I am about 5 months out of warranty. I told the tech it seems to be a frequent occurrence, but he said sorry. I also had mine set to fast and was just wondering if that contributes to the flaring. I'll know next time to buy an extended warranty.

Yikes all this talk is making me nervous. I don't think I ever filled out my warranty card and mailed it in.

My first set came from BB with a narrow green line through it. It was replaced and so far no problems, I wonder if I should dig that warranty card out of my files (big pile of manuals and paper work in a draw), and fill it out?

How long is the HP warranty good? I bought my set in Jan' 07.

an update:
After two failed attempts by an hp technician to fix my television (both of which hp sent him the wrong parts, and I ended up with a tv that did not work at all...) they finally just sent me a new tv. I thought this was a great solution, however the new tv has exactly the same clairity issue on the dvi-hdmi from my computer as the previous tv. I know some of you might think this is an issue with my computer, however I have connected that to similar large hdtv by other manufaturers, and gotten outstanding results. The worst part of all is that this new tv seems to show symptoms of this 'red flaring' issue that everyone is complaining about. I only notice it for about the first 5 minutes the set is powered on. Is this just how the flaring starts? will it get worse?

Just an update from me. I had the flaring problem a few months after I got the PL4260N. Changed every board in the TV did not fix it, so they gave me another one. I have had no problems since then. TV looks great. I have cable hooked through HDMI, DVD through component1, and have had an xbox360 hooked through component 2. All look great.

The flaring issue I had happened once the tv warmed up. It took 20 - 30 minutes before it started. It did get worse over time, eventually with red, green, and blue colors and getting bigger and bigger.

Update on my TV....... New refurb came today pl4260n plugged it in hung on the wall pressed power and............................................... NOTHING DOA DEAD. Called up my case manager and he said I will be buying you a new tv with new 1 year warranty. That tv being the pl4272n TV. TV should be here mid next week will keep you guys updated.

Anyones take on the pl4272n?

I went through the same issue as some of you, and in the end I finally received a new PL4272N model.

On a whole, I like it a bit better than the 4260. I believe a poster above commented that they liked the picture of the older one. At first, I thought the same as well, but after several iterations of calibration, I am much happier with this TV.

I looked through the slotted back and saw the LG label so it's the newer LG panel (it reads "2PX60" - 29 billion colors and 3076 levels of gradation).

3 HDMI connections (1 is for video only though)

PC connection, etc, as before and same with RCA, audio out, component...

OSD is a bit nicer.

Anyway, a super-quick summary as I have to get back to work. So, there ya go.

Thanks buddy for the review.

What are your settings for the OSD calib?

I would like to have a starting point.

Thanks
-Justin

I see lots of issues with PQ and customer service regarding the HP sets...

Am I the only one who's completely impressed with my HP PL5060N after the almost 2 years I've had it? Or am I just lucky and have a ticking time bomb sitting on the stand...

Ryan

Neither of the above, in all likelihood. Most people who post in any forum, including this one, are looking for answers or help, not singing praises. The "silent majority" is probably happy, and not even visiting self-help forums such as this. Read any of the other forums here and you'll find mostly "help!" postings, though both here and elsewhere you WILL sometimes see "greatest XYZ ever!" postings.

Doug

I see lots of issues with PQ and customer service regarding the HP sets...

Am I the only one who's completely impressed with my HP PL5060N after the almost 2 years I've had it? Or am I just lucky and have a ticking time bomb sitting on the stand...

Ryan

I've had mine for about a year. It's moved from a 1-2 hour bed room TV for the first 5 months to a daily 6-7 hour TV and I have had no problems with it. It was a Best Buy open box special, but I have been very happy with it.

Deezul

I see lots of issues with PQ and customer service regarding the HP sets...

Am I the only one who's completely impressed with my HP PL5060N after the almost 2 years I've had it? Or am I just lucky and have a ticking time bomb sitting on the stand...

Ryan

Neither of the above, in all likelihood. Most people who post in any forum, including this one, are looking for answers or help, not singing praises. The "silent majority" is probably happy, and not even visiting self-help forums such as this. Read any of the other forums here and you'll find mostly "help!" postings, though both here and elsewhere you WILL sometimes see "greatest XYZ ever!" postings.

Doug

I am a member of the silent majority. I have had the 4260 for almost 2 years, and have had nothing but pleasurable viewing since. No flaring or anything else (knock on wood!).

I was the same as you guys up to the point where it started having issues. I love the set and PQ is great!!! Just when issues arrise its all in how they deal with it and I have to say being a IT professional HP "SUCKS" they don't take care of their customers and also don't back their product. It was like pulling teeth to get them to do anything. I have got hung up on and they blame that the phone is having issues OK I heard that before......

With all that being said not sure if anyone is following my progress or not but the new TV 4272n was supposed to be in my hands this past Wednesday 11/14 but when I called on Tuesday to get an ETA (I of course was not able to speak to the case manager as he was not available as is with everytime that I call happens) the case manager FORGOT TO PROCESS THE TV..... Are you kidding me this is how a major corp deals with the end user..... I will not rant anymore here but makes me think what would have happened if I didn't call?!?!?!??!

So will keep you guys up to date and this is my third day off from work in 1 month due to this issue because I HAVE TO BE THERE...

Hopefully the new TV will be the end. And I have written a nice letter to Mark Hurd CEO of HP regarrding this issue with "Dan". WHAT A A$$h0l3.

And with that go watch some HD TV :)

I have had my set for 18 months. I began to notice the pixel flare a few weeks ago. Mostly red, and more on the left 2/3 of the panel. Worse in SD than HD. Seems like there is not fix to this thing from the posts above.
Also, my TV does not turn on quicly to a picture but goes through the initialization after each time I turn it on. How do I fix that?
Overall, picture is good other than the flaring. Bummed there seems to be no tech fix to this.

Is all I can say is its going to be a long road if its under warranty still HP Service is the worst.

I'm a pl4260n owner and I'm trying to decide what to do myself. My dad works for HP and we both bought this TV about a year ago. I called tonight and they said my warranty expires on 12/3. We both noticed the pixel flare problem in August and mine seemed to go away but his did not. He called HP support and had a technician come out to do a repair. He went through the same problems with the technician that everyone else is describing here. The tech finally showed up and replaced some of the circuit boards on the back of the TV. The problem seemed to go away for a while but now it appears to happen again on occasion.

My TV has given me this problem very slightly about once a month. I called HP support and told them that I had the problem weekly and they are sending me the parts and I'm supposed to schedule the technician when I receive them. They ran me through some questions and I think that they would have given me a new TV if I had answered them just a little bit differently. I think they realize that this is a very common problem now. What I'm debating is if I should keep telling them I'm having the problem and hope for a new TV. I hate to take advantage of them like that but it seems like they are selling a junk product and should maybe do a recall. A $1200 TV should last longer than a year. What I really want to avoid is having the pathetic one year warranty expire and then have a TV that isn't worth watching.

Any suggestions?

I'll be brief in my experience recap

11/2006 - Initial purchase

12/2006 - Panel buzzing - call customer service. receive refurb after normal routine of replace boards, deal with morons from CompUSA, yada, yada......I could go into great detail here but won't. One issue seems clear - the customer service process is painful at best. Anyway once refurb is on the wall - no buzzing, picture looks great....on to watching some beautiful HD TV....

9/2007 - Dinner guest notices red pixel issue while admiring pq. I assumed it was comcast and swap to dvd via component to show guest it isn't the tv....yet there it is again. no idea how long it was there or if i would have done anything about it had he not said something.....anyway. Log on to AVSforum and notice several others have the same issue (as well as the HDMI handshake issue related to out dated firmware) and decide to call CS before warranty runs out.

10/2007 - Again into the ever frustrating service experience and dealing with CompUSA morons. Replacing boards does nothing to resolve issue so case is escalated to case manager. Case manager offers 2 options - a new PL4272 or LC4276. Wow - and without a fight (Miguel was the case manager btw). I take a few days to mull my options and decide that while I prefer the pq of plasma, LCDs seem more bullet proof and at the very least I will end of with a 42" office monitor once I move onto the new TV (wife says that will be years off.....but we all know how that works...."what's that you say? New TVs are 1440p and I am only watching in 1080p? I can't live another day without 1440p".

11/2007 - So, I now have the LC4276n hanging on my wall and I am a bit up in the air on my overall assessment of the pq. First the pros.....connected to my pc via vga to vga looks outstanding (for vga/vga) and is MUCH better than the plasma. Some 1080i HD equals or exceeds the pq of the plasma....now the cons....some 1080i/720p content is pixelated and blocky. Image noise is unreal at times. SD content on HD channels is almost unwatchable at times. My wife (who would likely watch a 13" B/W TV OTA content via rabbit ears & aluminum foil) has even made comments about how the plasma had a better picture. I used this forum to fine tune my pq settings on the plasma and feel that it is possible the LCD just needs some config love yet can't find any settings that allow me to deal with the extremely poor SD issues. I am hoping once my Oppo shows up that I can forget about how pissed I am at the SD pq because I'll be so mesmerized with the 1080p upconverted experience I won't want to watch cable anymore. I am hoping as more people move from pl4260 tvs to the lcd (i believe hp strategically has decided to focus more on lcd than plasma) i will have some people to compared pq notes with.

Hi, I see you talking about the LC4276N, but its not mentioned in the title. Does anyone know if there is a specific thread on this lcd? If so, thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction.

OK update......

Took delivery of my new PL4272n Plasma TV mounted turned it on and it beautiful. I need to do a calibration on it though today. I heard that there is other calibration features that can be unlocked? Anyone know how?

Also pl4272n owners what settings do you have for your panel so I can have a starting point.

Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I misplaced my HP PL5060N remote control.
I have a learning remote from my Onkyo receiver (tx-sr600) which I have not programmed for the plazma. I searched the receiver manual and coudn't find any codes for HP. I found Programming discrete codes on HP website, however, don't know how to use it (if possible). Any idea if I can program my onkyo remote somehow to operate the TV.
Thanks,
Sergey

Well, I had my first service call today from the CompUSA technician. He replaced the main board in response to the pixel flaring problem. Now, the volume, channel changing, input selection, and menu all do not work after my TV has been on for more than 2-3 minutes. I called back and they said my case had been escalated high and someone tried calling me today but my line was busy which is impossible since it was my cell phone. I'm supposed to get a call from someone on Monday to find out about a replacement. I'm hoping this happens.

Hello,

I reciently got a new cablebox from Cox cable, it's the Motorola DCH3416. I'm having a problem receiving audio from the HDMI output when in 1080i mode. When the T.V. is in 420i or 420p I can get audio through the HDMI cable but when I put the t.v. in anymode higher than 420p I can't get HDMI audio.

Is anybody else having this issue or has anyone had it and fixed it?

I can run the Cablebox in DVI mode using the HDMI cable for video and a Monster RCA-to-miniRCA to get audio but i'd like to use the HDMI cable for everything if possible...

Help!
Thanks,

You might try Philips codes, I believe they're roughly compatible.

Doug

Hello,

I reciently got a new cablebox from Cox cable, it's the Motorola DCH3416. I'm having a problem receiving audio from the HDMI output when in 1080i mode. When the T.V. is in 420i or 420p I can get audio through the HDMI cable but when I put the t.v. in anymode higher than 420p I can't get HDMI audio.

Is anybody else having this issue or has anyone had it and fixed it?

I can run the Cablebox in DVI mode using the HDMI cable for video and a Monster RCA-to-miniRCA to get audio but i'd like to use the HDMI cable for everything if possible...

Help!
Thanks,

I have had simular problem but I always use my A/V receiver for sound, so it didn't bother me. So I just did some checking and with my Dish 722 box I found that if I have no sound through HDMI I can switch to Component 1 and then back to HDMI and get the sound. This problem is only with HD signal. Now if I have sound on HD and switch to SD signal then back to HD, I lose sound until I do the work around switching to Comp. and back to HDMI.

Reply for PIXEL FLARING problem, response to dtaylo1066, bcl00:
I definitely have a suggestion - get the new TV before your warranty expires. Or, buy the extended warranty to assure you will get a new TV. Although I believe in HP in general, and their service dept is the best I have seen. I wish I could attach a pic so you could know for sure if it is the same issue. I got bunches of pixels on the screen flashing all the same color red or green (not solid, seemed to have white background), mostly in white or light areas of the screen, on faces, especially in screens with high noise or contrast. Intermittent issue, and flashes on & off so fast it was very difficult to take pictures of the problem. This symptom started showing 2 months after my first set arrived, and shows up after TV warms up for 1/2 hour (thus every time I had to meet a tech the problem wouldn't show). Long story short, they replaced TV after replacing bds that didn't fix it, and the "new" TV had same problem but in different area of screen. Eventually I got a new TV after that and it works great, but I've only had it 3 wks, and am considering the ext warranty, since my warranty runs out in 1 week. I just think they don't understand this problem, and the testers aren't checking for it, since it is so difficult to duplicate. Hope you have good luck in solving yours. Be patient, but you may have to prompt them with calls.

Reply for PIXEL FLARING problem, response to dtaylo1066, bcl00:
I definitely have a suggestion - get the new TV before your warranty expires. Or, buy the extended warranty to assure you will get a new TV. Although I believe in HP in general, and their service dept is the best I have seen. I wish I could attach a pic so you could know for sure if it is the same issue. I got bunches of pixels on the screen flashing all the same color red or green (not solid, seemed to have white background), mostly in white or light areas of the screen, on faces, especially in screens with high noise or contrast. Intermittent issue, and flashes on & off so fast it was very difficult to take pictures of the problem. This symptom started showing 2 months after my first set arrived, and shows up after TV warms up for 1/2 hour (thus every time I had to meet a tech the problem wouldn't show). Long story short, they replaced TV after replacing bds that didn't fix it, and the "new" TV had same problem but in different area of screen. Eventually I got a new TV after that and it works great, but I've only had it 3 wks, and am considering the ext warranty, since my warranty runs out in 1 week. I just think they don't understand this problem, and the testers aren't checking for it, since it is so difficult to duplicate. Hope you have good luck in solving yours. Be patient, but you may have to prompt them with calls.

Yea I was having this exact same issue with my PL4260N I had 2 techs come out and change the main board and then the video board with no luck. So finally they gave me a replacement PL4260N. I've had it for about a week now I'll let you know if I see the issue again.

Yea I was having this exact same issue with my PL4260N I had 2 techs come out and change the main board and then the video board with no luck. So finally they gave me a replacement PL4260N. I've had it for about a week now I'll let you know if I see the issue again.

If ya feel like reading my story, click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11826834#post11826834) Otherwise, I've had my replacement for about 60 days now, and the same thing is starting all over again :(. I'll keep ya updated...

What if I had the 4260N for 1.5 year without a single problem (out of warranty)? Should I sell it? :confused: :(

What if I had the 4260N for 1.5 year without a single problem (out of warranty)? Should I sell it? :confused: :(

I'd just keep my fingers crossed, but it seems that most of the failures happen within the first year. Sounds like you got a good one.

I'd just keep my fingers crossed, but it seems that most of the failures happen within the first year. Sounds like you got a good one.

I agree. Electronics tend to display a "bathtub curve" where failures are concerned - they're concentrated early or very late in product life. My 5060N is 21 months old and no problems yet.

I've had my 4260N since August of 2006 and have loved it. However, yesterday the entire left half of the screen went dark. The right side of the screen works great and has a great picture.
I turned it off and let it sit for a few hours, turned it back on, and still the same problem. It's hooked up to my 5.1 system via HDMI. I unhooked it from this system and turned it on, still the same problem.
Has anyone else heard of this happening?

Can anyone please send me the schematics for the 4260N, it apparently was once available at the HP site but not any more. I have read that many people did download it. I realize that it is about 40 megs or so. My email is r_guthrie@juno.com Thanks

Can anyone please send me the schematics for the 4260N, it apparently was once available at the HP site but not any more. I have read that many people did download it. I realize that it is about 40 megs or so. My email is r_guthrie@juno.com Thanks

Check your email

Would it be possible to put a link so we could download the schematics. If not my email is eddieowens@embarqmail.com. Thanks

http://www.4shared.com/account/dir/3703011/4c59ae9f/sharing.html?rnd=0

http://www.4shared.com/account/dir/3703011/4c59ae9f/sharing.html?rnd=0


Thanks so much.

Eddie

Thank you Dirty Dan. I have the red and green pixeling after the set is on for a half an hour or so. I then tried placing a small round fan behind the set and then turned on the set and the problem of pixeling never happened. I was wondering if placing a CPU type fan on one of heatsinks on the main board and getting power from the power connector CON47 which is for the IDE disk power might help with the overheating of one of the components on the main board. Has anyone tried this or tried running a fan behind the set? Looking for some comments on this.

Thank you Dirty Dan. I have the red and green pixeling after the set is on for a half an hour or so. I then tried placing a small round fan behind the set and then turned on the set and the problem of pixeling never happened. I was wondering if placing a CPU type fan on one of heatsinks on the main board and getting power from the power connector CON47 which is for the IDE disk power might help with the overheating of one of the components on the main board. Has anyone tried this or tried running a fan behind the set? Looking for some comments on this.

I would think that would work, but why not just a 110v fan blowing into the back of the tv? I have never had any problem with my 4260, had it since May 2005.

question for you guys that have your HTPC hooked up using component..

I have the 5060 and Im getting about 2% overscan..for some reason my videocard is not displaying the sets native resolution(1366x768) like it does when its connected with VGA, Im getting 1280x720 when using component, can I use powerstrip to fix this..

Also my videocard is kinda old AIW9600, if i upgraded will this be fixed as well as give me better picture quality

Thought I would put my 2 cents worth concerning the Flaring problem on my HP PL4260N. Bought the TV in back April, picture was OK, but not as crisp as I thought it should be. Started seeing the Flaring issue after a few months. Gradually got worse...very bad at times. Seems the longer I had it and the longer the set was turned on, the worse it got. Called HP... They sent a a "Main Board" FedEx, and local tech put it in. Imediately... still flaring...bad, AND the picture was worse! Grainyness and lines in it. Tech said he would contact HP for more parts. Time went by...called HP, they had HP/tech mixup problem. Then they sent out "Panel board Kit" to a new, different local tech. He came out and installed 5 new boards in the "kit" - basically replaced the whole TV except for the screen and box! Been using the set a few weeks now... No flaring !, better picture than when it was new...best picture I've seen on any TV yet ! Happy as **** now, but still crossing my fingers. Guess I'll have to buy that extended warranty though.

I have made a few posts regarding this issue. The last one I made right before HP came to bring a replacement. TV was replaced about about 6 weeks ago. This "like new" TV starting having the same problem about 2 weeks after I got it. I called two weeks ago to raise heck and the repair support person said they could bring another "like new" TV, but this is the 3rd one (first one lost picture completely after a month), so I told them I wanted my money back. They said they were not authorized to do that, but they would "elevate" my issue to HP headquarters for review. They said I should hear something within 72 hours...that was 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard a word. I have been on hold with HP the entire time I have been typing this and the person just came on and said I was just connected to the wrong department and is trying to connect me now. I'm getting seriously p***** off at this point.

Does anyone know if the other HP 42 inch models are having the same problem?

I wish you knew what board actually fixed the problem? Did he replace the main board again?

Does anyone have this manual? None of the links to it in this thread work and the document is impossible to find. If anyone has already downloaded and saved it, could it be re-uploaded to a share site or emailed somehow?

Does anyone have this manual? None of the links to it in this thread work and the document is impossible to find. If anyone has already downloaded and saved it, could it be re-uploaded to a share site or emailed somehow?


There is a link on post 1784 for the manual.

ditto. what has been others experience with a fix ?

ditto. what has been others experience with a fix , did it last , what worked ?

spoke to kevin from hp ( very nice kid in canada ) said he was familiar and had seen the problem himself , but hp still goes thru the paces with with the prescribed steps to resolve it , w/o really having a handle on what it might be . asked about the 5072 and the red flair he said they have had some, but not nearly as many calls as the 5060 series . HP WHAT GIVES ? you are losing your ass on this one, diagnose it proper and be done with it ! or send me a check for 50 grand and i will tell you where you went wrong and how to fix it .
i think they would be ahead if they did. i waited a few months for service hoping they would resolve it, but ?

My first visit begins dec. 27 , i will keep you all informed , and if it goes bad with them giving me a replacement w/90 day warranty i will give to my retired motorola friend to diagnose , then sue for my cash with his testimonial . Or give it to grandpa with bad eyesite who's favorite color is red and go get the panny i talked myself out of. i do love the picture when it works .....

let us at least be thankful it was not a 2nd year issue on our investment , as it seems most noticed it in the first year, and we are dealing with hp insted of another company for warranty .

keep you all up to date: as i hope the rest of you will for us ....( forums are give and take, not read and run. )


lets keep to the issues my friends ..

link to manual for easy share

http://rapidshare.com/files/77563025/hpmanual.pdf.html

bkdg100

Hi,

I totally give up and need help. My wife and I decided to move our PL4260N off the wall and put it back on the stand in a different area of the room. Smart Me, I kept the base that has the two metal poles sticking up but didn't keep the brackets that are on the back of the TV. I never threw them out, but if I have them, they are hidden really really well.

Anyone know where to find the metal brackets for the back of this TV?

Thanks for all the help.
Tim

For a company the size of HP not to know how to fix the pixel flare issue is a joke. I am out of warranty as my set is 20 months old. I have no desire to spend money on boards that will probably not fix the problem.

The rear fan fix sounds interesting, but may put a fan noise issue into play. Is there a power supply for fan in the unit?

Given the amount of pixel flare issues posted on this thread, imagine how many there are across the US. Sad response from a proud company like HP.

Perhaps all of the pixel flare sufferers on this site can band together to send a group letter or email to HP stating our total disappointment with the problem and lack of a fix.

I would be happy to write the letter.

Any takers?

My HP is about 15 months old and the only thing I see on my screen is some very small ramdon dots like interference. Would it be possible for someone post a picture of the flaring.

Hi. I am a total n00b as it relates to all this stuff, but I have a question. When watching "live action" events, such as football or racing, the screen flickers and goes dim while viewing. These occurances happen usually during a crowd shot or a field shot, it is as if the screen can't handle the input from the cable box using component (motorola MOXI HD box/Time Warner/no HDMI output/DVI output) it also does this on DVD and over-air broadcasts. I have had the problem for months, (I have the BB extend warranty) I like the TV though, my PS3 looks great using the HDMI setup. I have tried all kinds of screen settings but I am thinking it should just work with the defaults. Any help would be super, thanks all!
Joe
HP pl5060n owner

Guys, is the newest firmware on the PL5060N 1.3.5 as well? I am experiencing the HDMI audio unavailable problem, but with an HD Tivo. I am currently running 1.3.4. I am also experiencing bad audio/video sync that someone else here on the forum mentioned. But, I figured that was the Tivo, or the provider, not the TV. Is it possible it is a TV issue?

Thanks,

Brian

Perhaps all of the pixel flare sufferers on this site can band together to send a group letter or email to HP stating our total disappointment with the problem and lack of a fix.

I would be happy to write the letter.

Any takers?

I have just gotten the first round of service for the "pixel flare" problem. This round of service was replacing all boards except the main board. The problem persists. Next, they are going to replace the main board. I'll update the forum when I get something that works.

Under certain circumstances it is worse than others. For example, it's typically worse when watching SD B&W shows (like Andy Griffith) after watching regular SD or HD content for a while. I assume this would be because of the higher white content, which typically exposes the problem very horribly.

I bought my set in January 2007, and first noticed the flare on a very minimal basis around July or so. I lived with it for a while, because it was usually hardly noticeable, and also because I was going through a move, and it was difficult to do much else.

For me also it was hard to put into words exactly what was happening, also it started off slow, and has gotten worse. Try searching for a problem report, when you don't even know what something is called! I looked for burn-in, and mostly people said it wasn't mach thing to worry about if you didn't leave static images on your screen for hours on end. "Pixel flaring" seems to be a good way to describe it, but I got that term from here.

My brother-in-law came into town over Christmas, and said that did not look like Burn-in or image retention (which is what I thought it might be) since the scene that is flaring out is something that was on the TV only seconds or minutes before. So, I started hunting the Internet. It was only after coming to this thread that I realized the scope of the problem. Even for someone like me that is highly technical, and keeps up on all the latest gadgets (even if I don't buy them all right away!), it was hard to see and quantify what was going on.

I realize that the silent majority is most likely not suffering from the problem, but there are a good number of reports on a highly advanced forum. I also feel that as this took over 6 months to really show up on my panel, it could be that this is a defect in the LG panel that is only exposed over a longer period of time. Of course, that would mean that problem reports would increase as time moves forward.

I HOPE that it doesn't, especially for all the other owners out there, but it does give a slight sinking feeling in your stomach when you see it. At least I know others are having the problem, and that gives me hope that HP will address this formally.

- David

Disclaimer: I work for Hewlett-Packard, but not anywhere close to this division.

Guess I'll have to buy that extended warranty though.

Hi Pintogary,

Glad to hear the board replacement worked for you.

For me the guy replaced 4 boards.


YSUS Board
ZSUS Board
Controller Board
PSU Board


The next step is going to be a replacement of the "Main board"


The question I have for you, is how do you get the extended warranty?

Thanks!

- David

I've had my 4260N since August of 2006 and have loved it. However, yesterday the entire left half of the screen went dark. The right side of the screen works great and has a great picture.
I turned it off and let it sit for a few hours, turned it back on, and still the same problem. It's hooked up to my 5.1 system via HDMI. I unhooked it from this system and turned it on, still the same problem.
Has anyone else heard of this happening?

Hi Boomer,

When the tech came out and worked on my screen, he said that one of the boards he replaced controlled the right half, and the other controlled the left half. It was very clear which was which when he opened it since one was on one side and the other was on the other.

I bet that one of your boards is bad. Of course, I wouldn't tell you to replace it unless you were comfortable attempting to do it, but when he opened the case up, it did seem rather straightforward. I am confident that i could replace one of the boards without much effort at all.

I would only mention it since you appear to be out of the 1yr warranty.

The boards I'm mentioning are called the YSUS and ZSUS boards. Again, this is what he told me the function of these boards are. I suppose one of the connections to this board could have come out?

The service manual I just downloaded (see above for link) has the boards that are needed. I don't know what else to tell you though. Take what I say with a grain of salt, of course, since I am not PDP service expert. Just thought I would pass along the love.

I know this probably isn't what you want to hear.
-David

I saw this somewhere in this huge thread, but wasn't sure if the two were related. I believe what I'm experiencing is called a "Mal discharge" but it only seems to be happening on white areas, not on black areas like the service manual has.

The specific picture I'm talking about is in the service manual on page 143.

It looks like the picture on the left "image sticking mal discharge".

Of course, this is from LG, and it says that it is "caused by panel". which makes me think even more that the main board will not be fixing my problem. If anyone is interested, I'm also posting what the "mal discharge", if that is what it truly is, looks like on my screen.

flare1 - you can see the flare in the upper left of the screen. It is blue in color

flare2 - visable on the gentleman's sleeve. Red and blue in color.

These are minor examples, in real time it is very quick and fleeting, at times it fills 1/4 of the screen if there is enough white images. It is also VERY noticeable.

This is just for people that are still wondering what it is.

davidbritton - I could have written your post of 1/3 - even down to the fact of working for another division at HP. Bought mine at the same time, began experiencing the problem at the same time, also while watching a b/w movie. At first it was so spurious I just thought it was a digital error not worth worrying about. Once it got really bad, if you stood real close while it was happening you could actually see that the image that was flickering was the last menu that was used. I experimented with this - running the menu and making a record of the last menu shown.

The main board was replaced and resolved nothing. Then they replaced the panel (ie the whole tv except for the speakers and the stand. The replacement exhibited the very early stages too (and also burn in). Since I was near the end of warranty, I placed an escalation on the service and was given the option to get a new 50" plasma or the MediaSmart 42" lcd. Due to space restrictions, I opted for the LCD.

So far, this has worked out and I am pleased with the resolution.

ditto. what has been others experience with a fix , did it last , what worked ?

spoke to kevin from hp ( very nice kid in canada ) said he was familiar and had seen the problem himself , but hp still goes thru the paces with with the prescribed steps to resolve it , w/o really having a handle on what it might be . asked about the 5072 and the red flair he said they have had some, but not nearly as many calls as the 5060 series . HP WHAT GIVES ? you are losing your ass on this one, diagnose it proper and be done with it ! or send me a check for 50 grand and i will tell you where you went wrong and how to fix it .
i think they would be ahead if they did. i waited a few months for service hoping they would resolve it, but ?

My first visit begins dec. 27 , i will keep you all informed , and if it goes bad with them giving me a replacement w/90 day warranty i will give to my retired motorola friend to diagnose , then sue for my cash with his testimonial . Or give it to grandpa with bad eyesite who's favorite color is red and go get the panny i talked myself out of. i do love the picture when it works .....

let us at least be thankful it was not a 2nd year issue on our investment , as it seems most noticed it in the first year, and we are dealing with hp insted of another company for warranty .

keep you all up to date: as i hope the rest of you will for us ....( forums are give and take, not read and run. )


lets keep to the issues my friends ..

link to manual for easy share

http://rapidshare.com/files/77563025/hpmanual.pdf.html

bkdg100

sent 4 boards , psu board was wrong ( 42inch version ) next visit 1/9/08
new info for board calibration was in the box ( image ) attached .
will keep you all updated .. http://rapidshare.com/files/82252423/hp5060nva.jpg

sent 4 boards , psu board was wrong ( 42inch version ) next visit 1/9/08
new info for board calibration was in the box ( image ) attached .
will keep you all updated .. http://rapidshare.com/files/82252423/hp5060nva.jpg

replace power supply board today , still nothing , so we went from working but with red flaring, to not booting ( after 3 boards replaced ) . and now still not working after power supply board replaced today . hp sending refurb. for 1/14/08 . will see if they have come up with any real fix , will keep you all up to date as the refurb. burns in ..

I have the 4260 and recently got a Playstation 3. I was wondering if any of you on here have any tips on how I can get the most out of my setup. I have it connected via HDMI. Not really looking for anything too specific, just wondering if anyone has come upon any really good settings and whatnot. Thanks!

I am having the same problem. Flicker/DIm Always occurs during football games (irrespective of the the channel:FOX HD, CBS HD) ...Anyone else facing the same? any solutions?

Hi. I am a total n00b as it relates to all this stuff, but I have a question. When watching "live action" events, such as football or racing, the screen flickers and goes dim while viewing. These occurances happen usually during a crowd shot or a field shot, it is as if the screen can't handle the input from the cable box using component (motorola MOXI HD box/Time Warner/no HDMI output/DVI output) it also does this on DVD and over-air broadcasts. I have had the problem for months, (I have the BB extend warranty) I like the TV though, my PS3 looks great using the HDMI setup. I have tried all kinds of screen settings but I am thinking it should just work with the defaults. Any help would be super, thanks all!
Joe
HP pl5060n owner

Can I upgrade this firmware myself? I could not find any instructions.

I have a problem with a loss of the HDMI video signal from my Onkyo 605. I thought I should try to update the firmware first.

I went to the HP website, but only found some linux files which I assume is the updated firmware. No mention of how to install.

Thanks,
Keith

I am having the same problem. Flicker/DIm Always occurs during football games (irrespective of the the channel:FOX HD, CBS HD) ...Anyone else facing the same? any solutions?

wednesday I am upgrading my HDDVR to one that actually has HDMI, I am hoping that is the issue. If that helps I will post the results, it is really a killer watching NASCAR or football and having the screen dim and flicker, it usually happens when they pan out to a wide shot of everything. SB and Tona are coming soon and I got to have some resolution on this LOL or I will be wearing that TV as a necklace........:eek:

Make sure your DVR's digital audio output setting for HDMI is set to PCM as the TV will not support Dolby Digital input from HDMI (DRM issue). Also I have heard that the flicker issue can be resolved with repair. Panel control board replcement has fixed this issue.

wednesday I am upgrading my HDDVR to one that actually has HDMI, I am hoping that is the issue. If that helps I will post the results, it is really a killer watching NASCAR or football and having the screen dim and flicker, it usually happens when they pan out to a wide shot of everything. SB and Tona are coming soon and I got to have some resolution on this LOL or I will be wearing that TV as a necklace........:eek:

What you are seeing is "normal"; it is a function of the circuitry intended to improve contrast. These crowd shots confuse that circuitry because it can't discern if the shot is light or dark (being a mix of both).

What you are seeing is "normal"; it is a function of the circuitry intended to improve contrast. These crowd shots confuse that circuitry because it can't discern if the shot is light or dark (being a mix of both).

Is there a way to make it stop? I have never seen it before on a HD until I got the HP. It is really annoying for me and my guests seeing that lap after lap, and with football.....omg they want to lynch me LOL but really I wish I could make it go away so if you have any suggestions on settings or anything else, please let me know....thanks!

Is there a way to make it stop? I have never seen it before on a HD until I got the HP. It is really annoying for me and my guests seeing that lap after lap, and with football.....omg they want to lynch me LOL but really I wish I could make it go away so if you have any suggestions on settings or anything else, please let me know....thanks!

Unfortunately, no. Some other sets also exhibit this behavior.

wednesday I am upgrading my HDDVR to one that actually has HDMI, I am hoping that is the issue. If that helps I will post the results, it is really a killer watching NASCAR or football and having the screen dim and flicker, it usually happens when they pan out to a wide shot of everything. SB and Tona are coming soon and I got to have some resolution on this LOL or I will be wearing that TV as a necklace........:eek:

I had that problem fairly often for about 6 months. But over time it subsided until now it nearly never exhibits that behavior. I did find that changing the output resolution of my DVR to 720p rather than 1080i seemed to help quite a bit and I did not notice any deterioration of image quality.

I see lots of issues with PQ and customer service regarding the HP sets...

Am I the only one who's completely impressed with my HP PL5060N after the almost 2 years I've had it? Or am I just lucky and have a ticking time bomb sitting on the stand...

Ryan

Me too. 1 1/2 years with my 5060 and nothing but enjoyment and impressive performance other than the initial 'flickering' that disappeared over a few months and by setting my DVR to 720p output.

thanks all for the input, I am hoping that a combo platter of HDMI input with a better HD box (that TW told me they had and to come and switch) the problem will lessen or maybe go away. I am going to match the res on my current box to the TV and see what that does for now until I get the box swapped.....thanks again, I will update to let you know what happens.....
hooah!

Hi all -

I've searched through this (long) thread and haven't seen any clear answers to my issues. Here are my questions:

1. My DirecTV DVR (HR20) remote works fine in "slow" powerup mode, but when I move to "quick" mode I have to move the switch to TV in order for the on button to work - off, volume, mute, etc. all work fine. Is there another code that will work better for the on button in the "fast" powerup mode?

2. My audio volume is really terrible. I'm using HDMI cable - I've turned Dolby on and off on the DVR, and WOW on and off on the TV. Some shows are fine, but some we have to turn the volume up to near max just to hear the voices well, though other things like background noises are plenty loud. I've also played with the equalizer settings, but maybe I'm doing it wrong. Any tips would be helpful.

3. I sometimes get a weird green pixel effect that's like a "ghost" I most happens when there is a white line (say a shelf) - the line then gets extended into whatever is next to it, but only in green. Also, solid blues tend to have green specks in them. Any ideas on how to adjust for that?

Thanks for any tips!

I also have this problem. Especially during football games. Very annoying. Falsedawn stated this is normal. No way it's normal. When the settings are at vivid color the tv will do small brightness adjustments to make up for bright or dark scenes. This is not the flicker we are experiencing. It's kinda like strobe light type flickering. The screen dims, sometimes it will stay dim for a couple of seconds or more and sometimes will flicker rapidly. If you are experiencing this concern. I found out that the blu ray copy of 28 weeks later on my ps3 will flicker when the kids visit the dad and they are walking from the train station. It flickers on the part when they walk in front of the video surveillence camera. The screen is greenish i think and it flickers. It also flickered the other day I was watching Robocop on hi def. When the scientists are celebrating new years and you see them throught the robocop's point of view. I ordered this blu ray so i can show the guys at BB. It flickers like a strobe light real bad during the robocop scene. They already replaced a circuit board in the TV. Hope it makes sense.

I also have this problem. Especially during football games. Very annoying. Falsedawn stated this is normal. No way it's normal. When the settings are at vivid color the tv will do small brightness adjustments to make up for bright or dark scenes. This is not the flicker we are experiencing. It's kinda like strobe light type flickering. The screen dims, sometimes it will stay dim for a couple of seconds or more and sometimes will flicker rapidly. If you are experiencing this concern. I found out that the blu ray copy of 28 weeks later on my ps3 will flicker when the kids visit the dad and they are walking from the train station. It flickers on the part when they walk in front of the video surveillence camera. The screen is greenish i think and it flickers. It also flickered the other day I was watching Robocop on hi def. When the scientists are celebrating new years and you see them throught the robocop's point of view. I ordered this blu ray so i can show the guys at BB. It flickers like a strobe light real bad during the robocop scene. They already replaced a circuit board in the TV. Hope it makes sense.

makes absolute sense to me, it will go dim until the view changes a bit then then a fast flicker until the view changes to something the TV can handle, has anyone spoke with HP on this exact issue? My vocal accuities are not the greatest due to a surgery, but if worse comes to worse I will actually torture them with a conversation to see what can be done on this or if it is a normal occurance on a HP set (and then I will call BB to come and get it LOL, thank god for the ext. warranty).........oh and it also dims and flickers during Planet Earth on Discovery HD, watch out for that one rocko if you have it and report......
hooah!

makes absolute sense to me, it will go dim until the view changes a bit then then a fast flicker until the view changes to something the TV can handle, has anyone spoke with HP on this exact issue? My vocal accuities are not the greatest due to a surgery, but if worse comes to worse I will actually torture them with a conversation to see what can be done on this or if it is a normal occurance on a HP set (and then I will call BB to come and get it LOL, thank god for the ext. warranty).........oh and it also dims and flickers during Planet Earth on Discovery HD, watch out for that one rocko if you have it and report......
hooah!

I can't call HP because the TV is outta warranty. Bought the TV on 8/26/06 and the entire screen turned red two weeks later. They replaced it with another but my year warranty is up. I noticed the flicker but was not sure if it was normal or not because its my first HDTV. I mean it didn't seem normal and it happenned mostly in certain shots of NFL. You could see the picture but darkened. I still have the BB replacement warranty but they said the problem was my cable. But I know thats not true because it does it with the xbox(component), the ps3(hdmi) and the cable(rf). It would also do it with a terk antenna for over the air HD. When I get the robocop blu ray, that will be the test. Arrives next week. I''m gonna record the giants vs. packers game with my camcorder to show BB so they could see it also.

Hi Pintogary,

Glad to hear the board replacement worked for you.

For me the guy replaced 4 boards.


YSUS Board
ZSUS Board
Controller Board
PSU Board


The next step is going to be a replacement of the "Main board"


The question I have for you, is how do you get the extended warranty?

Thanks!

- David
I Had Mal discharge on my plasma. Hp came out and replaced my main board.. didnt resolve anything, then came out a week after and replaced my Control Board, that cleared up my issue. They just came out with this new control board in the middle of jan 08 that resolves a lot of issues.

I Had Mal discharge on my plasma. Hp came out and replaced my main board.. didnt resolve anything, then came out a week after and replaced my Control Board, that cleared up my issue. They just came out with this new control board in the middle of jan 08 that resolves a lot of issues.

Reply for PIXEL FLARING problem, response to dtaylo1066, bcl00:
I definitely have a suggestion - get the new TV before your warranty expires. Or, buy the extended warranty to assure you will get a new TV. Although I believe in HP in general, and their service dept is the best I have seen. I wish I could attach a pic so you could know for sure if it is the same issue. I got bunches of pixels on the screen flashing all the same color red or green (not solid, seemed to have white background), mostly in white or light areas of the screen, on faces, especially in screens with high noise or contrast. Intermittent issue, and flashes on & off so fast it was very difficult to take pictures of the problem. This symptom started showing 2 months after my first set arrived, and shows up after TV warms up for 1/2 hour (thus every time I had to meet a tech the problem wouldn't show). Long story short, they replaced TV after replacing bds that didn't fix it, and the "new" TV had same problem but in different area of screen. Eventually I got a new TV after that and it works great, but I've only had it 3 wks, and am considering the ext warranty, since my warranty runs out in 1 week. I just think they don't understand this problem, and the testers aren't checking for it, since it is so difficult to duplicate. Hope you have good luck in solving yours. Be patient, but you may have to prompt them with calls.
I Had Mal discharge on my plasma. Hp came out and replaced my main board.. didnt resolve anything, then came out a week after and replaced my Control Board, that cleared up my issue. They just came out with this new control board in the middle of jan 08 that resolves a lot of issues.

If you have flaring, it will also get worse over time. It spreads to other areas of the screen and it will eventually make you nuts.

I guess I'll have to call HP and go through the whole process a 2nd time now. First they will send a tech to replace the mainboard and tuner. That won't fix it.

Then HP will send another tech to replace more of the boards deeper inside. That won't fix it.

Then HP will send another TV...of course it will be a refurb and it will continue happening.

This problem has not been resolved by HP. I encourage everyone to call or write a letter to corporate and complain about this problem. If enough people do this they might be forced to actually fix the problem.

No one should spend $1800 on a TV and have these continuous problems. It's ridiculous.

I'm done venting now...
I Had Mal discharge on my plasma. Hp came out and replaced my main board.. didnt resolve anything, then came out a week after and replaced my Control Board, that cleared up my issue. They just came out with this new control board in the middle of jan 08 that resolves a lot of issues.

HP has released a New Control Board that fixes that issue, I called they came out after replaces a main board, nothing was fixed . Last sat HP came out and replaced the control board with a new updated one, it got rid of my MAL discharge and resolved the prob.

I just got through contacting HP about a new controller board and they said that there is not a new one. I could have gotten a misinformed tech(happens alot with HP), but I would like to know if anyone else has heard this. Is there anyone that has used Best Buy for service of this tv, and actually got it fixed? I don't want to shell out major bucks, if they can't seem to fix it.

Scratch above post, I called HP again and talked to a different person. There is indeed a new controller board that came out last week, that is supposed to fix this issue. Supposedly they did extensive testing on it. Now if I could only find a way to order the board, instead of having a tech come out.

I'm having the same pixel flare issue. Called hp, tech came out yesterday replaced some boards, no fix... called hp back and the rep stated that the engineers actually came out with a new controller board that should fix the issue. Will post the results.

I noticed recently some red sparkles on my PL5060N visible on dark background scenes. I noticed it first while watching a movie on my new BluRay player so I thought there might be something wrong with the DVD. But then I started noticing the sparkles with my Moto cable DVR as well. They appear in the upper third of the screen towards the center. I switched to a black and white movie and the sparkles turned white. As my HP warranty expires this week I immediately called HP. The tech had me reset my TV back to factory settings (unplug TV, plug-in with power switch depressed). The sparkles seemed to diminish somewhat but I told the tech I really wasn't satisfied with this fix for the symptoms since I lost my video and channel settings with the reset. I shouldn't have to do this and requested a permanent fix. HP is mailing a new control board and scheduled a tech to come out this week. Has anyone else had this fault? I did a search (red sparkles) but got no hits.

I noticed recently some red sparkles on my PL5060N visible on dark background scenes. I noticed it first while watching a movie on my new BluRay player so I thought there might be something wrong with the DVD. But then I started noticing the sparkles with my Moto cable DVR as well. They appear in the upper third of the screen towards the center. I switched to a black and white movie and the sparkles turned white. As my HP warranty expires this week I immediately called HP. The tech had me reset my TV back to factory settings (unplug TV, plug-in with power switch depressed). The sparkles seemed to diminish somewhat but I told the tech I really wasn't satisfied with this fix for the symptoms since I lost my video and channel settings with the reset. I shouldn't have to do this and requested a permanent fix. HP is mailing a new control board and scheduled a tech to come out this week. Has anyone else had this fault? I did a search (red sparkles) but got no hits.

It sounds like the red flare issue most people are having. There is supposed to be a new controller board that fixes the issue. When you have the tech come out, post if it fixed it or not.

It sounds like the red flare issue most people are having. There is supposed to be a new controller board that fixes the issue. When you have the tech come out, post if it fixed it or not.The screen shots I looked at on the red flare thread didn't really look like what I was seeing. Mine literally looked like tiny red sparkles, widely scattered, flashing on and then going out in a totally random sequence. Maybe this is just a variation of the red flare. The help desk tech jumped right on the controller board solution like it was a common problem.

Now that my warranty is expiring I kinda wish I had bought another Panasonic now. My 2002 Panny plasma is still going strong. I bought the HP because of price and their legendary service. Didn't think I would actually have to use it. Has anyone gotten their money's worth from an HP extended warranty?

HP has just agreed to fix my out of warranty pl4260n with the new controller board for free. I guess the correct term for the red pixel flare is "mal-discharge", according to hp support. I'll post when the new board is in to see if it made a difference.

My set started the good old pixel flare in its 11th month... Initially I thought it was burnin related so I didn't call customer support until 4 weeks after my 1 year warranty expired when the problem spread to most of the frame. HP was less then sympathetic, as I sort of expected. Alas, I figured that they might decide to fix it since it seems that many others have had this problem but no dice. My credit card company has extended warranty on purchases so I guess I will get a chance to see how that works.... Its a sad day when Visa does more for me then the actual manufacturer. Thats 2 HP products in a row for me that have been less then reliable. Check out the class action lawsuit about the zd7000 series laptops if you want a funny read.

hello im new to this site. i have purchased an hp pl4260n january 8th last year. i love the tv and i worked great until the other night when the screen went blank all in the sudden. the sound still worked but no picture at all regardless of what imput. the worst part of it is that the warrenty just experied on the 8th only 3 weeks ago. i am so mad right now. i know that its going to cost me an arm and a leg to get this fixed. i already opened up the back and checked the fuses and one of the fuses were blown (upper left side 4amp 250v) when i put a replacement fuse in the slot the tv starts up and shuts itself off after about 5 seconds, still without picture. i dont know what else i can do. am i screwed or can anyone give me some advice? thank you

For those of you who had the mal-discharge or red sparks all over the display mostly visible in black areas a few questions...

If you are in warranty how likely is a new control board to fix this issue?

If you are out of warranty how much does the parts / labor for a new board cost?

If it is big dollars does anyone have the issue in such a bad way that the TV is unwatchable? If they want like 800 bucks for parts / labor I am not going to bother and just get a new living room TV and move the HP to the bedroom so I wanted to see how bad this problem gets in the future.

Thanks!

HP has just agreed to fix my out of warranty pl4260n with the new controller board for free. I guess the correct term for the red pixel flare is "mal-discharge", according to hp support. I'll post when the new board is in to see if it made a difference.

How much our of warranty was your set?

hello im new to this site. i have purchased an hp pl4260n january 8th last year. i love the tv and i worked great until the other night when the screen went blank all in the sudden. the sound still worked but no picture at all regardless of what imput. the worst part of it is that the warrenty just experied on the 8th only 3 weeks ago. i am so mad right now. i know that its going to cost me an arm and a leg to get this fixed. i already opened up the back and checked the fuses and one of the fuses were blown (upper left side 4amp 250v) when i put a replacement fuse in the slot the tv starts up and shuts itself off after about 5 seconds, still without picture. i dont know what else i can do. am i screwed or can anyone give me some advice? thank you

You may be in luck. There is a service announcement on HP's website that sounds like your issue. If it is indeed the same issue, they extend the original 1 year warranty to 2 years. Go to hp.com and do a search for pl4260n No Picture No Display.

How much our of warranty was your set?

I am about 9 months out of warranty. I had some bad experiences with support over this issue. I had one guy try to "give me a good price" on another HP set. My response was, why would I give HP another dime when the first tv did not work correctly for more than a year. Based off of a response from another person on avs, I threatened to go to consumer reports and never buy another HP product again. Didn't really expect it to work, but it was worth a shot. It might have helped that I had about 3 phone calls and 3 e-mails in over a 6 month period. Every one of them told me it was caused by something different, and only 1 of them mentioned a controller board being the issue. This appears to be too wide spread for it not to be covered under an extended warranty.

I was also told that the new controller board was thoroughly tested and that it completely resolved the mal-discharge problem as well as a few other issues. We'll see.

thanks for your help mjmeyer23. i checked the web site out and found that i do display all of the symptoms of the problem but my serial number is just out of the serial number range that i need to qualify. upon calling them they had told me that is was ok because i still had 45 days left on the warrenty. hmmm last time i talked with them i was told that my warrenty just expired. well they are going to fix it at no cost so im happy reagrdless.

Hi all,
New to the group. Unfortunately, it is a malfunctioning unit that brings me here.
2 nights ago my PL5060 went dark, precisely 9 days after my manufacturer warranty expired. It just keeps toggling between Off and Standby every few seconds, with no picture coming on at all.
I unplugged the TV hoping it would reset something to no avail. I went to the HP website, and for all practical purposes they direct you to your retailer (Best Buy in this case) for non-PSP service.
I called Best Buy "Customer Service", and they set me up with an appointment for a tech to come by to run diagnostics. When I called the tech to confirm, once they found out they were dealing with an HP plasma, they essentially told me I was toast because HP essentially doesn't make spare parts available.
I called several repair centers that were not affiliated with Best Buy and they essentially confirmed this.
I have 2 major conerns:
1) Does anyone have any idea what is causing this, and if it is a common issue?
2) Where can I get spare parts for this unit?
and third for anyone in the Northeast:
3) Where can I obtain service (I am in the Central Massachusetts)?
I'm afraid when all is said and done, I'm going to end up with a $1500 paperwight.

Simpson21, did you call HP to confirm that they will not fix the issue. I have heard several techs say that they will sometimes fix the tv if you are only a month out of warranty.

I have, both through Best Buy when I made my first service call to them, and on my own in desperation.

I am surprised that they are saying they don't have parts for a tv barely over a year old. I just checked partsurfer.hp.com and they list parts for pl5060n.

I am surprised that they are saying they don't have parts for a tv barely over a year old. I just checked partsurfer.hp.com and they list parts for pl5060n.

Yeah, but if you drill down to where you actually order the parts, for just about everything, the website tells you the part is "unorderable".
Yesterday, on another area of HP's parts website, they list all of the spare parts that are made for that model television, and the list has red "X"s next to everything but the power cord and speakers.:(

Yeah, but if you drill down to where you actually order the parts, for just about everything, the website tells you the part is "unorderable".
Yesterday, on another area of HP's parts website, they list all of the spare parts that are made for that model television, and the list has red "X"s next to everything but the power cord and speakers.:(

But does that mean it is the only thing the consumer can order. I know that they won't let you order electronic parts, but a repair service should be able too.

Hi all,
New to the group. Unfortunately, it is a malfunctioning unit that brings me here.
2 nights ago my PL5060 went dark, precisely 9 days after my manufacturer warranty expired. It just keeps toggling between Off and Standby every few seconds, with no picture coming on at all.
I unplugged the TV hoping it would reset something to no avail. I went to the HP website, and for all practical purposes they direct you to your retailer (Best Buy in this case) for non-PSP service.
I called Best Buy "Customer Service", and they set me up with an appointment for a tech to come by to run diagnostics. When I called the tech to confirm, once they found out they were dealing with an HP plasma, they essentially told me I was toast because HP essentially doesn't make spare parts available.
I called several repair centers that were not affiliated with Best Buy and they essentially confirmed this.
I have 2 major conerns:
1) Does anyone have any idea what is causing this, and if it is a common issue?
2) Where can I get spare parts for this unit?
and third for anyone in the Northeast:
3) Where can I obtain service (I am in the Central Massachusetts)?
I'm afraid when all is said and done, I'm going to end up with a $1500 paperwight.

I don't know if this will work but try holding in the power button (on the TV) for 5-10 seconds.

I've had bad experience with this tv. Bad flicker during HDTV football games.
TV was replaced 1 month after purchase from BB. Failed 2 weeks after I bought it, HP replaced, possibly refurb. I want to buy a new TV, I'm thinking about a KDL-52W3000 52 inch sony lcd or a TH50PZ77U 50 inch panasonic plasma. The HP is plasma and i think the HD picture is pretty good. Is lcd technology better nowadays, that the blacks will look black enough? I'm planning on playing a lot of ps3 and xbox 360. Which would you buy? Not worried about the higher cost of the lcd tv, but I don't want that awful feeling you get when you buy and expensive something, and it breaks or does something it shouldn't. You know, the letdown.

I also have a PL4260N about eight months old. I started to have this "flare" problem a few months ago. It started in a small area of the display and is spreading now. Mine is more described as looking like the silvery scales of a salmon. A kind of bright flashing of pixels in patches. There are images in these patches sometimes that looks like a ghosting problem but really cannot be given the age and usage of this display. I contacted HP and they immediately suggested it was a controller board problem and have directed me to set up a home visit for this purpose. I will let you know if that resolves this problem. The problem is the same no matter the source (HD cable box using HDMI or DVD). Very annoying problem and I will always purchase the extended warranties from now on just in case. The HD picture (when working) is very good so I do hope that HP assists all of their customers or they will face a consumer backlash no doubt.

wednesday I am upgrading my HDDVR to one that actually has HDMI, I am hoping that is the issue. If that helps I will post the results, it is really a killer watching NASCAR or football and having the screen dim and flicker, it usually happens when they pan out to a wide shot of everything. SB and Tona are coming soon and I got to have some resolution on this LOL or I will be wearing that TV as a necklace........:eek:

well I got the new cable box and new HDMI cable and when I got it all hooked up there was no sound. It has to be the box since I had the PS3 hooked up to it before with no audio problems. I guess it is back to the cables until I can get the box deal resolved......all this to see if the flicker goes away......should have got a Vizio.......

I don't know about you but I have never been able to get HDMI Audio in my area. I am going from my digital cable box to my AV 5.1 Stereo Receiver and running the audio through that. Good Luck.

Well the tech came out today to replace the controller board, but as of now I don't know if it fixed the issue. The guy didn't have a clue what he was doing and ended up killing the mainboard in the process. Will have to wait until that board comes in to see if it takes care of the original mal-discarge issue.

The new controller board fixed the pixel flare issue on my unit. Good luck to everyone else.

Well the tech came out today to replace the controller board, but as of now I don't know if it fixed the issue. The guy didn't have a clue what he was doing and ended up killing the mainboard in the process. Will have to wait until that board comes in to see if it takes care of the original mal-discarge issue.

I called HP today and complained about red flaring with my PL4260N. I got a case number and then later a call turning me down since my TV is out of warranty by six months. When you get yours repair would you please tell me the procedure you use with contacts to get yours repaired under warranty. Thanks.

The new controller board fixed the pixel flare issue on my unit. Good luck to everyone else.

Thats good to hear. Hopefully the tech will be here on Monday to fix mine.

I called HP today and complained about red flaring with my PL4260N. I got a case number and then later a call turning me down since my TV is out of warranty by six months. When you get yours repair would you please tell me the procedure you use with contacts to get yours repaired under warranty. Thanks.

Check your pm inbox.

I have a main board for the PL4260N that I bought from a guy on E-bay that was parting the set out because of a cracked screen. I am also going to need the new controller board as well because my set has begun doing this red/green sparles (mal-discharge). I haven't tried contacting HP yet but I need to. Try to find the part number for this new controller board if you can. Thanks

The HP tech came out to install my new controller board. As I stated in my original post, the problem went away after a cold reboot of my TV (turn off TV, unplug AC cord and then plug back in while depressing ON button). The tech told me that this drains or discharges the display much like a degaussing did with old CRT televisions. He also said this is different than the menu driven whitewash screen which is typically used for burn-in persistence or the factory reset which just erases your channel scan and video settings. He went ahead and replaced the controller board though since he was here with the part. I asked if he made a lot of repairs to these TVs. He told me "quite a few and mostly to the 42 inch panels". Not sure if that means there are more of them or they are more prone to failure. Mine is a 50 in. I was kind of surprised how much technology is in these plasma displays. Old CRT TVs, no matter how large, usually had one or two flimsy little circuit boards. Considering the amount of disassembly involved I could easily see how more collateral damage could be done by a repair procedure especially with the ribbon cables and their compression connectors. As this happened two days before Superbowl I was really sweating it as he took my TV apart.

I have a main board for the PL4260N that I bought from a guy on E-bay that was parting the set out because of a cracked screen. I am also going to need the new controller board as well because my set has begun doing this red/green sparles (mal-discharge). I haven't tried contacting HP yet but I need to. Try to find the part number for this new controller board if you can. Thanks

Part number is 5070-5623 Control board (V1) kit.

The HP tech came out to install my new controller board. As I stated in my original post, the problem went away after a cold reboot of my TV (turn off TV, unplug AC cord and then plug back in while depressing ON button). I tried this on my set and I need to know what takes place when you plug the set back in. Nothing happen and I had to press the on button after releasing it for the set to turn on. It did not correct my problem.

My parents have this TV, and they decided to cancel cable. Now they don't know what to do to get the normal free channels in metro LA. What do I need to do so they can get free network channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, etc? We can get them with the old tube TV. Thanks!

My parents have this TV, and they decided to cancel cable. Now they don't know what to do to get the normal free channels in metro LA. What do I need to do so they can get free network channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, etc? We can get them with the old tube TV. Thanks!
You must have an antenna to receive OTA (over the air) signals. The distance they live from the transmitters will determine if inside or outside antenna is needed. Do you parents have a antenna? What area do they live in?

You must have an antenna to receive OTA (over the air) signals. The distance they live from the transmitters will determine if inside or outside antenna is needed. Do you parents have a antenna? What area do they live in?

Thanks Eddie! I'll tell them to take the rabbit ears antenna from the old TV and stick it in the HP TV. They live in the Pasadena area so the OTA signals shouldn't be a problem. We grew up with rabbit ears so I don't see why it would make a difference now.

Thanks Eddie! I'll tell them to take the rabbit ears antenna from the old TV and stick it in the HP TV. They live in the Pasadena area so the OTA signals shouldn't be a problem. We grew up with rabbit ears so I don't see why it would make a difference now.
I suggest you read the manual because once the antenna is connect you will need to do a channel scan. Make sure the rabbit ears are also for UHF. Digital signal is more sensitive then the analog signal.

Well, what can I say this has turned into a big mess. The tech that came out today did not fix the problem, and lets just say overstepped his boundaries with me. Hp is sending me a new tv, but it won't get here for a couple of weeks. I have no idea if the original board fixed the problem so sorry I can't give confirmation on the new board. HP couldn't tell me if I was getting a pl4260n or a different model. I only see one plasma on hp's website, but its a 50 inch.

Thanks Eddie! I'll tell them to take the rabbit ears antenna from the old TV and stick it in the HP TV. They live in the Pasadena area so the OTA signals shouldn't be a problem. We grew up with rabbit ears so I don't see why it would make a difference now.

Check out www.antennaweb.org. It will tell you what type of antenna you need, and where to point it to pull in the stations you want. The street level map is very handy!

This antenna is pretty decent: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2417014&cp=&sr=1&origkw=hdtv+antenna&kw=hdtv+antenna&parentPage=search

And I have this one in my attic... works great!: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=&sr=1&origkw=hdtv+antenna&kw=hdtv+antenna&parentPage=search

I have been having an issue with my 4260. Whenever the screen is dark the color seems to be blotchy (will appear darker then lighter). I am noticing it in the black bars on the top and side as well as in the picture. Has anyone had this issue? Is it something I might be able to adjust in the settings? It is almost like it is ghosting the previous image. Could this be related to the "Mal discharge" and the controller board issue?

I have also noticed what appeads to be a light checkerboard pattern on the side bars. It doesn't happen all the time but enought to irritate me.

I thought I would get some message board input befor I talk to tech support.

Well, HP just cant seem to get it right. They sent me a refurb pl4260n and three fourths of the screen has a ghosting appearance to it. I thought maybe it was image retention from the factory at first, but after having it on for 2 straight days it is definately not image retention. It does not look like burn-in either. It also is making a loud humming sound. I am awaiting a call from HP on what to do from here. It does not appear from their website that they are selling plasma's anymore. I really liked the picture quality of this unit, but I'm tired of going through the hassle of another tech coming out to fix it. This will be the fourth tech in 2 weeks.. and none so far knew what they were doing.

HP confirmed with me that they are getting out of the Plasma business. So they have offered me a 42" LCD alternative. I am actually disappointed, because I really liked the picture quality of plasmas. Will see how this new LCD looks, and if it can hold a candle to the pl4260n in terms of PQ. On a plus side, this new LCD is a MediaSmart tv.

Ok, so I need a 5070-5623 Control board (V1) kit.
...but part is not orderable in the HP Parts Store.

If I cant get it from HP, then where can I get it?

I guess I will never understand how a company can sell a product and not make replacement parts available to the public. I would think they are required to have parts on handle for a period of time to repair products that are not in warranty.

I guess I will never understand how a company can sell a product and not make replacement parts available to the public. I would think they are required to have parts on handle for a period of time to repair products that are not in warranty.

By keeping replacement parts easily available would lead folks to think the products aren't reliable, and then you won't buy it. Cars, for example. It easy to get maintenance items, oil, wipers, washer fluid, etc. But getting a specific part often means going to the dealer instead of Autozone. I guess I should just keep knocking on wood as my HP has preformed quite well for over a year now. I got an extended warrenty, so I'm good for a few more years.

Comparing cars to electronics is like comparing apples to oranges. Just not the same thing. I don't think a product is not reliable just because parts are made available. I wouldn't have bought the tv if I known the parts were only be available to their techs while the set was in warranty. If what you say is true, then after the warranty is out and the set fails it would then become a boat anchor.

Comparing cars to electronics is like comparing apples to oranges. Just not the same thing. I don't think a product is not reliable just because parts are made available. I wouldn't have bought the tv if I known the parts were only be available to their techs while the set was in warranty. If what you say is true, then after the warranty is out and the set fails it would then become a boat anchor.

So you're telling me that every time you buy electronics you confirm with the dealer and/or manufacturer that repair parts are available? Yes, I know the comparision was not direct, but as I said, name me one manufacturer that says, "We'll always have repair parts for our products!" I had an old Mitsubishi tube TV go bad on me a last year. This was a 10 year old TV. I don't expect that Mitsubishi would have repair parts after that long. I suspect Sony isn't going to keep stocks of RPTV parts around with them leaving the RPTV businesss. It's likely that soon after they complete stop production of the TVs, they'll stop production of repair parts.

I totally agree if a set is 10 years old but we talking about a product that is only a couple of years old. You have your ideas and I have mine, end of conversation.

Looks like no truly reliable fix is still in place by HP and now they exit the plasma world. My set is past the one year warranty and I have the red sparkles/pixel flare that seems so common. I am not very psyched to pay for repairs if they will do nothing.

for $1,700 which I paid less than two years ago, I am bummed enough that this will be the last HP product I ever buy unless the problem can be resolved somehow.

What if we all get together and file a lawsuit?

Hello, I have owned the pl4260n since Jan. 2007.
I really loved the picture quality.
Well, around mid december, I started seeing the dreaded pixel flaring.
I called Best Buy, in mid Jan '08, since this is where I bought it, and figured that my factory warranty was up.
The tech came out, and ordered a main board and a Y board.
He came back in a week and tried to install them, but both "new" boards were defective and he just left the old ones in there.
Another week goes by, the tech comes back out, installs a new main and Y board, adjusts the power supply, and the problem is worse than ever, and now my analog audio outputs don't work.
He figures that its the panel itself. He calls HP to ask them some questions and finds out that I am still under factory warranty until March 10. Go figure.

So HP sends him this new control board.
He comes back, installs this new control board, which costs $760.50 by the way. ( the tech showed me the invoice from HP)

Pixel problem solved!!
Now about that audio problem.
The tech calls HP back, explains the situation, waits on hold for half an hour, and gets a
return authorization from HP.
So, I take my 4260n up to best buy, get reimbursed my full purchase price plus a prorated amount for what was left of my extended warranty, and pick out a new tv.
I of course didn't go with HP.
I am now the proud owner of a samsung 50"plasma.
I am really happy how it turned out.
Hopefully some of you that have problems, can get HP to do the same.
It really helped that the tech was VERY helpful.

Well I got the new tv yesterday, but it ended up being the wrong one. They are going to send out the right one, but it is going to take more time. It has been about a month and a half since I began this fiasco. This is the worst customer service I have ever had. It is never ending on the screw ups. I am about to just ask for my money back.

And of course I am a month outside my 1-yr warranty and my serial number doesn't match the series that gets to have it fixed. So I spent the night with HP customer service and they could only escalate it to the supervisor, which isn't there on the weekend. I'm so frustrated that I spent a bunch of money on a product that only lasts 1 year. I bought the TV on February 12, 2007 and today is March 9, 2008. I can't believe this is happening. Stupid Consumer Reports and CNET. That is the last time I trust them for a review.

So does anyone know what move I should make next? Is it even worth having a HP tech come out? It sounds like it is just patch work and sometimes it doesn't even fix it. I called Best Buy, HP's preferred service contractor, but they won't fix it. If HP doesn't offer parts, I can't get anyone else to fix it. Any suggestions on how to force them to give me a new TV?

And of course I am a month outside my 1-yr warranty and my serial number doesn't match the series that gets to have it fixed. So I spent the night with HP customer service and they could only escalate it to the supervisor, which isn't there on the weekend. I'm so frustrated that I spent a bunch of money on a product that only lasts 1 year. I bought the TV on February 12, 2007 and today is March 9, 2008. I can't believe this is happening. Stupid Consumer Reports and CNET. That is the last time I trust them for a review.

So does anyone know what move I should make next? Is it even worth having a HP tech come out? It sounds like it is just patch work and sometimes it doesn't even fix it. I called Best Buy, HP's preferred service contractor, but they won't fix it. If HP doesn't offer parts, I can't get anyone else to fix it. Any suggestions on how to force them to give me a new TV?


Well, the good thing is that you've made it to the supervisory level. With mine they saw all the B**S, If ya feel like reading my story, click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11826834#post11826834), that I went through and offered me the choice of a new 42" LCD, or a 50" with a full one year warranty. Of course, they're out of the Plasma bussiness now so your only choice will be an LCD set now. Good luck...

I am getting serious lip sync / video delay problems with my HP PL4260N TV.
TV software version is 1.3.5.

When watching unscrambled digital channels directly off of cable (such as PBSHD 113-3 WENH-DT - Durham, NH /and/ FOXHD 113-1 WFXT-DT - Boston, MA) after a few minutes the audio and video drift out of sync. In some cases I would guess that the delay is half a second or more, it is not ignorable. Interestingly, if I change the channel and then change back the problem is fixed - for example; while watching HD Channel 113-1 (Fox, 720P) after a few minutes the lip sync gets really bad (audio ahead of video), so I press the up channel button which takes me to channel 113-2 (ABC, 720P) then I press the down channel button to go back to Channel 113-1 and the lip sync problem is gone, this seems to prove to me that the problem is not with the cable company but with the TV itself. Unfortunately the video delay/lip sync problem re-appears a few minutes later.


HP's email support had many rationalizations, ranging from statements such as "the TV cannot receive digital channels without a set top box :mad:" to "it is a problem with Comcast :rolleyes:". Clearly if changing channels fixes the problem it cannot be Comcast's problem.


I am using the TV's "dumbo ear" speakers. I am not using a set top box or a surround sound system. The coax is plugged directly into the TV - when I press the info button I see 9 green / 2 red bars on the signal-strength meter.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone seen anything like this? I am just about ready to return the TV to BestBuy and get a DLP.

What should I do? :confused:

...fraser

UPDATE: HP sent a tech out in February because I started to see the same problem on DVD & Wii. With Guitar Hero 3 on the Wii I had to set the delay to 70ms to try to align sound and picture. The tech replaced the mainboard but not only does the problem persist but now the TV "hangs" and can't be turned on with remote or power button but needs to be unplugged to reboot.

HP came again last week and replaced the entire TV (HP PL4260n) with a refurb. Lip sync problem still persists. Picture is not always smooth and sometimes "stutters"

I am subscribed to Comcast Basic Service + CableModem. Is it possible that the filter Comcast puts on the line to filter out channels 34-75 is causing/triggering this problem?

Well, the good thing is that you've made it to the supervisory level. With mine they saw all the B**S, If ya feel like reading my story, click here, that I went through and offered me the choice of a new 42" LCD, or a 50" with a full one year warranty. Of course, they're out of the Plasma bussiness now so your only choice will be an LCD set now. Good luck...

It looks like you were still under warranty when you made your initial call. Unfortunately, I'm out of it by 27 days so I'm a little worried about the whole situation. If they don't fix my issue, I will make sure that the HP television product line gets hammered in every review and rating. I tend to get vengeful with companies that don't care about their customers and customer retention.

FWIW, my PL4260N is now exhibiting the red pixel sparkles. It's about 18 months old. The condition does seem to improve as the set warms up but what a bummer.

This TV has now been relegated to bedroom duty in favor of my new Pio 5080HD Kuro (which is as much better than the HP then the HP was over standard def TV). There's simply no comparison.

So I have been going back and forth with HP for the past few days since my TV died. They keep telling me my problem has been escalated to their case management team, but I have called them every day since Saturday and they keep giving me the runaround telling me to call Best Buy Repair to have them fix the problem. I keep telling them that I already have and Best Buy doesn't have the parts to fix the problem. So I'm waiting to hear back from them with decision on my $1300 paper weight.

I'm just mad that they don't offer parts for their product. I could fix the thing myself, but they won't even let me buy the part from them because they don't sell them either. So I'm wondering where are the HP Techs getting their parts? Are they just taking them from old ones? Is this getting to the point that there could be a class action lawsuit against them?

I spent almost 6 hours on the phone last night calling HP and then calling Best Buy to find out if someone could fix my TV. Best Buy tells me they can't. HP tells me Best Buy can fix it and I'm lying to them. I ask both of them how much will the repair cost me to fix a crappy TV. Neither one is willing to give me as rough estimate. I call HP and tell them their TV "Is a piece of crap" and the supervisor says I'm swearing at him and hangs up the phone. I didn't know crap was a swear word. A night to remember.

So it is a good thing I'm in charge of purchasing servers for our customers at my work. I can now officially tell HP that because they won't fix my TV, they will lose about $1 million dollars this year and every year from now on. The funny thing is, they don't care. To them, 3 weeks out of warranty is the letter of the law. So congrats goes to Dell for securing a nice purchase order from me. Sucks to be you HP!

The system that HP has for taking calls at a case manager level is horribly flawed, and the sad thing is that all the case managers know it. The way it works right now is all the case managers (does not matter what product line they support) are to answer a queued up phone line. They say that the queue is full non-stop. They have to flush this queue before they are allowed to make a call back to their original client, which in my case hasn't happened yet. I have called 6 times requesting my case manager call back and have yet received a call back. I do feel sorry for them, but I also have to say I have never been treated so poorly as a customer. Whats the point of even assigning a case manager if he is not allowed to do his job? I use to buy HP equipment alot, but in my opinion their support as gone from great to horrible.

So I finally buy a hdmi cable for my ps3 and viola! my picture is perfect!

I read online somewhere about how to adjust the voltage, and that helped with the non-hdmi red pixel mal-discharge sparkley flare issue.

So I finally buy a hdmi cable for my ps3 and viola! my picture is perfect!

I read online somewhere about how to adjust the voltage, and that helped with the non-hdmi red pixel mal-discharge sparkley flare issue.
Wouldn't you love to share that info with us?

It seems like I've been bit by the same "mal discharge" problem. My TV is out of warranty having been delivered in late 2006. I called HP and so far, they're refusing to do anything other than to refer me to Best Buy for paid support. BB wants $100 just to come out and look at it.

An HP duty manager suggested that if I wanted to pursue an out-of-warranty claim, I'd have to work through their corporate offices but wouldn't give me any details. Does anybody have the contact info for the office that is responsible for the TVs? My TV does fall in the serial number range for the "no picture, no sound" issue but that's not the problem I have or my warranty would be extended by a year.

I actually won this TV from HP. I am hoping that all of the good things I've said about HP will come back and help me and that they'll support an out-of-warranty service issue. I'm sure not going to be pay BB $100 plus the $760 that somebody said the part cost to fix this TV with the risk that it might not completely fix the problem or only gets me another year.

So I finally buy a hdmi cable for my ps3 and viola! my picture is perfect!

I read online somewhere about how to adjust the voltage, and that helped with the non-hdmi red pixel mal-discharge sparkley flare issue.
I've been HDMI-connected since day 1 and I have the mal-discharge issue after the TV's been on for about an hour.

Once the TV starts doing it, even disconnecting the HDMI cable doesn't help - I can see the issues in the TV menus with no input whatsoever.

.../Ed

Well I have had the mal-discharge problem for some time as well. I first found that if you had a fan running behind the set that it would not happen at all. Heat related issue, it seems. Later I got a old Dell CPU fan, approx. 3" 12 volt fan, quietest fan I had laying around and picked off 12 volts from the power supply board and placed the fan in various spots and it seems to work the best on a heat sink that is located directly behind the power button. I believe the board is called X buffer right. I also don't have the back on the set, which seems to help with air flow. Since running it this way the problem hasn't happened for a long time. I also found that if you have the picture settings mode set to vivid it seems to accelerate the problem. I have mine set to user mode and settings set to: brightness +73, contrast +34, saturation +38, hue 0, sharpness +27, color temp checked for cold. You might try this on your set and see if it helps you. I also have a extra main board if anyone is interested in buying it let me know.

ewilts, check this link:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01270780&lc=en&cc=us&lang=en&dlc=en&product=1832457

(I think this was already posted in this forum) My TV had the same problem, but I had extended warranty from BB. Their tech replaced one of the boards on the back of the TV, and I haven't seen any issues since. BTW, I also purchased my TV late 2006, and my S/N falls within the range covered by the extended warranty.

ewilts, check this link:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01270780&lc=en&cc=us&lang=en&dlc=en&product=1832457

(I think this was already posted in this forum) My TV had the same problem, but I had extended warranty from BB. Their tech replaced one of the boards on the back of the TV, and I haven't seen any issues since. BTW, I also purchased my TV late 2006, and my S/N falls within the range covered by the extended warranty.
I did see this and mentioned this to HP when I logged my service call. Unfortunately they told me that although my serial number is also in this range, I don't have this particular problem so it doesn't apply to me. I don't have any sort of extended warranty - I never had the option since I won this TV directly from HP.

I did reference this article in my letter to HP Senior VP of the Personal Systems Group. The letter went out on the 18th and I have not received an answer yet.

I'd even be willing to pay for the labor if HP pays for the part (which was quoted in this thread as costing $760).

I never had the option since I won this TV directly from HP.

When you say "won" do you mean you got it for free, and now you are complaining it doesn't work?

To the question regarding the voltage adjustment to fix pixel flare/red sparkles, here is what the poster of that message sent me in an email:

My question:

Did the tech say how he adjusted the voltage?

Is the set still working fine?

did he have to replace any parts or just adjust?

Thanks.

The reponse:

He had a voltmeter hooked to the main board ( don't know how) and he was turning some dial with a mini slotted screwdriver. I wish I could be more helpful, but I really wasn't paying that much attention. I'm not having the same problem, but I'm having some similar issues from image burn-in.

My further thoughs: sounds like he was turning some kind of pot on the board that adjusts voltage.

Given the many posters here and their issues with 4260 pixel flare, red sparkles, etc, and the fact we are getting a crap response from HP, maybe we need to band together in a group letter and try and make some demands that way.

Imagine how many others like us there must be out there?

When you say "won" do you mean you got it for free, and now you are complaining it doesn't work?
Yes. However, free is relative - HP issued a 1099 form for $1,499 so I did have to declare it as income and pay taxes on it.

I don't believe it was HP's intention to award a defective TV as a prize and the fact that I did not pay full retail value should have no impact on their support. I am a large business customer of theirs and never did they question how much I paid for an item when they considered how to support it.

Yes. However, free is relative - HP issued a 1099 form for $1,499 so I did have to declare it as income and pay taxes on it.

I don't believe it was HP's intention to award a defective TV as a prize and the fact that I did not pay full retail value should have no impact on their support. I am a large business customer of theirs and never did they question how much I paid for an item when they considered how to support it.

You had to declare it as income, and the appropriate tax. So you free TV cost you $500? The next time you get something free from HP, let me know. Ship it to me and I'll pay the tax, if the hit to the pocket book is that big.

I have had ZERO problems with my HP that I bought open box and have had for 18 months. Your TV happened to be defective - it doesn't mean they all are. As has been posted numerous times, no one posts to say their TV works fine, only that there are problems.

Your TV happened to be defective - it doesn't mean they all are. Correct on both counts, and I never implied otherwise. There are 2 common/chronic problems on this TV that I'm aware of - the "mal discharge" problem and the "no picture, no display" problem. I didn't mean to imply that all of HP's TV were bad, or that even this line was bad. HP will extend the end user warranty for the 2nd problem, but not the first. Nor do they have to. I *want* them to, but they don't *have* to.

^^^^Time to change your sig then! :D

^^^^Time to change your sig then! :D
I'm still happy!

.../Ed

Hey everybody. My tv has been faced with the same plague of pixel flare. The main board was replaced by HP only to cause severe burn in and horrible picture quality. On trip 2, the tech told us we need a new tv and I have been fighting with an account manager (post-escalation) because he wants to send a refurbished television. To me, it is unacceptable. I have another call with him tomorrow and will update with progress. IMO, a tv this expensive should NOT have a 1 year service life. We bought ours in March 07 and stared having problems by October 07.

Hey everybody. My tv has been faced with the same plague of pixel flare. The main board was replaced by HP only to cause severe burn in and horrible picture quality. On trip 2, the tech told us we need a new tv and I have been fighting with an account manager (post-escalation) because he wants to send a refurbished television. To me, it is unacceptable.
I believe that a refurbished TV is acceptable as long as you get a decent warranty on the replacement unit. He should be able to give you at least 90 days which is after your current warranty expires.

However, I see in other posts here that an updated control module does fix the problem. Is that the board that the tech replaced? If not, then perhaps he replaced the wrong part and you need to replace the main board and then the control module (and hope the burn in isn't permanent).

I have another call with him tomorrow and will update with progress. IMO, a tv this expensive should NOT have a 1 year service life. We bought ours in March 07 and stared having problems by October 07.
It should not have a 1 year service life but it has a 1 year warranty. Those 2 are very different concepts. One part in your TV has failed - the entire unit has not failed.

You're really down to 3 options. 1) have the tech identify the right part that's failed and replace it. 2) get the refurbed unit. 3) Convince HP to replace the unit with a new model. In my opinion, option 3 is the hardest option to achieve and something that the techs probably can't approve. You'll need to contact their corporate offices and come up with a compelling reason why they should do this. If the tech destroyed your TV by installing a faulty part, that might be adequate justification.

When I wrote a letter to their corporate offices, it was about 2 weeks before they contacted me. So far, it looks promising for me but my TV's not fixed yet... Drop me a PM if you want the contact info but don't expect a quick fix nor a guaranteed response.

PM sent. How are they treating your case?

Still awaiting a call back from my case manager. This is really a pain. Going to resend my letter via snail-mail this weekend.

I was supposed to receive a call back from the case manager in 24-48 hours starting late Monday afternoon. I finally talked to my contact in the executive offices again on Friday who got me in touch with the case manager. I was then told that he didn't know what he could do for me since I am out of warranty and he's supposed to get back in touch with the executive offices to see what they're able to authorize.

I don't know if HP is going to do anything for me at all. It's ironic that one of the worst places for the artifacts to show up is during the basketball games that advertise "HDTV presented by HP".

It's somewhat sad that I'm hoping for the "no picture, no display" failure since then HP will fix the TV for free.

Hi all. I too started having the pixel flare issues after the one year hp warranty ran out. I never buy extended warranties but for some reason I did for my PL 4260n TV. ESP or luck I don't know. Anyway mine has been in the shop for a week and I talked to the tech yesterday. Of course thanks to you guys I already knew what the problem was and told him what it was. He contacted HP and tried adjusting the votage first which did not fix the problem. A new control board is on the way. I'll let you know how it turns out but I'm optimistic. Plus I have a four year warranty for this puppy. I loved the picture before the flare up issues. It also looked pretty good with standard definition channels.

I feel for those out of warranty because this is obviouly a design flaw due to lack of testing on HP's part.

My set will be two years old in May, so it is out of the one year warranty. I have no extended warranty. You can see my posts above.

I began having pixel flare (red static like pixels that flare up in mass and randomly all about the screen, more on the left side than the right.) I alerted HP to this problem right before my warranty ran out, and again via email about two months ago. On the email I attached many of the posts here, saying this must be a defect in the product.

Last Sunday night I spent about 45 minutes on the 800 number with Chuck. We went thru the usual steps of resetting TV via the wizzard, the cold shut down, etc, but the pixel problem of course persisted. I informed him many others have had the same problem as posted on the AVS Forum.

He took lots of notes and knew I was past warranty. He was a very nice guy, polite, very knowledgable, and very professional. After going thru the exercises he indicated to me this issue was a problem in a number of sets and that he was authorizing a repair at HP's cost, as if still under warranty, essentially due to a production problem. Two days later via FedX parts arrived at my house and today, Greg, a local HP contracter, came to my house.

We pulled the TV down from the wall mount, laid it face down on blankets on a table, and he pulled off the back housing. He put in a new controller board, which is located under some other boards mounted above it on another frame. I was glad I watched 1st hand and close up as I also noticed that a multi-wire (8 or more wires) plastic connector on one of the other circuit boards was unevenly in place -- essentially not locked down. he said "good catch" and properly reset the connector.

He put the back housing back on the TV and we hung it back on the wall and hooked her up. Immediately upon firing up with the "HP Intializing" screen coming up I could see that the nasty red (and sometimes green and blueish) flares were 100% gone. I have been running the set for about 6 hours straight today and it is still pixel flare/static-like burst, what ever you want to call them, free. Those nasty little bas*rds are gone.

The tech took the old control panel with him and sends that back to HP.

I am a very happy camper and the TV is performing flawlessly, with a picture that is better than ever. Cost to me was zero.

So, I have gone from a person who would have never purchased another HP product if they had not fixed this TV, to one who was rather impressed with my dealing with HP this week.

The control panel is not very large -- maybe 5 inches by 7 inches -- and has an LG micro-chip of some sort in the middle.

I am sure that the control panel must have been defective, but I also wonder if the loose/improperly seated connector may have also been causing me problems. At any rate, my TV is again cranking out at fine HD picture.

I will update this message if I experience any problems.

Good luck to others.

Well, my 4260 was officially declared a lemon today. They were at my house for the 4th time and decided it would be more cost effective to let it go. My BB service man was really great, but BB as a corp plain sucks. I bought the thing for 1300 + 300 for the PSP for a total of 1600. When I went today for a replacement they said an $800 insignia was the comparable model or I could have an $800 credit toward another TV. I was super pissed and they basically told me that's just the way it is. I raised enough hell to get another 200 toward the credit, but I still felt pigeon holed into the whole situation. I ended up going with a 50" LG this time. I really didn't want to give those leaches another dime, but I felt like I had no choice. I laughed in his face when they offered another PSP. I'm officially done with the HP so good luck to any of you guys still having problems

Well, my 4260 was officially declared a lemon today. They were at my house for the 4th time and decided it would be more cost effective to let it go. My BB service man was really great, but BB as a corp plain sucks. I bought the thing for 1300 + 300 for the PSP for a total of 1600. When I went today for a replacement they said an $800 insignia was the comparable model or I could have an $800 credit toward another TV. I was super pissed and they basically told me that's just the way it is. I raised enough hell to get another 200 toward the credit, but I still felt pigeon holed into the whole situation. I ended up going with a 50" LG this time. I really didn't want to give those leaches another dime, but I felt like I had no choice. I laughed in his face when they offered another PSP. I'm officially done with the HP so good luck to any of you guys still having problemsIt was widely discussed early in this thread (as far back as page 1) that the 4260 & 5060 were actually manufactured by LG. I.E... this response to shragen from dirtydan:
[Quote: Originally Posted by shragen
Does anybody know if they are still using rebranded Panasonic's? I noticed that the numbering equals the new 60u panasonics...]

"I have the whole service manual, it is for sure an LG"

A year before the 4260/5060 series HP offered the 4200N & 5000N models, which were rebranded Panasonic 500U's (I have a 5000N that still works and looks great). The next year it was widely discussed that they (HP) switched to LG to source these models. Therefore you just bought a set made by the same people who built the one you're disgusted with. Why???

LG supplies the screens on these models, HP supplies there own controller boards. Atleast that is what the Tech was telling me while he was here. LG supplies the screens for many other brands as well. When The picture was working it was great, that's why I went LG

I don't know if HP is going to do anything for me at all.
I heard from HP today and am *very* happy now! I was given the choice of having my TV repaired for free or having it replaced with a refurbished unit and I chose the repair. The part(s) will be shipped directly to me and then somebody will phone me to set up a repair time.

Since I was out of warranty, HP has obviously gone above and beyond the call of duty. This is excellent customer service!

.../Ed

Got my tv back with the new control board installed, Everything is great been on all day with no problems. Time will tell I guess.

I just had my PL4260N die monday on me. I was on my computer with my
tv on behind me as usual and i heard a pop sound. I turned around
wondering what the hell the noise was to see i had no picture on my tv.
It sounded like a capacitor blowing out. I called best buy immediately cause
i have a four year warranty. They asked a few questions then said they'd
call me the following day between 7-9am. They called around 8am saying
they'll be out around 2-4pm that day. The guy showed up around 3pm opened
up the tv and told me the board on the right side(as if you were watching the
tv) went bad and that he was also gonna replace the board on the other side
also just in case. The repair guy went back to his van to check if they had
the boards available, which they didn't. And said he'd have to order them and
probably won't have them till the end of the month. Damn after finding this
site when my tv died looking up any similar problems, i'm glad i got a four year
warranty and not a 2 year which i originally thought i got. Luckily i still got my
old 32 inch RCA which is weird watching after getting used to a widescreen
tv. I just hope it gets fixed before gta iv comes out!

I heard from HP today and am *very* happy now! I was given the choice of having my TV repaired for free or having it replaced with a refurbished unit and I chose the repair. The part(s) will be shipped directly to me and then somebody will phone me to set up a repair time.

Since I was out of warranty, HP has obviously gone above and beyond the call of duty. This is excellent customer service!

Quick update: HP committed to the fix on Friday and the new control board was delivered to my house by FedEx on Monday. A tech called yesterday and will be out this afternoon to do the fix. By the time I get home from work, I should have a TV that appears brand new again!

The repair guy went back to his van to check if they had the boards available, which they didn't. And said he'd have to order them and probably won't have them till the end of the month.
When I needed a new control board (I don't know if that's the part you need), HP shipped it out FedEx for next business delivery - ordered on Friday and delivered on Monday. I would hope that you would get your part by tomorrow or Monday at the latest.

Update:
Refurbished TV will be here on Monday.

Last night, the tv (which had the pixel flare corrected a few months ago) is showing signs of pixel flare again. Unfortunately, I fear the worst with the new/refurbished TV. Hopefully issues happen within the 90 day warranty so I'm not stuck with a bricked TV.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Quick update: HP committed to the fix on Friday and the new control board was delivered to my house by FedEx on Monday. A tech called yesterday and will be out this afternoon to do the fix. By the time I get home from work, I should have a TV that appears brand new again!
Unfortunately the problem is not as bad as it was before, but it's still there. I'll be calling HP again tomorrow... Sigh...

Unfortunately the problem is not as bad as it was before, but it's still there. I'll be calling HP again tomorrow... Sigh...
HP recommended a replacement TV rather than a 2nd repair attempt so I've taken them up on it. The new one will be refurbished but is supposed to be manufactured in the same year as my existing TV and will come with a 90 day warranty. I still say that their service is excellent! Hopefully the new TV will be here next week.

.../Ed

can anyone tell me how much a control board is for the 4260? I have been round and round with hp and bestbuy and neither can tell me how much it is. I have attached pics of what my tv is doing, I sent the pics to hp tech support and they said it's a control board.

One of the posts in this thread said it was about $600. Best Buy charges $100 just for an initial service call so you could be out $700+ for the repair.

that's what I was afraid of, I now have a 100 pound paperweight.
I also called several local tv repair shops and nobody will touch an hp tv, that in itself is very interesting.

Does anybody know where to take it for recycling? I'm guessing a plasma screen is something you can't just put out on the curb for the garbage man to pick up?????

In post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12833802#post12833802, the author says that the new control board is $250-300.

It looks like you'll need to get a real price from somebody since this could change the resolution strategy.

Depending on the age of your TV, a letter to HP's corporate offices might help you get a free repair. It might not.

As for recycling, if you do go that route, that varies considerably from city to city. It's certainly hazardous waste and should be treated as such. Some cities will take them at the curb, some have regularly scheduled free drop-offs, and some charge to take them.

thx for the info, I think I will scrap this one, I called and got the labor rates from best buy since that's where I bought it, you were correct, it's $100 right off the bat just for a trip charge then labor starts at $50 for 15 minutes and goes up to a couple hundred for an hour, that and the price of the part leaves a bad taste in my mouth. this tv is less than 2 years old, you would think a $1600 tv would last longer than that, shame on me for not getting the extended warranty. live and learn...

Anyone in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area want a HP 4260 that needs a control board? if you will come and pick it up, it's yours, contact me if interested

Anyone in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area want a HP 4260 that needs a control board? if you will come and pick it up, it's yours, contact me if interested
Try craigslist.com. I'm guessing you'll get rid of it fairly quickly.

I am new to this site. I apologize if I post incorrectly because I have not lurked for much time at all. Not really sure on etiquette (if any at all!) Anyway, I am also a proud owner of a $1,500 piece of abstarct art called a PL4260N. It's a delightful conversation piece happily located in my bedroom unwatchable because it looks like the above poster's TV- exactly. Konked out 1 month outside of the warranty (1 year) and believed in the product so no service plan purchased.

I will, however, be allowing the $100 initial service call from Best Buy since HP will not stand behind their product. Service has been terrible, to say the least. I figure, what's $100 more down the drain? I just have to have hope that it will not cost $800 to service my TV. Hope is all I have left- 'cause it sure ain't money!! Anyway, I have found the bits of info here helpful to me so I will let you know what the BB tech has to say. Appt. is on 4/28 (my anniversay- Great!)

However, if there is someone here that has already had a BB service tech come out and truly knows what I am in for without speculation on price, please let me know! Thanks a million!

Just got our refurbished TV today....and guess what? The faces of all people are ORANGE! Guess it is time to get back on the phone with HP.... :(

HP will not stand behind their product. Service has been terrible, to say the least.
In what way? What happened when you logged your call during the warranty period? You are entitled to a free repair and you will get one if you ask through the proper channels.

If you didn't log a call during your warranty period, how is HP failing to stand behind their product? Did they not honor their warranty? Did you expect that 12 months really meant 13 months? How about 14 months? 18?

You can hope for a free repair after your TV is out of warranty and you can beg through their corporate offices but HP is certainly not obligated to do so. The same holds true with every manufacturer's product. That's why extended warranties are sold. I bought one for my car. I know the risks if I don't (and I don't for most of my electronics, including TVs).

HP has gone beyond their contractual obligations for me by providing first a free repair option (which didn't completely fix my problem) and then a free refurbished TV (which I'm currently waiting for). I wrote their corporate offices (postal mail, not email) and they responded within 2 weeks.

Best buy put a brand new controller board in mine. It has been since junked out because the screen needed to be replaced. The board is only 2 months old. I can remove it and sell it if anyone is interested. you would still need someone to install and dial it in, but it beats paying 500+ for one

My 42 has those red sparkles as well when turning on the TV...uh oh. Time to dump it on Craigslist.

swank501 :What are you wanting for this new control board? What is the part number on the control board?

THere are 2 part #'s on here. One is 6870QCH006C and the other one is 6871QCH977C

I'll sell it for 50 shipped to whoever wants it

In what way? What happened when you logged your call during the warranty period? You are entitled to a free repair and you will get one if you ask through the proper channels.

If you didn't log a call during your warranty period, how is HP failing to stand behind their product?

HP IS failing to stand behind their product because it's a well known, widespread problem. Instead of recalling this piece of junk their allowing customers to suffer just because a date passed.

Did they not honor their warranty? Did you expect that 12 months really meant 13 months? How about 14 months? 18?

No, but I believe I can recall them promising and advertising that this TV offered 60,000 plus hours of viewing. Would you be lead to believe that meant longer than 1 year?

You can hope for a free repair after your TV is out of warranty and you can beg through their corporate offices but HP is certainly not obligated to do so. The same holds true with every manufacturer's product. That's why extended warranties are sold. I bought one for my car. I know the risks if I don't (and I don't for most of my electronics, including TVs).

Thank you for the lecture. I know all of this and in no part of my post did I ever say I wanted anything for free. I realize that I did not buy an extended warranty and am willing to pay to have it repaired. I just don't think it should be $750. I realize that companies need not give away free TV's for those that are occasional lemons. However, this is a problem that numerous owners are plagued with and HP should do something about it. I know you don't know what it feels like to have wasted $1,500, as your TV was a prize. But it feels pretty crappy.

HP has gone beyond their contractual obligations for me by providing first a free repair option (which didn't completely fix my problem) and then a free refurbished TV (which I'm currently waiting for). I wrote their corporate offices (postal mail, not email) and they responded within 2 weeks.

Well, lucky you. I'm very glad to hear about your experiences. You might have a slightly different perspective on this issue as you never paid cold, hard cash for your unit in the first place. Anything thing that HP does for you is really a favor because it was a gift in the first place. When you're out $1,500 for something that should have lasted longer than a year- let me know. I'm just sharing my experiences and opinion and I don't think I'm alone in those feelings.
I think my original question was asking about whether anyone knew exactly what BB was charging to fix the problem before I had a technician (paid, by the way) come out. If you could offer advice on that, it would be great. Or maybe you can post the HP offices where you wrote to receive this wonderful service you speak of. Otherwise, please refrain from assuming you know what I am looking for. I posted my honest and true opinion- it's happening to me- NOT you.

The letter I sent to HP was addressed to:

Stephen DeWitt
Senior Vice President, Personal Systems Group
Hewlett-Packard Company
19091 Pruneridge Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014

Good luck to all who write!

Just got our refurbished TV today....and guess what? The faces of all people are ORANGE! Guess it is time to get back on the phone with HP.... :(
I hear ya....I just got my refurbished TV today....and guess what? There is flaring/sparkles on the new TV after it's on about 15 minutes (mostly on the top inch of the screen and about 18-20" long). Not as bad as on the TV it replaced but I haven't had the new one on very long.

Time to get back on the phone with HP... :-(

.../Ed

It has been 3 weeks or so since I had my control board replaced. TV is working fine. Fingers crossed. Sad to hear of all the above woes.

I would say that having seen the tech do it, the control board is easy to replace, most anyone could do it on their own. It is held in by a few screws and 2 or 3 cables snap onto it. That's it.

It does take work to get to it: have to take off the back of the TV; there are some IC panels above the control board on a separate panel architecture, but you can remove a few scres and flip those out of the way

Control board could be replaced by an amatuer with miniminal electronics knowledge in 1 hour.

Ugh. My TV had red sparkles like crazy now. WTF HP?

Ugh. My TV had red sparkles like crazy now. WTF HP?
If it's under warranty, HP will fix it - the sooner you log the call, the better. They'll either do a control board swap that resolves the issue, or they'll replace the TV. It seems like if they replace the TV and the replacement TV has issues, they may offer to exchange the broken TV for a brand new one (which is currently LCD-based I believe). Check the replacement TV - which will be refurb'ed but manufactured in the same year as your original TV - and if it has issues, let them know right away so it can be tacked on to the same case. Keep the case number and all contact info and a log of when you contacted them. You may need it for escalation purposes later (this is true for all vendors, BTW).

If you're out of warranty, write a snail-mail letter to them (contact info in an earlier post of mine) outlining why they should help you. If you think the problem is chronic in this model, say so. Reference this forum. If you tell them the product is a piece of junk, you're less likely to get a response. I don't consider "WTF" to be "polite" :-). If you've been a loyal customer for many years (work or home), say so. Be truthful. Tell them politely but firmly what they can do to keep you happy and let them know why they should. Acknowledge that you are out of warranty and that you're asking them for help - don't tell them that they *have* to do anything, because by they don't.

Quote the datasheet if it helps your case: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00608344.pdf

Phrases on the datasheet like "HP plasma TVs deliver the detail and color that
HP is known for", "Ultra-long life panel—up to 60,000 hours of operation", and "60,000 hours equates to more than twenty-three years at seven hours a day viewing." may help your case.

Remember, you've got nothing to lose by writing this letter if you're out of warranty. Take your time to get it right, because you've only got one shot at it. Keep it to one page. Treat this letter like you're asking for a thousand bucks, because you are.

In this day and age snail mail letters are worthless. They'll be quickly thrown away. I will go ahead and call them, and if that does nothing I will then write a letter. If that does nothing its to The Consumerist for me.

In this day and age snail mail letters are worthless. They'll be quickly thrown away.
All I can say is that I wrote a snail mail letter to HP about my TV issues and it worked for me.

.../Ed

I hear ya....I just got my refurbished TV today....and guess what? There is flaring/sparkles on the new TV after it's on about 15 minutes (mostly on the top inch of the screen and about 18-20" long). Not as bad as on the TV it replaced but I haven't had the new one on very long.

Time to get back on the phone with HP... :-(

HP has committed to replacing the TV with another refurbished unit. I hope this one works!

If this issue has already been addressed, I apologize. I sure wish I had found this forum a year ago. Here's the situation:

I purchased my HP about a year and half ago from BB. Upon hooking the unit up, I immediately noticed that the video would intermittently black out. I contacted HP and they sent out a technician to replace the boards, which produced no results. HP then sent out a refurbished unit that had some obvious damage on the back. Not wanting to accept that unit (or any other refurbished unit for that matter) I told the deliverymen to take the "new" unit back and leave the old one. I contacted HP once again and they offered to refund me the price of TV, minus some amount they determined to be the monetary equivalent of the use I had gotten out of the unit to date. Looking back, this would have been the course of action to take. Upon examining the Monster surge suppressor to which the unit was attached, I discovered a "wiring reversed" indication. Believing that the surge suppressor may be faulty, I contacted Monster and they shipped a replacement unit without receiving the original. Unfortunately, I got the same indication with the replacement unit (great customer service from Monster, however). Hoping that this had something to do with the wiring in our very old home, I had an electrician come to the house and he determined that, in fact, the wiring in the house was incorrect. "Great", I thought. "As soon as we move to our new place the problem will be a non-issue." Wrong! This past January, I moved into a new apartment and the "blinking" of the video continued. Not believing that the wiring in the new apartment is also incorrect, I examined the surge suppressor further and discovered that I only get the "wiring reversed" indicator when the TV is plugged in. By this time the TV had fallen out of warranty and my attempts to come to some sort of agreement with HP were met with the verbal equivalent of "talk to the hand". I came to accept the "blinking" as a part of life, knowing that I had been royally screwed and that one day the video would crap out completely. Well, my friends, that day has come. I am the proud owner of HP plasma television with fantastic audio and absolutely no video whatsoever.

Does anybody have any advice whatsoever?

P.S. To make matters worse, my unit has (or had, I should say) that stupid red sparkle problem as well. But hey, at least there's a known fix for that.

I am the proud owner of HP plasma television with fantastic audio and absolutely no video whatsoever.

P.S. To make matters worse, my unit has (or had, I should say) that stupid red sparkle problem as well. But hey, at least there's a known fix for that.
You may be in luck. See http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01270780&lc=en&cc=us&lang=en&dlc=en&product=1832457
Basically, if you experience the "no picture, no display" symptom, and your TV is in a specific serial number range (and your TV is about the same age as mine, and mine's in the range), then HP has extended your warranty by an additional year to cover the repair. Look up your serial number, and the log the call right away. You may get a free fix for at least the no video problem. I have no idea if the fix for that happens to be the same as the sparkle problem or if they'll fix that problem at the same time if it's a different fix.

Good luck!

Great info, thank you. Unfortunately, my unit does not fall in that serial number range. I spoke to a technician here in town and he said HP parts are hard to come by. Basically, he said he was unwilling to work on the unit. I don't know what to do, I'm about ready to scrap the thing. Any other suggestions?

Great info, thank you. Unfortunately, my unit does not fall in that serial number range. I spoke to a technician here in town and he said HP parts are hard to come by. Basically, he said he was unwilling to work on the unit. I don't know what to do, I'm about ready to scrap the thing. Any other suggestions?
My only other suggestion would be to write a letter to HP's corporate offices and try to convince them that the problem is not restricted the serial number range listed on their web site. It's a 42 cent stamp but may save you a grand. You don't have anything to lose but an hour of your time, a stamp, and a couple of weeks waiting for them to respond.

HP has committed to replacing the TV with another refurbished unit. I hope this one works!
So far, so good! The new TV arrived yesterday and I watched it for a couple of hours last night and this one seems to be good. Yippee! Thanks, HP Support!

My warranty expires on 5/13, but I think I am going to pick up an extended warranty at Squaretrade. They have a 50% off sale, so I should be able to pick one up for around $50 for an extra 2 years (I only paid $699 for my tv on sale at Circuit City). Even though my television has been perfect so far, after seeing all of the horror stories on here, I think I would rather be safe than sorry......:D

How do I update the firmware on my hp pl5060 plasma? Is there any way I can do it myself.

I'm hoping it'll take away the fact that my TV dims if the image is too bright (doesn't happen that often, but still).

My warranty is out. I was an early adopter and my non-furb'd unit has been working out great!

Hey guys, I have the no display issue. The other day my 4260n made a loud snap sound and the screen went blank. I still have sound, though. I called hp and since my unit is 16 months old they told me to eat it. The serial number does not fall within the extended warranty program that they are offering. So I figured the snap sound was a capacitor and that I should be able to locate the offending board pretty easily. I opened up the tv and could not find a single singed, discolored or otherwise faulty capacitor anywhere. I took my meter and tested the fuses and found one of the ceramic time lag fuses had blown. The littelfuse part number is 215004P. Bussman makes a similar fuse: part no. S505-4. I tried to put a glass 4 amp fuse in the unit and it would'nt even power up. So I've ordered the Littelfuse fuses from Digikey. I will let you guys know if that works or not.

BTW, the control board part number for my unit is 6870QCH0C6B Which is 1 number off from the ones most of you guys are reporting. It is an LG board and apparently correlates to Philips, toshiba, and LG 42" televisions. I get the green sparkles very very rarely when I play my xbox, but never see it otherwise.

okay. replacing the fuses did the following: nothing. The Power supply is smart enough to look down the line and see there is a problem. So it tries to power up, then shuts down everything and you have to unplug again. So I ordered a used YSUS boards from shopjimmy.com. I searched by part number, which lined up with several other televisions (mostly LG). Now my TV works again. Maybe I'll get another 18 months outta the thing, but it only cost me $100 in parts instead of paying best buy at least 500 to take care of the thing. Thanks for nothing, HP.

Thanks for nothing, HP.
Technically, I don't see what HP did wrong here. Your TV was out of warranty so they referred to an HP authorized service center. Just because Best Buy wants to charge a price that is ridiculously high doesn't really mean HP let you down.

Yes, your TV didn't last as long as you (and most of the people on this list, including me) would have hoped to see, that is what the warranty is for.

What I see on this list - and other HD lists - is that we really should be buying extended warranties and adding the cost of the warranty to the purchase price before making a decision. If the cost of the TV + warranty is more than you're willing to pay, don't buy the TV (unless you can afford the TV out of warranty). The problem is that if a cheapo radio bites the dust 2 weeks after its warranty is up, you can typically afford to replace it. Unfortunately, the same can not be said about a big screen TV that most people save a long, long time for. It's tough enough to justify the purchase the first time around without justifying another purchase 16 months later.

At least HP TVs are repairable...many of the lower-end HDTVs have become disposable.

I'm glad you got your TV fixed. I hadn't heard of shopjimmy.com before and appreciate the link. I'm guessing I'll need it in the future :-(.

The reason I say "thanks for nothing" is because they know there is a problem with this model of television, and yet decide that instead of making it right with loyal customers, they only repair a certain number of televisions. My TV fell outside that band so I had to pay for it myself. The fact is, I shouldn't have to buy an extended warranty for anything. Televisions of this price should last longer than 18 months. By your logic it would be perfectly acceptable for them to install a timer to short out the thing after 12 months, cause hey "it's not our problem anymore". I just bought a motherboard for my computer that has a 3 year warranty on it. what's the difference? The HP tv is basically a collection of circuit cards attached to a power supply and a monitor. Just because I was able to repair the unit does not mean they shouldn't have backed up their product. The least they could have done was give me a line on a new card at a discounted price. It's not that they didn't live up to their obligation, even. It's that I expected more from a company like HP. I guess I should have learned better when they bought Compaq and kept it alive.

In all the reading I've done on here I haven't seen a post from anyone who had their service done under the Best Buy extended warranty plan.

My 5060 has a case of the red sparkles and I just set up an appointment through the BB warranty dept. under my 4-year extended warranty. I'm about 3 weeks past my 1-year HP warranty, not that I would have done anything different. In any case, they told me they need to take the TV back with them to the shop and diagnose it there, then order parts for teh repair, then set up another appointment to bring it back, and that they'll have it for at least 2 weeks. This doesn't sound like any of the experiences I have read about here so I wanted to see if anyone else thought if something was fishy. Also trying to figure out if this is just the start of the whole process where they won't be able to fix it and will then just end up giving me credit toward a new TV later.

, they told me they need to take the TV back with them to the shop and diagnose it there, then order parts for teh repair, then set up another appointment to bring it back, and that they'll have it for at least 2 weeks.
The standard HP warranty includes IN-HOME service. You need to check your BB extended warranty contract to see if they specify otherwise or if they're just extending what the HP warranty includes. If the latter, then I believe you're entitled to in-home service.

It says that it is for in-home service for TV's 25" and larger and also says "After the manufacturer's warranty expires, this plan continues to provide the manufacturer's benefits..." but then further down also says "Some products may need to be removed from the home to be repaired." The part I don't like aboutthat is the inability to talk to the tech while he repaires as many people on here have done. Seems when they are able to discuss the issue and how it seems to be common the tech already knows about it and it seems to speed up the process.

i have a hp pl5060n got it from bransmart in december 06, good picture great unit, but!!! the unit hdmi interface does not work anymore, i had it hooked up to the hp media center z558 and worked great for around 6 months, after looking online, i noticed i have to change tgis main board, can anyone please guide me to where i can purchase this mb for the pl5060n, i live in saint lucia the caribbean. HELP HELP PLEASE SOMEBODY!!

i have a hp pl5060n got it from bransmart in december 06, good picture great unit, but!!! the unit hdmi interface does not work anymore, i had it hooked up to the hp media center z558 and worked great for around 6 months, after looking online, i noticed i have to change tgis main board, can anyone please guide me to where i can purchase this mb for the pl5060n, i live in saint lucia the caribbean.
raginbender reported good service on this list ordering a part from shopjimmy.com.

The reason I say "thanks for nothing" is because they know there is a problem with this model of television, and yet decide that instead of making it right with loyal customers, they only repair a certain number of televisions. My TV fell outside that band so I had to pay for it myself. The fact is, I shouldn't have to buy an extended warranty for anything. Televisions of this price should last longer than 18 months. By your logic it would be perfectly acceptable for them to install a timer to short out the thing after 12 months, cause hey "it's not our problem anymore". I just bought a motherboard for my computer that has a 3 year warranty on it. what's the difference? The HP tv is basically a collection of circuit cards attached to a power supply and a monitor. Just because I was able to repair the unit does not mean they shouldn't have backed up their product. The least they could have done was give me a line on a new card at a discounted price. It's not that they didn't live up to their obligation, even. It's that I expected more from a company like HP. I guess I should have learned better when they bought Compaq and kept it alive.


Yes, I have the MAL Discharge issue with a PL4260N and HP told me the same thing. Hidding behind the 1 year warranty. Nice TV that lasted 14 months for $1600. They told me to piss off too. Real nice HP, real nice.

Extended Warranties have their value sometimes!

Extended Warranties have their value sometimes!

Why? Why should I have to spend hundreds of dollars on top of the $ I'm already laying out for an expensive piece of electronics? Are you kidding me? Aside from that the problem I have has been well documented by hundreds of others in this 65+ page thread. Extended warranty my A$$. If you were in my shoes you wouldnt be making stupid comments like that.

Did I mention that HP sucks and doesnt stand behind their expensive junk? Enjoy my hard earned money you bastards!!!

Did I mention that HP sucks and doesnt stand behind their expensive junk? Enjoy my hard earned money you bastards!!!
And comments like that is why I got a free out-of-warranty repair after writing HP a letter and you get to go shopping for a new TV.

And comments like that is why I got a free out-of-warranty repair after writing HP a letter and you get to go shopping for a new TV.

Yeah, I've been going at them pretty good and they havent budged so far. The only thing they would do is send a repair guy out to try the voltage adjustment repair. I went around the guy that was assigned my case because he isnt even answering my mail anymore. I guess it was getting to warm for him. We'll see what HP is really made of, if they really give a crap about their consumers. I'm not impressed so far though...

to add to this thread, mine just died. It started with the red pixel flare, which i noticed but the wife didn't (she thought I was just looking for an excuse to get a new tv). well, today the picture went out. My set is 16 months old and I guess I was "lucky" as my s/n fell within the extended warranty range. HP is sending out a new y sus board and a tech within the next few days.

to add to this thread, mine just died. It started with the red pixel flare, which i noticed but the wife didn't (she thought I was just looking for an excuse to get a new tv). well, today the picture went out. My set is 16 months old and I guess I was "lucky" as my s/n fell within the extended warranty range. HP is sending out a new y sus board and a tech within the next few days.

Good luck to you. The ZSUS, YSUS, Control and main power boards were replaced in mine and I still have the pixel flare problem. Not saying that yours wont be repaired with the Y board but...

Sadly I must add my name to the list of mal-discharge affected customers. Warranty expired in March.

Just started in the last couple of weeks - intermittent sparkle patches on bright objects and a bluish flare on white background scenes.

This describes it perfectly:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12675097#post12675097

I am pursuing the extended warranty claim through my credit card company - they seemed very reasonable when I explained the issue to them.

My question for others - is this new control board a sure fix or is this model basically unrepairable and needs to be replaced?

Well, I just received a call from the local repair shop who picked up my TV through Best Buy Warranty last week. They were calling to arrange delivery, and then said "You know the TV's not repaired, right?" Prior to that statement I didn't, but thanks. Now I know. They told me that the part needed to fix the TV was not available and there was no way they could perform the repair so they were sending it back to me. They said Best Buy would be in contact with me. I didn't feel like waiting so I called Best Buy myself. Since i was running faster than they were they had to track down the information that I was relaying to them and confirmed that it was unrepairable and that the replacement process would begin. I will receive a confirmation number via the phone in 3-5 business days which I can take to a store and pick a new TV with equivalent functions. When I asked if there was a brand I was stuck with, since HP didn't make the plasmas anymore she said "If I were you, I'd look at Samsung, Vizio, Philips, Sony or Panasonic." Duh.

Anyone else have any experience with a "Like and Kind" replacement? I'm guessing I'm not getting a full 1080 Samsung, but what the heck should I be trying for? Should I even consider an LCD, HP or otherwise?

Anyone else have any experience with a "Like and Kind" replacement? I'm guessing I'm not getting a full 1080 Samsung, but what the heck should I be trying for? Should I even consider an LCD, HP or otherwise?

My guess is you'll probably get a gift card to get whatever you want. That's what BB usually does with warranties. Mine still hasn't developed the pixel flare, but I have an extended warranty so hopefully if it DOES, it's during the warranty period.

Just my .02 cents; LCD blows Plasma away on brightness. Take a look at program material from an out-doors shoot and you will see what I mean. It's very interesting to note when direct view CRTs were getting brighter no one complained! Now that LCD is over taking Plasma on brightness, the Plasma camp is crying that LCD is too bright. Can't see it myself. Samsung seems to have it locked up over all. BTW: I don't see HP TVs in any stores around here.

Guys,

I might have a way to help with the pixel flare problem. I was experiencing the same issue with my 4260 plasma and decided to try to adjust the internal voltage adjustment screws inside the plasma. See attached picture

Basically I just unscrewed all of the external screws that hold the entire back cover on to get to the adjustment. They came off fairly easily and wasn't too much trouble to get them back on.

The screws themselves are located on the middle left of the panel if you are behind it. The top "setup" screw had a tremendous effect on the amount of pixel flare in the picture. Basically what I did was have video running at the same time I was adjusting the screw. By turning the screw clockwise I was able to "tweak" the pixel flare almost completely out of the picture!

There are also 2 other screws that could be adjusted, but I didn't see any difference with the picture.

Just a word of caution. Try at your own risk! I hold no responsibility, just offering some words of wisdom if you are stuck and can't deal with the picture anymore. Also, mark the number of turns with the screw. That way if something happens you can readjust back to normal.

Another sad story on my end.

11/27/06 HPPL4260N Purchased very happy with TV

11/19/07 Noticed the red pixel flaring (mal discharge) issue on my TV and called in to support. (Thought I had lucked out getting in just before the warranty ended).

11/26/07 First service call. Technician replaced one board. Things got worse.

12/03/07 Second service call. All boards replaced. The picture was even worse.

12/12/07 Refurbished unit received. The TV was covered with water (condensation was the official explanation). After the tv warmed up to room temperature things were looking pretty good.

Mid April/08 completely lost all picture. Called in to HP and luckily my "Refurbished" unit was covered under the "No Picture, No Display" service campaign. :confused:

05/31/08 Now the thing has on at least 2 occasions started losing the picture. The panel is flickering off and on... I can shut it off and everything is ok after 20 or 30 min. Sounds like an overheating problem to me, but who knows. :mad:

At this point I'm ready to give up on this thing. I'm going to try again with HP, but I'm not particularly hopeful. especially since I can't easily reproduce the failure. The good news is I may have one last recourse... My CC company automatically extends manufacturer warranties by one year, so I may try an file a claim with them if I can't get anywhere with HP.

-momanz

Received delivery of my un-repaired 5060 this morning. Apparently it's not that the part to repair it was unavailable, it's that the part was deemed too expensive by the warranty company. The diagnosis of the 3rd party repair shop was that the panel was not powering properly, ony powering up 83% percent or something like that, causing the "sparkles." Makes me wonder if the voltage adjustment via the turn of a screw as suggested earlier on here wouldn't have solved it, but no matter cause at this point I'd rather take advantage of the warranty and get a new Panasonic or Samsung.

Hi all,

No flares yet, but another problem. I had to unplug my HPPL4260N last night because of an electrical storm. I've powered it back up, but now I notice a high-pitch whine/buzzing sound from the back of the unit. Any thoughts? The TV is two years old, so it's a little out of warranty.

My brother sold me this television for $900 about a month ago. This television is great. I hook it up to my coputer for movies and the quality is fantasitic. It is also really great for gaming. I think that my tv looks a lot better than most 50" and 60" tvs. The picture quality is so high and the resolution is so clear. Don't listen to all of those people who say "oh this tv stinks. or the display pops in and out" This is a fantastic tv at a very affordable price. Two Thumbs Up!

Guys,

I might have a way to help with the pixel flare problem. I was experiencing the same issue with my 4260 plasma and decided to try to adjust the internal voltage adjustment screws inside the plasma. See attached picture

Basically I just unscrewed all of the external screws that hold the entire back cover on to get to the adjustment. They came off fairly easily and wasn't too much trouble to get them back on.

The screws themselves are located on the middle left of the panel if you are behind it. The top "setup" screw had a tremendous effect on the amount of pixel flare in the picture. Basically what I did was have video running at the same time I was adjusting the screw. By turning the screw clockwise I was able to "tweak" the pixel flare almost completely out of the picture!

There are also 2 other screws that could be adjusted, but I didn't see any difference with the picture.

Just a word of caution. Try at your own risk! I hold no responsibility, just offering some words of wisdom if you are stuck and can't deal with the picture anymore. Also, mark the number of turns with the screw. That way if something happens you can readjust back to normal.


I tried adjusting the setup pot and it had no effect.

However, out of curiosity I also tried adjusting the two gray pots on the PSU board located top center on the rear of TV (see page 127 of service manual). They are labeled Vs and Va.
I turned the Vs pot maybe 2 notches counter-clockwise and BINGO - sparkles are gone! I watched it happen in real time and they never came back all night. I never did touch the Va pot.

I don't know why some of you took apart the whole back panel, I just used one of those mini-flatscrewdrivers for PC repair - fits right through the panel mesh.

I am still going to pursue my extended warranty claim as there is no guarentee this is a long term fix. But for now - SUCCESS!

Via the extended warranty I'm getting a check for the purchase price including tax. So basically I paid $299 (extended warranty price) to rent the TV for 13 months. Still not sure what I'm going to buy with the check or even if I'll buy a replacement. Now that hockey season is over I can go without TV until football starts up :)

"My brother sold me this television for $900 about a month ago. This television is great. I hook it up to my coputer for movies and the quality is fantasitic. It is also really great for gaming. I think that my tv looks a lot better than most 50" and 60" tvs. The picture quality is so high and the resolution is so clear. Don't listen to all of those people who say "oh this tv stinks. or the display pops in and out" This is a fantastic tv at a very affordable price. Two Thumbs Up!"



A 66 page thread of problems with this model doesnt lie. We arent making these problems up. I'm glad that you are fortunate enough to have one that is performing as all of us expected ours to when we dug DEEP into our wallets and bought a lemon with HP's logo proudly displayed on the front for all to see. Dont get to exited though, you may be back here looking for advise on how to get it fixed. :-) (I would bet $ on it)

A 66 page thread of problems with this model doesnt lie. We arent making these problems up. I'm glad that you are fortunate enough to have one that is performing as all of us expected ours to when we dug DEEP into our wallets and bought a lemon with HP's logo proudly displayed on the front for all to see. Dont get to exited though, you may be back here looking for advise on how to get it fixed. :-) (I would bet $ on it)

Most people on the AVS Forum realize that those with problems are more likely to post. My 2+ year old set has performed flawlessly. I don't dispute, though, that there was a class problem for which HP extended its warranty, as good vendors do. So though I am not "to exited", I am not looking for "advise" on how to get it fixed. :)

I also have a PL4260N with sound and no picture. HP tech support told me the YSUS board was probably bad. Does anyone have the part number for that. After reading the posts it seems like LG boards will fit also. Is that true? I also read about a service manual being on HP's site. It seems it's gone now. Does anyone have a copy they could email to me?

Thank in advace for the assistance!!

Thanks to the people who've posted all the useful information on this thread. I have a PL4260N that's been showing the signs of the "MAL discharge" problem, and there's also a black line that runs across the screen. These problems have been present for about 3 months. I've had the TV since November of '06.

I contacted HP's customer service folks about a week ago, and was told that it would be a $629 dollar fix. I found this to be unacceptable for a TV that's only a year and a half old, so after some quick googling, I found this link: (I can't post a URL since I'm a noob, so google "email HP CEO" and check out the first result). I filled out the form, and wrote a very tactful letter stating my disappointment with HP, and the amount of business they would be losing due to their inability to stand behind their products. I was contacted within hours by their CEO Customer Relations team, and they pushed my ticket to a case manager. I played phone tag for a bit with the TV case manager, but managed to get in touch with them today. They informed me that they could send out a replacement TV (same model, so I assume it's a refurb), with a tech to install it. For free. I jumped all over that, and am now waiting to hear from their shipping folks (who should be contacting me by the end of the week). The case manager also told me that the new unit is covered for 90 days, but if I ever have problems with it, to call him back (and gave me his direct #).

The CEO Customer Relations team was very professional, and helpful. Also, I may add that I was very professional and polite as well (as being rude gets you nowhere). Big +1 to HP on this one.

Thanks to the people who've posted all the useful information on this thread. I have a PL4260N that's been showing the signs of the "MAL discharge" problem, and there's also a black line that runs across the screen. These problems have been present for about 3 months. I've had the TV since November of '06.

I contacted HP's customer service folks about a week ago, and was told that it would be a $629 dollar fix. I found this to be unacceptable for a TV that's only a year and a half old, so after some quick googling, I found this link: (I can't post a URL since I'm a noob, so google "email HP CEO" and check out the first result). I filled out the form, and wrote a very tactful letter stating my disappointment with HP, and the amount of business they would be losing due to their inability to stand behind their products. I was contacted within hours by their CEO Customer Relations team, and they pushed my ticket to a case manager. I played phone tag for a bit with the TV case manager, but managed to get in touch with them today. They informed me that they could send out a replacement TV (same model, so I assume it's a refurb), with a tech to install it. For free. I jumped all over that, and am now waiting to hear from their shipping folks (who should be contacting me by the end of the week). The case manager also told me that the new unit is covered for 90 days, but if I ever have problems with it, to call him back (and gave me his direct #).

The CEO Customer Relations team was very professional, and helpful. Also, I may add that I was very professional and polite as well (as being rude gets you nowhere). Big +1 to HP on this one.


You have to be kidding me? Dont get me wrong, I'm glad to hear that HP is making this right for you, I truly am.

I went through the EXACT same process you did and all they would do is send someone out to try the voltage adjustment??? They flat refused to do anything else, and I did use the diplomatic approach in the beginning. I would have been happy with anything they did as long as they made it right for me too. They have written me off and wont even talk to me anymore! I cant beleive this pick-and-choose customer service of theirs. WOW

Once again, I'm glad to hear they made it right for you. By the way, mine is 1 1/2 years "young" and out of warranty too.

I have one, open box from BB, that I have had for 20 months. I bought an extended warranty, but mine won't break so I'm still enjoying it. I'm hoping that it will die before my warranty is up and BB will just give me a gift card.

You have to be kidding me? Dont get me wrong, I'm glad to hear that HP is making this right for you, I truly am.

I went through the EXACT same process you did and all they would do is send someone out to try the voltage adjustment??? They flat refused to do anything else, and I did use the diplomatic approach in the beginning. I would have been happy with anything they did as long as they made it right for me too. They have written me off and wont even talk to me anymore! I cant beleive this pick-and-choose customer service of theirs. WOW

Once again, I'm glad to hear they made it right for you. By the way, mine is 1 1/2 years "young" and out of warranty too.

How long ago did you talk to them? I am really wondering if they realized there's a problem, and are now doing something for the customers who call about it. In all seriousness, it seemed too easy to get this taken care of. The first words out of the case managers mouth (after validating my info) were "We can send out a replacement unit". I'm sorry to hear that you've had such poor luck with them. Their regular service department is terrible, but these guys seemed to be on the ball.

How long ago did you talk to them? I am really wondering if they realized there's a problem, and are now doing something for the customers who call about it. In all seriousness, it seemed too easy to get this taken care of. The first words out of the case managers mouth (after validating my info) were "We can send out a replacement unit". I'm sorry to hear that you've had such poor luck with them. Their regular service department is terrible, but these guys seemed to be on the ball.

Over the last 2 months. I bought mine in Sept 06. I'm blown away becasue they wont even respond to my e-mail anymore.

I tried adjusting the setup pot and it had no effect.

However, out of curiosity I also tried adjusting the two gray pots on the PSU board located top center on the rear of TV (see page 127 of service manual). They are labeled Vs and Va.
I turned the Vs pot maybe 2 notches counter-clockwise and BINGO - sparkles are gone! I watched it happen in real time and they never came back all night. I never did touch the Va pot.

I don't know why some of you took apart the whole back panel, I just used one of those mini-flatscrewdrivers for PC repair - fits right through the panel mesh.

I am still going to pursue my extended warranty claim as there is no guarentee this is a long term fix. But for now - SUCCESS!

Weird, on mine I was able to make them come and go too. Oh well, nice tip. Glad everything worked out!

Awesome! Glad it worked.

I am happy to report my screen is still "flare" free after the adjustment.

I talked with a local repairman, his suggestion was that this was quite common with many of the plasma's in the past few years and the voltage adjustment works in most cases.

Well, the new TV came today. I wasn't home when they came by (my wife was) but they took the old one down, and put the new one on my wall mount. The technician didn't hook up any cables other than the power cable. I don't know if the unit is a refurb or a new one, but I'm in the "break-in" period now, and everything seems good so far.

Well, the new TV came today. I wasn't home when they came by (my wife was) but they took the old one down, and put the new one on my wall mount. The technician didn't hook up any cables other than the power cable. I don't know if the unit is a refurb or a new one, but I'm in the "break-in" period now, and everything seems good so far.

I talked to HP again, same guy as before called me back. I referenced your situation and he wasnt impressed. Told me again that I made the biggest mistake of my life for buying anything with HP's logo on it because they dont care about all of their customers, just some apperently. I buy all the laser printers for my employer, I gaurantee I wont put any more HPs in there! I've had Dell replace hardware out of warranty if its a known problem. I hope HP doesnt make their printers because that's what I'll start ordering $800 at a time. I hope you are reading this "DAN" @ HP. If you are, kiss my a$$ will ya???


USMC, I'm glad your situation worked out though, seriously. Have a good one.

DoneWithHP, I wish I could understand why they're picking and choosing who to fix. The only difference I can think of in our situations is that there was a solid black line that went across the screen, along with the MAL discharge. Also, I spoke with Aaron.

I wanted to share with you my recent experience with Hewlett Packard.

Only July of 2006 I purchased a 50” HP Plasma for almost $3000 from Best Buy. I had the TV professionally mounted on the wall the very same day and have taken great care of it ever since.

So I was very disappointed that while watching the TV, the left side of it completely shut down and stopped projecting an image. I immediately called HP support who informed me that since the product was out of warranty, I would have to get it serviced by Best Buy, an authorized repair company.

To make the story short, I wrote an email to Mark Hurd, CEO of HP, detailing my problem. The next morning I received a phone call telling me that my case had been escalated. Aaron, the case manager understood my frustration and OFFERED to replace the TV free of charge. Moreover, the TV will be DELIVERED and INSTALLED free of charge as well.

I just wanted to thank Aaron and of course Hewlett Packard for standing behind their product and for providing me with such great customer care.

As you may have read, I *won* a 42" HP plasma from an online HP contest. About 15 months later, my TV started experiencing the mal discharge problem to the point where it needed repair (it was doing earlier but my wife noticed it and I didn't). After I got the "call Best Buy for repair" story, I wrote to HP's SVP for help. HP offered me a choice of a free repair or a replacement refurbished TV. I chose the repair, which didn't fix it. Again, they offered a free replacement, delivered and installed for free. It suffered from a slightly different problem. AGAIN, they offered a free replacement. This time the TV was good.

The refurbished TVs also have a 90-day warranty, which is about 90 days longer than my old TV :-)

I phoned both the case manager I was working with and the contact at the executive offices who authorized the repair/replacement and thanked them for making me happy.

Unfortunately, the front-side service folks aren't authorized to do an out-of-warranty repair or replacement, but the duty manager I talked to suggested that I write to the corporate offices and they did authorize it.

HP greatly exceeded my expectations - after all, I didn't pay for the TV in the first place and they still stood behind their product. The only difference between my service case and what a normal paying customer would receive is that I received a refurbished TV the second time around - I was told that a normal customer would have received a *new* TV (LCD since HP doesn't sell plasmas any more) if the first refurbished TV didn't fix the problem.

I really do feel badly for the people that dropped a ton of money on one of these and can't get the same level of support that some of us have received.

I bought the HP PL5060N last year with a 4 years service warranty. Since the day we got the TV something with the sound has not been right. To be able to watch a movie we have to turn the sound all the way up which is not normal for this type of TV. Anyone has ever experienced this type of problem?

We have tried to fix it in many ways. Brandsmart says it is not under their service warranty. HP says our 1 year warranty is over. Please help!

does the red sparkles get worse over time bcuz i hav them and only notice on black screens doesnt really bother me. should i get it fixed i have best buy 4year service plan??????

does the red sparkles get worse over time bcuz i hav them and only notice on black screens doesnt really bother me. should i get it fixed i have best buy 4year service plan??????
Mine definitely got worse - a few months until it was horrible from the time my wife first noticed them.

I guess I've spoken too soon. I think I'm getting pixel flair. I was only a few inches away from the screen while working on my D* DVR. During black screens, I could see popping of red all across the screen. Since my wife is usually about 12 feet away from the screen so she never noticed anything. So should I expect the TV to start getting worse?

I am a owner of a PL-5060-N HP Plasma. Unfortunatly it is past warranty.
I was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase parts for it.
The power supply board Part # 1032305-HS has failed but HP does not have a repair parts or service shop in my area (Calgary, Canada). HP tech support has been extremely weak in their response with any support.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Jed

I am a owner of a PL-5060-N HP Plasma. Unfortunatly it is past warranty.
I was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase parts for it.
The power supply board Part # 1032305-HS has failed but HP does not have a repair parts or service shop in my area (Calgary, Canada). HP tech support has been extremely weak in their response with any support.
Try shopjimmy.com. Somebody else here reported a successful repair with a used part from them. They seem to deal more with the 4260N but it wouldn't hurt to drop them an email and ask about the part you're looking for.

Figured it's time to post of my experiences with my PL5060 bought on April 2006.

Initially (for the first 6 months) I had no problems, and being new to the whole HD experience thought the picture was great (especially when all you are used to is STD broadcasts from a CRT). I did have a problem with the HDMI connection to my STB as it would produce a picture but no sound but thought it was just a compatibility problem. Component cables were fine for me anyway.

Then football season started. I was blown away by live HD programming but noticed that the TV would "flicker" every so often and it would do this only when the camera would pan back to view the entire stadium. What was odd is it didn't always do this. I chalked it up to new HD tech and that's just the way this TV is.... I went on beliving this for the next year not doing anything about it.

Eventually after buying my second flat panel for the basement (Samsung LN46A650) I became much more critical on picture quality and noticed when I compared the two TVs with 1080i sources the HP was definetly more grainy in PQ and had more "moire" effects when viewing SB. So I called up BB (I bought the 4 year ext warranty fortunately) and the tech came by. He said that his test patterns could not reproduce the problems I complained about and chances are that is "just the way the TV is" (which was my justification earlier). So he left and I just had to deal with the occasional flickering.

Then I started watching the NBA playoffs this year (starting following the Celitics...) and during the Pistons/Celtics series I noticed that it would flicker alot. It was really annoying. Again it was when the camera would pan back to see most of the stadium and it would do this more in Pistons home games. Then I realized that the pan backs that I witnessed earlier in NFL games (watching Bears games) only really happened during home games. So the key trigger was lots of white in the stadium, the tv struggled to process the little dots of white all over the stadium while the camera was moving.

So this time I DVR'd a Pistons/Celtics game and called back the BB tech. He looked at it and saw the DVR recording. He made a call to the parts dept. and told me that I could not use the DVR recording as proof of the problem as it is probably the DVRs fault. He said I needed to record the problem on a video camera. @#%$^&!!!! So basically (and this is what I told him) I had to buy a video camera (I was BSing, I have one) and turn it on everytime I watch the TV and hope for the problem to occur (especially since the Pistons/Celtic series was over and it was not happening during the Lakers/Celtics series). After he left I complained to BB customer service. They decided they will take the TV themselves to test it at their place. But then I would be out this tv for some time.

By chance I was watching a Cubs game (yes I like my sports....) and noticed that the problem was happening so I started video taping the game. Called BB over again and showed the tech (a new tech BTW, not the same one the past two other times) the problem on the DVR recording (which I still kept) and said he would order the part (he didn't even see the video tape, even though I mentioned it!). The part (new board) came in the next few days and two techs came out to install it the following weekend....

And the difference is like night and day! The flickering problem does not occur anymore. In fact the PQ is amazing, totally different from what I was used to on this TV. I don't see the moire effects on SB anymore. When I compare the PQ difference between my Samsung and the HP the Samsung is only marginally better. PQ seems much sharper with colors that are deeper. Oh and HDMI works with sound now. The tech mentioned that the video processor was replaced. Whatever it was the new board really made a difference.

Anyway, that's my story with this TV. Hopefully I will not have any more problems with it but so far so good.

I bought the HP PL5060N last year with a 4 years service warranty. Since the day we got the TV something with the sound has not been right. To be able to watch a movie we have to turn the sound all the way up which is not normal for this type of TV. Anyone has ever experienced this type of problem?

We have tried to fix it in many ways. Brandsmart says it is not under their service warranty. HP says our 1 year warranty is over. Please help!

I had the same issue with my HP speakers... they simply aren't loud enough. I bought a home theater sound system and that resolved my problem.

The speakers that come with the pl5060n plasma are garbage!