she faxed the repair order to my repairman and he will picking up the popper again. this time he will be ordering a new pannel and all control boards. I don't know how long it will take to get all of the new parts in and get it back to me... but its gone again... i will post as things change.

I have this set I bought it used not new I can tell its been worked on before. So far this thing looks great no problems at all I had the 42" one and it had the red sparkles.. How can I tell if this one has had a panel replacement on it or not? Thanks

I just did the veiw hours and my tv says 5724hrs. Is that good or bad like my other post says I know this tv has been worked on I dont know what was done but right now it looks great.

yesterday cc took my pop'd zenith away but forgot to give them the remote. So if anyone needs one let me know and its yours.

Too bad they didn't leave the pedestal, lilcasino ;)

WOW. Mine went POP finally. My wife said she was watching tv and heard a loud pop and the screen went black. She turned it off and when she tried to turn it back on, nothing. It won't turn on. I have been keeping up with this thread and called LG Executive Services. They said although its out of warranty they will extend it and repair. Now I am really hoping to get a new tv. Do you guys think they can fix it?

WOW. Mine went POP finally. My wife said she was watching tv and heard a loud pop and the screen went black. She turned it off and when she tried to turn it back on, nothing. It won't turn on. I have been keeping up with this thread and called LG Executive Services. They said although its out of warranty they will extend it and repair. Now I am really hoping to get a new tv. Do you guys think they can fix it?

Yes they can fix. Get the new PDP Plasma display panel replaced or you will still have problems like sparklies and all. Just to let you know when mine went POP i got the extended warranty and it had to be fixed 3 times before they got it right. So have them replace the panel and boards that come with it.. Just some advice my friend or you will be without your set for a long time .

is there any way to tell if they replaced the panel? mine has 5700hrs on it. It looks great it has been worked on before. I did not buy it new though...but this thing looks great so far. Let me know if I can tell...

is there any way to tell if they replaced the panel? mine has 5700hrs on it. It looks great it has been worked on before. I did not buy it new though...but this thing looks great so far. Let me know if I can tell...

Refer to post #1565

thats good info but mine only had two stickers on the back in the middle of it. Is there any other way...Also has anyone had problems with it after they replaced the panel?.

after 2 years of this POS

i am now the owner of my 2nd 40" sony XBR TV

bestbuy/LG gave me $1499 credit for the POS zenith

took about 20 calls to lg executive services

took about 20 hours of my personal time

facts:

i did not have ANY extended warranty best buy or otherwise....

the tv was well out of the 1 year warranty when it popped the first time


i'll be deleting this thread from my list of favorites... you guys that are still pursuing LG... keep at it.



doug

yeah but has anyone gotten 5000hrs out of this thing. I have 5725hr out of this one. let me know if that is good. I know these things pop i've had the 42" one that did.

yeah but has anyone gotten 5000hrs out of this thing. I have 5725hr out of this one. let me know if that is good. I know these things pop i've had the 42" one that did.

Mine has 5219hrs since i got it new so id say mine poped at around 5000hrs. Thats a long way from the 65000 hour half life...

oh ok...hehehehe..I guess 5000 is a long way then...Thanks

Holycrap you guys must have that thing on all the time..I thought I did and I'm at 3500 since Jan '06

This has happened twice. The last time was last night.
I stepped away from the TV and when I came back the whole screen had a red tint to it.
You could see a picture but it was all red.
I changed channels on the cable box but it did not change the red tint.
I shut the TV off and turned it back on and the picture was back to normal.
Has any one else had this happen?

I play a lot of video games and watch sports a lot...hehehehe..my computer it hooked up to it also..is 5700hrs a lot of viewing I aint not trying to sound funny. But this thing is still kicken. Why cant we here from the one that still are watching there or is just that they arent any?

This could be that your blue or green plug into the tv might be having issues next time it happens try unplugging the cable completely and plugging it back in. I've noticed that my tv sometimes gets all these glitches on it from time to time and when i replug in this cable it usually fixes it. Just my guess

I've owned this TV for over 2 years (two time popper here).
I would like to hook it up to my computer to display pictures. When I use the VGA connection, the pictures are distorted. I think i need a video card that i can set the output to the native resolution of the TV. Is this correct?
If it is true, does anyone here have any advice concerning an appropriate video card?

(nice to see a Z50PX2D post that isnt about popping and sparklies, isnt it?)

John I have my computer hooked up to my Z through the VGA I do have a hdmi on my video card though I could use. I use the 1068x768 setting and have had no problems yet. Any good video card should work. and yeah mine has 5700hrs on it I just found that it hasnt been worked on I thought it had but hasnt.

This could be that your blue or green plug into the tv might be having issues next time it happens try unplugging the cable completely and plugging it back in. I've noticed that my tv sometimes gets all these glitches on it from time to time and when i replug in this cable it usually fixes it. Just my guess

I'm using a HDMI cable.
I should have said that. :rolleyes:
Thanks for the guess.;)

Synthesize:
Call LG at this # 1 800 243 0000 and let them know you are not happy with the repairs sparklies and all. Tell them you need authorization for a panel replacemet from one of the zenith autorized repair centers. They will argue but be persistant Also let them know you do not think you should pay for labor since they have not fixed it right the first time..

Just called LG and they told me I need to call the repair center that repaired my tv. They told me that they will be contacting LG and should get back to me in 3-4 days.

I really hope they don't screw me over and tell me they can't replace the panel.

Just called LG and they told me I need to call the repair center that repaired my tv. They told me that they will be contacting LG and should get back to me in 3-4 days.

I really hope they don't screw me over and tell me they can't replace the panel.

Sounds like your on the right track. Do not let up call LG back again asap tell them that you need them to call your repair shop and that
you need a panel replacement. LG told me the same thing and i just kept buggin them..
My set is workin flawless with the new panel..

Just talked to the tech that is repairing mine in the shop. I printed out a bunch of posts from people in this thread about the panel and he wasn't budging saying that none of us are techs here. He kept telling me that they are sending him the 3 card "kit" for the sparkly problem that the LG tech is sending him otherwise I guess that's all I'm going to get, hopefully the damn problem will come back within the next 7-8 months if it ever does so it can prove that it is the panel, else maybe my panel is ok and the cards just suck, because he did replace 2 cards about a year ago and the sparkly problem got better but hasn't gotten any worse since. There were just some sparklies left because he didn't replace one of the cards. Ah anyway that's my info, I'm pretty sick with dealing with this and will probably give up unless something major happens with the TV, I could live with the amount of sparklies I have now but it's just a shame...a sad shame with all the money spent.

I'm pretty sick with dealing with this and will probably give up unless something major happens with the TV, I could live with the amount of sparklies I have now but it's just a shame...a sad shame with all the money spent.

Hey man...

Don't give up.

LG Executive Services just authorized Best Buy to replace my TV, even though it is out of warranty, and is almost 2.5 years old now. Since this model is no longer manufactured, it looks like ill get to pick a new TV under my original purchase price. I paid 2,999$ in January of 2006.

Keep on LG...I opened a Better Business Bureau complaint, and that appears to have been what lit a fire under their butt.

I just got my letter from LG authorizing the replacement with Best Buy today. The letter states that Best Buy will contact me within 5 days to work the exchange. Ill update everyone in this forum when everything is complete.

Add me to the pop list.:eek:
Purchased 11/23/06
First pop 4/21/08

Almost 17 months:mad:

How can you check to see how many hours you have on your set?

How can you check to see how many hours you have on your set?

Push the Menu button on the TV and remote control at the same time. You might have to exit and do it a second time.

Thanks!

Mine also popped and had the red sparkles. Circuit City is terrible will not stand by their product, they simply quote should have bought the expensive extended warranty, I shouldnt have too! Terrible customer service from LG/Zenith. I will never buy another LG product or anything else from Circuit City. The lies about never hearing of the problem are the most disturbing when clearly this is a wide spread problem. How does a class action law suit happen?

does anyone still have this tv and noting having problems right now..I know in the past I'm just asking becuase this thread started off great...
oh and I have one its running good.....

Mine is running great. I did have my video controller board replaced right after Christmas (Bought extended warranty) and it's been humming along beautifully ever since. I am still very happy with mine. Maybe my experience would not have have been so good if I had to have dealt with LG, but my warranty co came through like champs.

Synthesize: Did you get your set fixed ???

I got my set back from the shop about 2 weeks ago, no sparkles at all!!! WOW it's actually repairable. All boards were replaced except for power and video input boards, however no panel. I still have end of the year to see if panel is fudging my boards up. Anyway after about 2 hours of running the tv I noticed on my devices using component inputs that the screen would flash these glitches / artifacts every few minutes and the longer the tv was on the more frequent it would happen. Guess what? I called in for another TV repair hopefully just need to replace this video input board and it'll solve my problems. (Just a guess). So the tv is going in again. 3rd times a charm right? *fingers crossed* I will not be satisfied til this TV works perfectly.

Well I had my TV fixed 3 weeks ago(POP). 1 Week ago I got the red sparkles. Now I can see them in certain situations other times I don't. I called LG and complained I guess I got the right person and today I got return letters from LG and CC. I get to pick out a new one. I am curious about the red sparkles. When you guys got them did you see them easily or were they subtle? I am thinking about picking up a panny. Any suggestions?

Got my first pop today.:eek: TV powers on but no picture. some ark shapes atthe edges. Bot Jan 06. Now back to read the thread from the beginning...

Synthesize: Did you get your set fixed ???

The repair shop finally contacted me back a few weeks ago telling me LG authorized the repair for the sparkles. I will be delivering my TV to them sometime this week. I'll keep you guys updated.

Supposedly they need to replace the power panel in order to fix the sparkles. However I did tell them numerous times that the display panel is what needs to be replaced.

Well all I have this one last post. My zenith problems are over. it popped on january 14 2008. it was out of warranty, LG agreed to repair it no charge. they replaced z&y system boards. two weeks later back to the shop for adjustments to get rid of red sparklies, back to the shop and plasma pannel was replaced. on the day they brought it back for delivery to me it had blue and green sparklies. I contacted lg and said i wouldn't accept as it was. they played several rounds of your out of warranty, we can't do anything for you bla bla bla. they finally said they would give me a refurbished LG unit
i told them i didn't buy a refurbished unit and didn't think i should have to accept one now. more rounds of bla bla bla. i asked for my money back and of course they wouldn't do that. we talked it out and i agreed to accept a brand new 5/2008 mfg date
LG. 50pg20. I took delivery of it today, it's already hanging on the wall and i am breaking it in now. it's not LG's greatest set but it is better than the Zenith was. This is the short version of my story but if you stick to your story and be very patient with LG you may get the results that your looking for. it took me 6 months to get this result. i am pleased that i got this set. the kicker is, it will only have a 90 day warranty. i'm ok with that, as this set is in my bedroom so it won't be getting that many hours on it. i had already replaced the problem zenith with a 50" Pioneer plasma set. good luck to you all. i hope you all get what you consider is fair.

I've had mine for a couple years now, so I expect something anyday now. :)

BUT... for most of it's life it was run in the dimmer looking LOW POWER mode setting. I suspect that helped it last this long. Recently I've started watching blue ray movies in at the normal power setting, yet turning down the contrast and bright more than the presets.... I was using an HD color tuner disk and noticed RED SPARKLIES at the higher levels of contrast. Maybe this disk will tell me where to set it up to stay out of the danger zone and my $3000 TV will last more than 3 years. Funny. My $900 glass TV lasted forever and is still going strong

I had mine pop last weekend, I turned it off, waited about 10 minutes & turned it back on. About 10 minutes later i heard the infamous "pop-pop" again, picture had that muddy look, I unplugged it at that point. The next nite I plugged it back in & turned it on only to hear another pop and no picture. Turning it off & on at this point produced nothing.
I'm also lucky enough to have purchased it with AmEX. I am about 23 1/2 months into owning it, so AmEX has the coverage until next month. Sears came out & quoted me about $1400 for the repair (4 pcb's shot) - hoping AmEX just refunds me the money & then it will be on to a different TV (never looking at Zenith or LG again). I will be buying my TV with my AmEX though :)

I had the red sparkles on my zenith 42 inch plasma. Called Zenith up, they got a local service repair pickup my plasma and finally after about a month it is coming in today. They said they replaced the panel. We'll see what it looks like this afternoon. Will keep you updated.

Hi everyone.

Just an update !

My set is still workin perfect after that panel replacement ,
hope every one's set are getting fixed proper.

I will never buy LG again....

Late....:)

well...I haven't written in this thread in about a year because my Z50 (purchased in Jan '06) had worked without issue........
until today...POP!!!:eek:
guess I will be contacting EXEC SERVICES to start my "adventure" into repair or replacement...sorry to see this thread has lasted so long with so many "victims"...
but a huge "thank you" to all who have shared their LG/Zenith experiences as you can bet I will be referring that to them...:mad:

stay tuned for more....
I'm sure it will be a wild ride!!!...:D

well, after only one phone call to Executive Services (and speaking with two reps, Carlos and Moses), LG has agreed to extend my warranty coverage to repair my unit , both parts and labor, for this incident...
As has been mentioned previously, I had to be firm and consistent (and always respectfully;)) in my request for a No Charge repair or replacement...
Although both gentlemen acknowledged the existing problem with the Zenith Z50PX2D, their first solution was to offer me the parts only at no charge and the labor costs would need to be paid for by me...
They maintained the fact that since I was almost 18 months out of warranty (based on the 1 year warranty) that I should be happy that they are willing to cover the parts because they technically do not have to do anything for me because of the expiration in warranty coverage.
A fact that I consistently challenged based on the multitude of documented "same product" issues and complaints. I continually mentioned the fact that this is not an isolated incident and that numerous "victims" have been compensated with free "out of warranty" repairs and/or replacements regardless of how long they have been out of warranty...I further maintained that for $3,000, no one should be left with a "paper weight" after so short a time frame...
And so, Moses finally received approval for a complete no charge repair of my Z50...Total time on the telephone, approximately 30 minutes...
They are sending out an LG/Zenith service tech this Thursday to my home...
Stay tuned, more to follow, you can bet in it...

FYI, a big "Thanks" to everyone that has documented their stories here at AVS...I have a feeling that this type of site has proven to be a catalyst for LG's recognition of this problem...

I have been unable to get LG/Zenith to extend coverage for Labor. Unfortunatley after an initial few promising calls and faxing in my receipt, they came back and offered parts coverage. I took it as it was better than nothing but have been trying to get the labor picked up since with no luck. When I asked about the possibility of another failure after fixing, I was told "If my some miracle something else happens after it is fixed you can call back and see what we can do." Looks like I will be shelling out ~400 for who knows how much more usage...

the LG Mobile tech never called to confirm his appointment today (was to be at my home between 8am-12pm) and never showed up, so a quick call to LG.
LG Exec Service rep (Jason Williams) was very helpful and quickly had a local authorized service provider on the phone in minutes (why didn't they just can a local service tech to begin with:confused:, oh well)
Service tech calls me back within 2 minutes and comes out to house with 10 minutes...(that was quick, huh?:D)
Spoke with tech about the issues that others have had regarding this unit and how most people who've only had the boards replaced, have reported that they experienced a 2nd "POP" within a short period of time... I continued with the fact that those who have had a full PDP replaced have not…He explained that it was must likely due to an inexperienced tech only replacing one board instead of both which would result in another “POP” and that unless the PDP was damaged, he would not replace the PDP because LG would likely not approve such an expensive replacement. :mad:
FYI, he did come off as a very “Pro-LG” service provider stating that had I had this problem with any other TV manufacturer, I would be totally out luck the minute my warranty expired…and that LG has been very good about helping it’s consumer base with these issues…(ummm, if your company made a fine product like, say Pioneer or Panasonic, it likely wouldn’t need to worry about extending warranties due to defective products, hmmm???:rolleyes:)
But to their credit, LG is taking care if this issue for me, so in reality, I have nothing to complain about at this moment…
Anyway, he replaced both boards and…..wha-lah!...NO PICTURE…!!! :D
So a new PDP is now in order…(just like I told him…):rolleyes:
Now I wait to hear from LG as to whether or not this unit gets a new PDP or I get a credit towards a new replacement at CC…(think new plasma…..new plasma….)

so….the story continues…

I just got off the phone with Jason at LG Exec. Services again and he stated that LG Tech support has deemed my Z50 repairable and will be shipping out a new PDP along with some new miscell. boards (overnight shipping) to the local service tech...( according to Jason, at a price tag of $3,000 +....:eek:)
Should see the new PDP and parts next Tuesday or Wednesday...
Asked Jason about a return/credit to CC, thinking that it would be more economical for LG to just replace my Z instead of fixing it, but he said that unless this fix doesn't work, repair is the current direction (can't complain, at least LG is fixing this $3000 paper weight of mine...:cool:)
I also asked Jason about my recourse in the event this fix doesn't last very long...he said that, although the replacement parts are only covered for 90 days, if I should have another problem down the road, I should call him again and he (LG) will certainly take care of this unit again for me or replace it...

Makes me feel a whole lot better about LG and this "POPed" Z50 mess...

more to follow next week...

July 2, 2008 - LISTEN UP EVERYONE --- WOW!!!
One phone call to 877-543-8325, less than 3 minutes on the telephone and I recieved a claim number. I provided the information requested by customer service supervisor JASON WILLIAMS (he actually answered the telephone on the first ring - no automated system or recording). He did not admit any issues with the Z50PX2D but then again he immediately stated the Plasma HDTV would be covered under an extended warranty (my original warranty expired March 2007; one year after purchase) and he would contact me with a repair company's telephone number which is here in the Houston area. WOW!!!

I still had my sale's receipt but it was badly faded - but still slightly readible after scanning it into the computer with the contrast and brightness adjusted. I called Circuit City's customer service at "800-843-2489", provided them my original faded ticket number and they were able to pull up a copy from their archieves. Circuit City advised they would mail me a copy of the sales receipt from March 2006.

JASON advised I could just e-mail the scanned copy of the faded reciept to him (JasonWilliams@LGE.com) and he would take care of the rest. WOW #3 - now that's service!!! Lets hope the rest goes so well - I guess they've heard of all the complaints on their product and are hoping to keep customers.

JASON advised they will make an effort to repair the set, but if the HDTV set is deemed not repairable by the repair tech and their tech folks, then I may get a complete refund. - WOW AGAIN!!!

good for you, EmSee!!!....
as I posted earlier, Jason Williams was the same ES supervisor I dealt with and as you stated, very accomodating to say the least.
Still waiting on my replacement PDP...should be here today (hopefully)...
Good luck and keep us posted...

I just got off the phone with Exec Services and they state that since I was extended Parts only coverage she won't do anything to cover labor. Anyone with similar out of warranty time period willing to provide a case number to try and use as backup that others are getting warranty coverage? My purchse was from Jan 06 and popped June 08. TV is in the shop now and they've already ordered y and z boards. I wonder if sparklies are in my future?

the service tech received the new PDP today and came over to replace it...
and now we have a newly repaired Z50 working in our living room!!!!
Glory be...!!!:D
I checked the old PDP panel label and noted that it said the following:
Model No PDP50X30000, manufactured in Aug 2005...
the new PDP panel's label is marked:
Model No PDP50X30010, manufactured in June 2007...
I am presuming that the new PDP panel is of a newer model LG plasma from last years model line up. Heres to hoping this "new" version of my Z50 lasts for years to come...
if not, I'll be calling on LG to take the next step to a credit refund...

until then, best of luck to all the "POP" victims...do not give up the fight! These units can be repaired (as Lick previously stated, you must replace the PDP panel) and LG has proven that they are willing to do so at no cost to us...:cool:

the service tech received the new PDP today and came over to replace it...
and now we have a newly repaired Z50 working in our living room!!!!
Glory be...!!!:D
I checked the old PDP panel label and noted that it said the following:
Model No PDP50X30000, manufactured in Aug 2005...
the new PDP panel's label is marked:
Model No PDP50X30010, manufactured in June 2007...
I am presuming that the new PDP panel is of a newer model LG plasma from last years model line up. Heres to hoping this "new" version of my Z50 lasts for years to come...
if not, I'll be calling on LG to take the next step to a credit refund...

until then, best of luck to all the "POP" victims...do not give up the fight! These units can be repaired (as Lick previously stated, you must replace the PDP panel) and LG has proven that they are willing to do so at no cost to us...:cool:

Glad to hear your success storie, and if everyone who has this pop Z50 prob follows cet98's actions you should be good to go. Best to all. Lick
PS my Z50 is stiil workin fine....:)

Well I got my parts covered. I called up and ask if they would cover my labor but all they said is that they already made the decision to cover my parts only because my warranty was out of date. Does anyone know how much it will cost? And what I could try to say for LG to cover my labor cost?

For me, I had to bring the TV in, and it was $100 to diagnose the issue, and 350 for "major" labor which is what they consider for changing boards. The $100 though is going to be put against the labor so hopefully $350 total. They are replacing 2 boards. And I plan to have them power it up in the store to look for sparklies before I take it back home. Hopefully they show up there so I don't have to transport it back and forth again.

I'm looking for the most current part number for the complete panel set.

I'm having the same problem discussed in this forum and LG has extended my warranty on parts only for my Z50PX2D that I purchased 9/11/06. I'd like to ensure that the technician does the complete package the first time.

Thanks to everyone and anyone who has had this handled already.

refer to post #1626 for the model # and date of my panel...

FYI, I neglected to mention that my original PDP had only 1720 hours of use on it after 2-1/2 years...!!!
So in comparison to others whom have noted upwards of 5000 hours before the "POP", I really didn't use my Z50 very much...

I went to pick up my TV today, after getting the Y and Z boards replaced. I asked to take a look at it, and they brought out a DVD player to use. We started up movie and all looked ok, until 3 or 4 minutes in. I started to notice the dreaded red sparklies in the darker parts of the scenes. I switched to the RGB input to get a mostly dark screen and saw shimmering red throughout teh whole screen. The rep told me it was normal to see as the plasma got older, and also mentioned that it was almost impossible to tweak the voltages in a repair to match factory fresh specs. He did call ove rthe tech who did teh work to see if he could tweak it any more, and the tech told him no, that he had tried it when he was fixing it and that was the best he could do. The next step was a new panel. So I called zenith while i was still at the store and they agreed to cover parts again, but mentioned it would be the last time. I'm hoping this solves all the issues and I can get the proper usage out of the set after I get it back....

The techs at your shop is not asking Zenith on the tech repair hotlines the right questions. My tech supposedly got a repair pack that they put together to fix the red sparkly issue which is replacing most of those boards. Sounds like you only had 2 replaced. On another note mine just went into the shop for a 3rd time with a problem that is pretty odd. Sometimes soon after I turn on TV or hour after..these glitches appear on the screen every few minutes and flash so quick people not looking for them will not see them. But it's very noticible to me and takes half the screen when it happens. Ugh I hope this is the last time!($$*%($

The techs at your shop is not asking Zenith on the tech repair hotlines the right questions. My tech supposedly got a repair pack that they put together to fix the red sparkly issue which is replacing most of those boards. Sounds like you only had 2 replaced. On another note mine just went into the shop for a 3rd time with a problem that is pretty odd. Sometimes soon after I turn on TV or hour after..these glitches appear on the screen every few minutes and flash so quick people not looking for them will not see them. But it's very noticible to me and takes half the screen when it happens. Ugh I hope this is the last time!($$*%($

Do you have a habit of scrolling through the inputs on the TV with the remote? I first noticed/commented on this way back when in this thread (early '06?)...and it STILL happens to me whenever the kids want to watch a DVD or put on the Camcorder and we have to switch from the HDMI input to the DVD/Camcorder input. Quick flashes, indiscernible video...it usually goes away after awhile...but it's there....and annoying.

Do you have a habit of scrolling through the inputs on the TV with the remote? I first noticed/commented on this way back when in this thread (early '06?)...and it STILL happens to me whenever the kids want to watch a DVD or put on the Camcorder and we have to switch from the HDMI input to the DVD/Camcorder input. Quick flashes, indiscernible video...it usually goes away after awhile...but it's there....and annoying.

No I don't use the input switching at all, I have a harmony remote and use the activities and it switches it around. Yes they look like flashes and sometimes it stops other times it gets pretty bad and annoying. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all. I haven't seen any regular pattern in it. I also think maybe it is only on my component inputs because it happens on each of them, didn't notice it happening when switching to antenna for cable. Anyone else have this issue?

I have some really good news.

I finally got my set fixed. No more sparkles whatsoever, the set looks as if I bought it new when I went to pick it up from the repair shop!

Here's the additional parts that has been replaced according to the invoice.

6871QCH059B PWB (PCB) ASSEMBLY
6871QYH039B PCB ASSEMBLY
6871QZH044C PWB (ASSEMBLY DISPLAY)

Thank you so much Lick. I really appreciate all the help you gave me and everyone else on this forum.

Hey guys,

I wish I would have found this thread before purchasing. I bought this t.v. 2 weeks ago used, and now I have a junk tv. When I turn the T.V. on, it "clicks" and the led turns from green to red.

Is there any hope for me?

Going on 3 years I guess w/ mine. Had sparklies, but got them fixed. If I get another year, I'll be pleased indeed.

Quick question-- maybe more PC related, but since it also deals w/ this set, I thought I'd give it a shot:

I have a PC connected to it. The current vid card has old-school rgb(?) as well as dvi. Since I had an rgb (not sure-- is VGA the correct name?) connector, that's what I used. Works OK, except I can't fill the aspect ratio of the screen without stretching. I am wondering if it's a limitation of the set, the connection I'm using, or the card.

Any guidance appreciated!

After reading the complains of the dreaded popping of the TV, need all of your advice/input if i should be concerned. Bought the TV in Dec 2005 for my bedroom and it is used on an average of an hour or two max per day. The TV is running fine till now but need to know if there is any relation between popping and how long the TV is being used ?? Should i be concerned?? Are there any signs before the TV goes pop, boom & fizzle??

How do i check as to how many hours the TV has been used??

To check the hours you hold the menu button on the remote and the menu button on the tv at the same time for about 5 seconds. A service menu will come up and then I think you just hit the menu button on the remote again and it'll display the hours used. Congrats on having the TV going since 2005.

After reading the complains of the dreaded popping of the TV, need all of your advice/input if i should be concerned. Bought the TV in Dec 2005 for my bedroom and it is used on an average of an hour or two max per day. The TV is running fine till now but need to know if there is any relation between popping and how long the TV is being used ?? Should i be concerned?? Are there any signs before the TV goes pop, boom & fizzle??

How do i check as to how many hours the TV has been used??

as I stated earlier, my TV only had 1720 hours on it since I purchased it in Feb. 2006...many others have stated hours as high as 5000...I'm not sure if the display POPS based on length of hours used or if its just a matter of "when its your time, its your time..." We were just watching TV as normal and all of a sudden it POPPED and went black...we never had the sparkle issue so there was never a sign that the display would die...
At this point I would just do what your doing and keep this forum on your "favorites" so that you can refer back if in the event you need to...

Otherwise, enjoy your Z50 and don't worry yourself since you can't really do anything at this point...

as I stated earlier, my TV only had 1720 hours on it since I purchased it in Feb. 2006...many others have stated hours as high as 5000...I'm not sure if the display POPS based on length of hours used or if its just a matter of "when its your time, its your time..." We were just watching TV as normal and all of a sudden it POPPED and went black...we never had the sparkle issue so there was never a sign that the display would die...
At this point I would just do what your doing and keep this forum on your "favorites" so that you can refer back if in the event you need to...

Otherwise, enjoy your Z50 and don't worry yourself since you can't really do anything at this point...
well like you said one day at a time and no sense thinking about the problem if i dont have one. I checked to see how many hours i have used the TV and it was 438 hours only. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Just thought I'd update everyone on my repair yet again. I have the CC 3 year warrenty plan and It is up this Janurary. Well I called CC again to put the order through again for a repair because the repair guy has had my TV for almost 2 months now and couldn't seem to find the request in his system. He also wanted to replace all boards again. Well I got a lady who authorizes it and i'm telling her how this TV is driving me nuts and this is the third time I've had it in the shop. She goes this sounds like a lemon (gee...really a lemon, you don't say..) lets get him to give us a diagnoses only and we'll just get you a new TV! My jaw drop as I wasn't expecting this at all. Anyway I hope this comes true and I can rid this damn thing after 3 years! I just hope my replacement has the same specs at least and since there doesn't seem to be too many 1080is out there these days maybe it'll have to be a 1080p. I can only hope :)

good luck Hoowahman!!!....
Just keep this in mind...
ANY replacement plasma you get is far better than a DEAD Z50 !!!... :)

My Z50PX2D blew up today....had the sound but no picture on any input, no menu, nothing. I purchased it in Feb 2006, and it being in the basement, was a 2nd TV that wasn't used very often...I don't know the number of hours on it, but I would guess it to be less than 1000.

I called LG and told them what happened. They said I only had a 1-year warranty, but that they would cover parts, not labor.

I politely explained to them that if I had been using this TV for hours each day, I would be happy with just parts being covered. But since this was a 2nd TV, and not used often, that I would like the labor cost covered. I also told them that I knew of others who had this same problem out of warranty, and that they had both parts and labor covered.

They said they would see what could be done, and put me on hold. They came back about 5 minutes later and told me that they could cover both the labor and parts, gave me the name of the repair shop in my area, and told me they were sending them the warranty information to cover both parts and labor.

So far LG has handled it about as good as I could ask for. I just hope the repair itself doesn't take too long.

So far LG has handled it about as good as I could ask for. I just hope the repair itself doesn't take too long.
just keep in mind that the only way to fix this unit is to have the PDP display replaced...
Both Lick and myself have had the display panels replaced and to date I (and I still presume Lick too since we haven't seen him back here with any complaints;)) have had no issues...
Also, the service repair can and should be done in your home!!!...There is no reason for this unit to be brought to a service center...my panel was replaced in less than 60 minutes on my living room floor...
Don't be afraid to refer to this site when speaking with LG and/or the service techs...
GOOD LUCK and keep us posted!!!:D

I would concur that could be the issue the PDP as I've had mine in 3 times and have replaced all boards almost everytime....if you want to go that route they may actually get you a new one but it's a huge hassle.

Well I've hit a snag.

The repair center LG referred me to refused to provide service, stating that they have LG on a "credit hold". They said LG owes them money, and they aren't doing any additional repairs until they are paid.

To my surprise LG said the next closest service center, 45 miles away from my house, has agreed to service the TV...so it's looking better.

The repair place just told me they got authorized to actually repair the dang tv. Was hopeful about them honoring the lemon idea.

Mine just popped for the second time last night The first time it popped i still had a picture but the screen was red. Last night when i popped i got nothing. I called CC warranty department and there sending someone out today to fix it. purchased 5,09.06 luckily i bought the 3 year warranty

I had 4 boards replaced yesterday, but I had a lot of red sparkle after they were replaced...a lot more than previously, as they are all over the screen, and I only had them on a very small corner of the screen last time.

After the repair company had left, and the TV had been running for an hour or so, I also noticed a horizonal line going all the way across the screen, right in the middle. The upper half is lighter, and the bottom darker. That wasn't there before. Any ideas??

Fixed in less than 48 hours This time they replaced the Y board.The first time they replaced the Z board. The repair guy pointed out that both the boards he had replaced had upgraded heatsinks So hopefully this will take care of the problem.

Yeah it's kind of funny, not funny ha ha, but it seems that whenever you see an older Zenith, LG or Vizio 50 inch plasma thread get ressurected it's because of the pop of death because of the sustainer Y and Z boards from about 2 to 3 years ago that were on found on the LG panals that all three of these brands used and LG sold.

Mine just popped for the second time last night The first time it popped i still had a picture but the screen was red. Last night when i popped i got nothing. I called CC warranty department and there sending someone out today to fix it. purchased 5,09.06 luckily i bought the 3 year warranty

I have the same thing!


this just happened about 2 hours ago. first pop, still had picture but it was crappy. second pop and now i have no picture. still have sound though.


i am looking for my reciept. LG said they would extend the warranty if i find it. i purchased it in about may of 2006.

worst case scenario, if i cant find it, what parts do i need to fix it and where can i get them. i work on cars and computers so im confident i could do the tv i just need to know what parts are affected and where they can be purchased. thank you!

Repair company said I needed a new panel, that it was going out. So they are talking with LG to see if they are going to replace the panel, or give me credit towards a new TV...I should know more tomorrow.

I have the same thing!


this just happened about 2 hours ago. first pop, still had picture but it was crappy. second pop and now i have no picture. still have sound though.


i am looking for my reciept. LG said they would extend the warranty if i find it. i purchased it in about may of 2006.

worst case scenario, if i cant find it, what parts do i need to fix it and where can i get them. i work on cars and computers so im confident i could do the tv i just need to know what parts are affected and where they can be purchased. thank you!

My guess would be try your local tv repair shop. But i don,t know if i would be so quick to dump my own money into this tv The y and z boards cost anywere from 400$ to 600$ for each board and they might not be a for sure fix so be carefull.

Yeah it's kind of funny, not funny ha ha, but it seems that whenever you see an older Zenith, LG or Vizio 50 inch plasma thread get ressurected it's because of the pop of death because of the sustainer Y and Z boards from about 2 to 3 years ago that were on found on the LG panals that all three of these brands used and LG sold.
Im hoping the upgraded boards will fix this problem i realy like my tv when it,s working.

i have a 50" sony plasma that has LG boards. i have the same problem my tv popped and went black. Sony replaced the y and z sus but now the picture is distorted. the repair guy said i need a new control board which sony will not replace. i dont want to waste money on the part if its not going to fix it. Any suggestions.

i have a 50" sony plasma that has LG boards. i have the same problem my tv popped and went black. Sony replaced the y and z sus but now the picture is distorted. the repair guy said i need a new control board which sony will not replace. i dont want to waste money on the part if its not going to fix it. Any suggestions.

What do you mean Sony will not replace it?

If the TV is under warranty, isn't Sony obligated to take care of it?

Repair company said I needed a new panel, that it was going out. So they are talking with LG to see if they are going to replace the panel, or give me credit towards a new TV...I should know more tomorrow.

LG is going to replace the panel...so it's on the way. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to arrive.

where can i get the y and z boards the cheapest?

LG is going to replace the panel...so it's on the way. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to arrive.

Well I thought the panel was on the way....I was wrong.

Even though LG is covering it under warranty, the repair shop has told me that they are still waiting on the LG regional rep to get back with them. They told me they've called, left messages, etc...but still haven't heard back.

That's just unacceptable to me, and I'm filing a complaint with the BBB in regards to the LG regional rep not caring about customer service.

Second time popper here. TV purchased Jan. 06 popped March 07. Repaired April 07, popped for the second time today.

well my tv just popped for the second time, first was at the year and one month mark now 7 months later here we are. I have a circuit city 5 year extended warranty that doesnt end until 2011. the first time out they replaced just the a board (even though i pleaded for a new panel) now this time im not sure if i should raise hell for a panel, or let them put another board in it wait for it to blow and then go lemon on the set (3rd time lemon garantee) what do u guys think, does replaceing the panel have LONG term hope for this set or 3 years from now when my extended warranty is gone ill have a paper weight

Has any one documented a "pop" after a panel replacement? Or does replacing the panel solve the problem permanently?

LG has decided to just replace the entire set.
They said a new TV should be delivered in 7-10 days and that they will also pick up the defective set at that time.

I'm very glad to see that LG is providing good customer service. I like many of their products, and if they would have dropped the ball on this, it would have really turned me off to their company.

I can confirm that CC extended warrenty is finally replacing my tv completely. I should get more details within 2 weeks but I called them for the fourth time because my last issue has not been resolved with the last repair. I can see it happen a lot less but it's still there. GOOD BYE ZENITH AND LG, our rocky relationship was 3 years too long.

I can confirm that CC extended warrenty is finally replacing my tv completely. I should get more details within 2 weeks but I called them for the fourth time because my last issue has not been resolved with the last repair. I can see it happen a lot less but it's still there. GOOD BYE ZENITH AND LG, our rocky relationship was 3 years too long.

That's good to hear.

The delivery company called me yesterday and said they will be delivering my new TV (LG 50PG25) on Thursday or Friday of this next week...looking forward to it!

Starting to get the red sparkles

So, early last week, my TV went POP. Then the picture was all distorted w/ a blue-ish tint.

I found the advice here, called the Executive desk and they extended the warranty. :) The techs came out today, repaired the Z & Y boards on the television, and when they were done, the picture came back on and looked great.

I tried looking at the black levels to see if I saw the red sparkles which I had seen before, and I couldn't see any.

The TV's been on the afternoon now, and when I went back I saw them. :(

Question for the group. Am I correct in that I should not see any red sparkles at all? This is the only plasma I own....rest are LCDs. So I'm not sure what are normal artifacts, and which are bad.

I called the Exec support line again, and they advised me to call the servicer again to have them come out. But before I do so, I wanted to check with the more experienced in the group with these problems. This is something worth calling about, right?

I mean, the sparkles never bothered me before the TV went POP, but if it's indicative of a defect, I'd like to get it resolved while LG is still willing.

Cheers!

Edit to add: I bought the TV in Jan 06. No extended warranty, just Amex warranty. So, I'm at the mercy of LG's generosity here. What outcome should I hope for here, and what is necessary to ensure the longevity of my purchase?

I started out like you and I also bought my TV in Jan 06. I started getting red sparklies and they only get worse as time goes on. After 3 repairs on other various issues which happened after attempting to repair the sparklies I called in and said treat this dang thing like a lemon there is nothing more that can be done I don't want to get it repaired again. I'd say call in and tell them this repair didn't fix everything and actually caused an issue. You can try to get it repaired again but I am betting that won't solve your problem in the long run. *shrug*

Hi all:
My zenith is still working like new after that PDP replacement.

Synthesize Glad to hear you got yours fixed up like new.

Good luck to all as it may get more dificult to get sets fixed with the failing economy and all
.

Take care ...Lick:)

So, early last week, my TV went POP. Then the picture was all distorted w/ a blue-ish tint.

I found the advice here, called the Executive desk and they extended the warranty. :) The techs came out today, repaired the Z & Y boards on the television, and when they were done, the picture came back on and looked great.

I tried looking at the black levels to see if I saw the red sparkles which I had seen before, and I couldn't see any.

The TV's been on the afternoon now, and when I went back I saw them. :(

Question for the group. Am I correct in that I should not see any red sparkles at all? This is the only plasma I own....rest are LCDs. So I'm not sure what are normal artifacts, and which are bad.

I called the Exec support line again, and they advised me to call the servicer again to have them come out. But before I do so, I wanted to check with the more experienced in the group with these problems. This is something worth calling about, right?

I mean, the sparkles never bothered me before the TV went POP, but if it's indicative of a defect, I'd like to get it resolved while LG is still willing.

Cheers!

Edit to add: I bought the TV in Jan 06. No extended warranty, just Amex warranty. So, I'm at the mercy of LG's generosity here. What outcome should I hope for here, and what is necessary to ensure the longevity of my purchase?

Get the PDP replaced if you can its the only fix for the sparklies...

SUCCESS!!! I went to circuit city tonight to get my replacement TV! They gave me a 50" Panasonic TH50Pz80U worth $1600 and am I happy! The only different about it is it didn't have a pc input like the Zenith. Hopefully I can connect a pc up using DVI to HDMI cable. Overall I am happy to have such a great name brand for plasmas and never ever have to deal with the Zenith again. Good luck to you all and be persistent!

Has any one documented a "pop" after a panel replacement? Or does replacing the panel solve the problem permanently?

I wouldn't guarantee any fix is "permanent", but I'm getting close to a year now since my panel replacement. It's been working great with no sparklies or other issues.

I am looking for Zenith Z50PX2D Service manual (not user guide)
can anybody help me?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am looking for Zenith Z50PX2D Service manual (not user guide)
can anybody help me?

I wouldn't guarantee any fix is "permanent", but I'm getting close to a year now since my panel replacement. It's been working great with no sparklies or other issues.

Right. the failure time on my TV was about 13-17 months. let's see how it goes.

I am looking for Zenith Z50PX2D Service manual (not user guide)
can anybody help me?

I've got a PDF copy. I'd be glad to get it to you somehow. Don't think email will work as it's over 14MB. Got any ideas for a file transfer?

This piece of junk just popped again. they said that they will cover the parts this time but not the labor. Will see what the charge is.

This piece of junk just popped again. they said that they will cover the parts this time but not the labor. Will see what the charge is.

I have no idea what the difference would be, but they just covered mine for parts and labor this week. I purchased it in Feb 2006 and it is almost two years out of warranty.

is anyone having a problem where the whole screen goes red-ish color? If I turn the channel it goes away. I'm a 3 time popper, 1 more repair and it's a lemon. Thanks for the help

Mine went red twice before it popped for the first time last April
It went red again last week, so it must be getting ready to pop again.
Changing channels did not make difference, I had to turn the TV off to get the picture back to normal.

FYI...I had my PDP panel replaced 5 months ago 07/02/08 (just like Lick) and we're still doing well with no problems to speak of...:D
Get the PDP panels replaced or get a new unit...no other fixes (ie: video cards or boards) have worked long term to date...
Glad to hear LG is still taking care you some of you....Be polite and persistant!!!!

Well, I've pretty much been on this thread since it started. Pulled my receipt...and I purchased it on 12/14/05....because....she just popped today!

So I'll now be navigating the 1-877 executive services phone number to see what transpires.

My son turned the TV and my wife said the noise was so loud that she thought he threw something against the wall....so that was that. And for the record I've had the red sparklies for at least a year...so this occurance wasn't unexpected...but 4 days before Xmas....c'mon! :mad:


Anyone deal with getting a repair in recent days?

Well, I've pretty much been on this thread since it started. Pulled my receipt...and I purchased it on 12/14/05....because....she just popped today!

So I'll now be navigating the 1-877 executive services phone number to see what transpires.

My son turned the TV and my wife said the noise was so loud that she thought he threw something against the wall....so that was that. And for the record I've had the red sparklies for at least a year...so this occurance wasn't unexpected...but 4 days before Xmas....c'mon! :mad:


Anyone deal with getting a repair in recent days?

Have you had your panel replaced yet?

Have you had your panel replaced yet?

Nope. 1st time popper.

Called LG. Was polite. Nice woman agreed to extend my warranty and someone from LG's tech service is coming on Friday. Parts/Labor covered.

I'll talk to the guy when he gets there with all my AVS paperwork in hand so he knows (if he doesn't already) that a panel replacement is needed.

The saga continues.....:o

Well my Zenith was repaired in (maybe?) record time ?!?!? The LG repair dude came out the day after Xmas (12/26) and at the time told me that the panel replacement would take some time because: 1- He had to order the part and 2- Yellow Freight wasn't delivering again until 1/5/09.

Well, he calls my house on 12/30 and tells my wife the part is in...and he can do the replacement as early as 1/2/09...and yesterday he replaced the panel...as well as the power supply (because the capacitors were "bowed"??) and I can honestly say (as others have said here before me) that the TV looks as good as new.

I had a professional calibration done a few years ago and I'm *pretty* sure the picture currently looks as good as it did way back when. I don't have the green push I had right out of the box....and there's no overly harsh tones like I had before the calibration.

I have yet to go into the menu to see if the "hours" on the set reset back to zero....but either way I've got to say that this repair/issue was handled awesomely by LG.

Now, will the repair last/hold? I sure hope so because as the tech told me, "Doing this repair means you'll practically have a new TV".

Chalk one up for the little guy.....:cool:

Now, will the repair last/hold? I sure hope so because as the tech told me, "Doing this repair means you'll practically have a new TV".



My panel replaced Z50 has been flawless (*knock* *knock*) for over a year. Hopefully yours will do the same. I haven't seen any posts in here where anyone had a problem after panel replacement. Only the BS'ers (board swappers) seem to have issues. I really think the original panels in these TV's were defective.

My panel replaced Z50 has been flawless (*knock* *knock*) for over a year. Hopefully yours will do the same. I haven't seen any posts in here where anyone had a problem after panel replacement. Only the BS'ers (board swappers) seem to have issues. I really think the original panels in these TV's were defective.

Interestingly, the tech told me he'd done 2 panel replacements on the Zenith's. I had all my AVS thread info handy in case he didn't feel a panel replacement was necessary...but he knew about the issue as soon as I started spewing all I'd known for the last 2 years or so. Initially, before he opened up the unit and hooked up his do-hickey's he told me he didn't think a panel replacement was the issues/situation because both replacements he'd done were because the TV's were hung over fireplaces and too much heat had built up causing those units to "pop". I immediately thought, "Ah, he's pro-LG/Zenith and doesn't want to admit there's a flaw with the products design...." but after he took his reading he said the damage he saw/issues present were the same as the 2 he'd fixed previous to mine...so he thought, "Hey maybe it wasn't the fireplace after all".

So i'm curious as to whether or not there's a service alert/post on this TV for all techs...or they handle it case by case and only do a panel replacement based on what there handheld devices tell them?? Because if there was a service note on this TV why wouldn't ALL techs just do a simple panel replacement ?!?!?

Either way I'm happy it was fixed/replacement on the arm...and still feel that this tv (after my calibration) had as good a picture of any of the TV's I've encountered (both in my own house as well as other friends houses)....:D

I never had a pop but this time last year I had the sparklies really bad. My tech replaced the Video processor board only and it has been rock solid ever since. No other board and not the panel, either. He was prepared to replace the sus boards and the power supply but they weren't needed. It was a newer revision VP board than the one originally installed. I certainly has done the job for me. At the end of January it'll be a 3 year old set for me and frankly I am very pleased with it right now. But I am keeping myself crossed just to hedge my bets...:)

wow,, just continuing to read this thread really blows my mind on this TV and the loops we must go through to get these issues resolved..


Well I purchased mine in january of 06, but thankfully I got the CC 3 year protection plan.

Well around feb of 07 I began to get the red sparkles. So i dealt with it for almost 8 months.. Then decided to get it fixed. Tech came replace some items when I was not home.. Well it didn't fix the red sparkles. It definitely minimized but they are still there. He stated to my wife that it was normal. As we all know its NOT. So i still have the red sparkles. I even tried to use this as a case for a new tv, but to no avail

Now that my warranty is about to expire this month jan 09 i decided to attempt to get the sparkles fixed. Well in the last week I noticed my tv turn pink 3 different times. It never happened when i was watching it so i'm not sure about any "pop".. i just turn off the tv and turn it back on and it goes away.. but I know something is about to happen.

this time i will be present when the tech comes.. I'm gonna try for a new tv or new panel..

I just dont understand why they are so persistent in fixing it when its cheaper for them to allow a return on a new tv..

wow,, just continuing to read this thread really blows my mind on this TV and the loops we must go through to get these issues resolved..


Well I purchased mine in january of 06, but thankfully I got the CC 3 year protection plan.

Well around feb of 07 I began to get the red sparkles. So i dealt with it for almost 8 months.. Then decided to get it fixed. Tech came replace some items when I was not home.. Well it didn't fix the red sparkles. It definitely minimized but they are still there. He stated to my wife that it was normal. As we all know its NOT. So i still have the red sparkles. I even tried to use this as a case for a new tv, but to no avail

Now that my warranty is about to expire this month jan 09 i decided to attempt to get the sparkles fixed. Well in the last week I noticed my tv turn pink 3 different times. It never happened when i was watching it so i'm not sure about any "pop".. i just turn off the tv and turn it back on and it goes away.. but I know something is about to happen.

this time i will be present when the tech comes.. I'm gonna try for a new tv or new panel..

I just dont understand why they are so persistent in fixing it when its cheaper for them to allow a return on a new tv..

From what the tech told me, the sparklies come from a power supply problem/issue---and what he said was that since I noticed the sparklies, the popping issue wouldn't/shouldn't have been far behind---because the sparklies were from the power supply being overtaxed (or something like that) because there wasn't enough power there to compensate for something....cause the TV to draw too much power which was causing the sparklies (or some crap like that)!!!

Tell your tech to look at the capacitors on the power supply when he removes the back of the TV. On the top, Mine were bowed outward---like this "(" instead of having a flat top like this "|"

I checked the hours on my TV and i'm at 9072

I'm on a little over a year after getting the PDP replaced and no problems what-so-ever.

Bought the Z50 in Feb 06.

3 Burnt-out pixels in Oct 06 (red sparkles)..not too distracting, but noticeable.

POP'd in Mar 08. Immediately declined service...warranty only 24 months.
After pushing the issue LG extended the warranty for 1 time repair.

10 months later 2nd pop. :mad::mad:

I am taking the position that the replacement parts are as defective as the originals. The work was performed by a factory authorized service center with oem parts.

LG flatly refuses to remedy the shoddy repair. They state that the original warranty extension was a 'courtesy' and any further repairs are at my own expense.

I paid $2999. for the set and got significantly less than 3 years of normal household service. $1k per year is not a good ROI for anything let alone a television.

As a chef, I compare this to serving an undercooked steak. The customer sends it back and it goes back out again, only this time overcooked. When sent back again, I simply tell the customer to leave the restaurant.

That customer would never return....just like I will never buy anything from LG again. (that includes all LG branded goods, not just electronics)

Called about the red sparkles and they sent out the repair guy and since it was a 3rd time fix the authorized a TV exchange. A couple days later i got a call telling me they couldn,t do the exchange due to the stores closing around me so they sent me a check for the full amount i paid for the set 2.400 and they let me keep the TV it still has a perfect picture "knock on wood" besides the red sparkles But they only appear on some of the darker screens.

Does anyone notice their set being noisy, kind of a constant hum or buzz. My set originally popped about a year ago and a month after that I had a tech out to adjust the voltage to get rid of the sparkles. All seemed fine, but I recently moved the tv to my bedroom and now notice a constant hum or buzz that often gets louder when the image on the screen has a lot of white or is a bright picture. I never noticed this before, but now that it is in the bedroom, it is especially apparent at night as I have to turn the volume up higher than usual to drown out the noise. It is still under warranty from Best Buy and I am thinking about having the tech come out for the third time, but wanted to see if this is just normal for the set? Thanks!

Well I now know why the tv was so noisy, it popped again today and a tech will be out on Tuesday for the third time to repair the tv. Still have another year left with Best Buy and imagine I will be getting a new tv in a few months when there are problems again. POS TV!

After 3 1/2 years of working perfectly, it pop'd yesterday and the picture turned to faded grey with sparkles. I smelled smoke but there was not visual indication. I called Jason Williams at the 877-543-8325 number but someone else picked up the phone, an "executive supervisor" or something like that. I explained the situation, including mentioning all the problems documented on this forum, and after taking my serial number and putting me on hold for a couple minutes, he came back and said the TV was too old to extend the warranty. I tried to explain the unusual amount of problems this model has, but he was firm in not covering the fix. I called the authorized repair place and they said it would cost about $600.
So..... pay about $1,900 for a new LCD or $600 for a fix that may be temporary???
I'll email Jason Williams at LGE.

I am also a not so proud owner of a Zenith 50" Z50PX2D. I bought it in Dec of 2005. On May 5, 2009 it popped too and the screen blacked out. I called LG-Zenith immediately and they LIED to me! They sadi that they had NEVER heard any complaints on Z50 and no popping noises! CAN U BELIEVE IT?? I searched everywhere on line and have found HUNDREDS of complaints on these models. Why hasn't ZENITH recalled these TV's? I noticed that they were aware as early as 2005 that these TVs POP and black out and DID nothing to solve their DEFECTIVE merchandise and still sold them to us. I paid over $3000 for a product taht only lasted 3.5 years. It is so ridiculous! If this happened to you, please join me in a CLASS SUIT against ZENITH-LG for refusing to assume responsibility on their faulty merchandise. Write to
pgodinez@lausd.net

well after fighting again with the warranty people since circuit city went out of business i tried to put in a service request on the last week of my warranty. When i called they stated the my tv was out of warranty. They had the wrong date on their computers and I had the original receipt right in front of me stating the the warranty expired in a couple days. Well since they transferred the warranty stuff to another company that could not handle the volume of complaints, i had to fax a scanned and printed 3 year old receipt. Obviously it was hard for them to read it, but i was actually able to get the email address of one of the reps and sent the documents through email.. This was just to create a service order to fix the sparkles.

Well 2 months later and i have not heard a word. I have since sent a couple more emails but nothing. Well today "out of warranty" and never able to extend it, it went pop. its out of commission. I will give them one more call tomorrow and no matter what wash my hands of this TV and this situation.

Just disappointed that companies can get away with this.

called LG directly.. was very polite, listed all the problems I've had and the issues everyone is reporting with the TV. He said they would cover parts but not labor. If I can get the screen replaced its going on side the road.

I have the same problem as everyone else it appears. Before anyone gets the wrong impression, I KNOW the TV is out of warranty. It was purchased in November 2005.

But...

A repair of $1,200ish if crazy for a TV for which I paid $2,999.00

My experience with the Executive level person named Simone was not productive at all. She was adamant that A. this was not a "known problem" and B. too far out of warranty.

I told her I'll pay for the labor, just cover the parts. Nope. Denied. She wrote in the conversation log as FINAL disposition.

Without saying it, but still saying it, she said I should have gone through an LG warranty department before going up to her level. She is the final decision. The warranty department MAYBE could have maybe helped out a little differently, without having to go to the exec level. But now, at this level, denial is final.

I'm not finished with them...yet.

i've utilized this thread before, unbeknownst to everyone. i was able to get LG to fix my zenith z50px2d in 4/08. just blew again and now there is total resistance. seems like maybe they have changed tactics now. i wonder if anyone recently has had any luck with other phone numbers or letters or anything. seems some have even gotten credits, wish i could. simone and anna in exec have told me the case is closed. SOL. any help? thanks!

WOW is all I can say.......



I bought mine in Dec. 2005 and it is still going strong. Daily abuse from the 360 and PS3, DVDs and PC input. Maybe someone took their time making my set or either I'm on the verge of it dying.

WOW is all I can say.......



I bought mine in Dec. 2005 and it is still going strong. Daily abuse from the 360 and PS3, DVDs and PC input. Maybe someone took their time making my set or either I'm on the verge of it dying.

Careful---don't jinx yourself...I uttered the same words about 3-4 months before my unit popped. Also purchased mine in Dec of 05...and it popped in Dec of 08...literally almost 3 years to the day after I took delivery.

I bought this set in Nov 05. One year later it had the first pop. Then one more year and another pop. So far after second pop,(1 year and 6 months), still going strong and great picture. If it pops/dies again I will use it for target practice. I'm kinda liking the LCD units that are out now. Would love to get at lease 5 years out this thing first.

Can anyone help me? bought this lemon tv begining of last year and now it popped and they wont help me!! My reciept from CC is worn out in the middle!

Had about enough of this!

had the panel replaced about 1.5 years ago due to red sparklies. red sparklies are now back again (not as bad, but starting just like they did in the past). called bb to schedule service (4 year psp). the only time I've bought one of these (without canceling it asap) and it has worked out so far. i'm hoping for a replacement at this point, but who knows with bb.

I had our Z50PX2D repaired for red sparkles about a year ago; LG never actually fully repaired the unit: the red sparkles just became green sparkles and LG refused further repair--I guess in their opinion, I no longer had RED sparkles, repair DONE. Long and behold, last month the TV popped and the picture went out. I spoke with an Adrian Eason at LG's executive service but she refused any repair. When asked why these sets were not being recalled, her response was, "LG has never recalled a product." Well we can all guess why LG has never recalled a product, it's not from having reliable products, it's from not taking responsibility for defective products! Way to go LG, I will never buy another LG product and no one I know will buy any LG product!

incase it helps any owners:
Mine is still going strong. I turned down the brightness, sort of calibrated it, and set it in low power mode from the day I got it back in 06. If I crank up the contrast or bright, I can create some red sparkle - but doing so messes up the contrast anyway so I don't do that. Any buzzing in low power mode, is low enough to not be a problem. Still looks fine, hoping for a long, lowered brightness life.

I too haven't had any issues with the set so far. I purchased it 12/2005. I used it in low power mode for a while but the switched it off and have been using it as is since.

Same here, sort of. I had red sparkles and switched to low power mode about a yr ago. Today I was tweaking the settings and turned off low power and the sparkles are gone, not sure how long they have been gone but sticking w\ the low power mode.

Also, does anyone know if this TV can display PAL content?

New to this thread but have joined the "pop" experience.
We were trying to turn the TV on and when I moved it to look at the plug - the "pop" sound was heard. I now have a muted red tinged screen and also still have sound. I bought this TV on 9/30/06 from CC and bought the 3-year Advantage protection plan. As you can see the date is 21 days past that and they were not able to help me because CC was no longer in business. I had a great run with this TV and would like to save it for as low cost a fix as possible -- anyone know if you can buy the circuit boards and install them yourself?

Better TV's can be had for $1,200-$1,400. Plus they will not get a repeat "pop".

Does anyone have the Exec Services number for LG? I tried their 800 number and gave them all of my info and they came back with they couldn't help me and gave me local repair numbers in MN. My TV is 3 years old and had 8300 hours on it before the "pop" happened. Am I SOL for getting this TV repaired under their warranty program or just under customer service to get the parts and labor covered?! I've heard so many success stories ! Yes, some took a long time but there was little if any out-of-pocket expense -- that's what I'm looking for from LG ! Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks !!