The speakers that come with the pl5060n plasma are garbage!

Ok, I guess it's not just the raving of my wife on the PL4260 then; she says she can never hear the speakers. :D Guess I might spring for a cheap set of home theather speakers, or at least a center, fronts, and a subwoofer.

I should have waited a few days before typing up my long winded story....

Looking closer at the screen, I see little red pixels in the black areas and discoloration on faces (like a light purple). Looks like I'm calling Best Buy back again.....

I should have waited a few days before typing up my long winded story....

Looking closer at the screen, I see little red pixels in the black areas and discoloration on faces (like a light purple). Looks like I'm calling Best Buy back again.....

I guess I should start the ball rolling with BB and maybe get my TV "lemoned." I saw the pixels on a black background when I was about a foot away. But I'm usually 10-12 feet away so it's not as noticeable.

well just as many of you guys, my PL5060 crapped out on me a few days ago. a few month after the warranty being up. I purchased it on may of 07 and now its dead. The screen is completely black but there is sound coming from the tv. I called HP and they gave me the $629 bs deal, and they refuse to service it free because its out of warranty. so now im looking for information on the part that may be damaged to see if i can get and install it myself.

this is exactly how it goes.

The tv will boot up [hp symbol comes up] and i'll have picture for about 5 minutes. After then, the image will start blinking; picture-black screen- picture etc and then it will just turn black all together. Still producing sound. I checked the cables and they were all fine, changed the inputs and its still black. Changed to the dvd player and still. The only time when im able to view anything at all is when i change it to the antenna input which is not used because i have cable.

I've spoken to two different reps in the last 2 days [one of which was no help because i couldnt understand a word he said] the other was helpful enough to tell me that my input board may have gone. couldnt give me the part number for it though. has anyone experienced anything like this?

UPDATE: I got a call back from HP a few days ago after submitting a very long letter to their CEO, i was contacted by Dan. I explained that the tv was just 2 months out of warranty and what had happen to it, after a few minutes of being on hold, he offered to have a tech out here on monday to correct the issue free of charge. As a one time out of warranty repair. And that if the main board/Y board replacement didnt work that the techs had the ability to order parts/make repairs as needed until the tv was in working order. He also said to keep in touch with him until the situation was resolved. Lets see how this turns out.

Has anyone calibrated their HP Plasma TV or done some setting with ideal picture settings for the best picture quality?

I was wondering if there should be some optimal settings that I can use for this TV. I have this TV in master bedroom so I am currently using the Movie mode.

Any help is appreciated!

Has anyone calibrated their HP Plasma TV or done some setting with ideal picture settings for the best picture quality?

I was wondering if there should be some optimal settings that I can use for this TV. I have this TV in master bedroom so I am currently using the Movie mode.

From the research I've done, these settings seem to be good for me:
Brightness: 50
Contrast: 36
Saturation: 42
Hue: 0
Sharpness: 14
Color temp: Standard

Optimal depends on the viewer and on the TV but try these and see if you like them or not. Other people have some different settings but they seem to hover around what I've set mine to.

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.


Xander,

I have found quite a few posts about the "Flicker" issue while playing XBOX or watching certain HD shows. I have already had to replace my power supply (500.00) and I have lost faith in HP Televisions. Since I do not have a warranty, any chance you know the number of the part that was replaced? I'm thinking about trying to order the part and replace it myself. I don't see any software updates available for the TV either. Anyone who can assist me in finding an answer to the dreaded flicker problem, I would be very greatful.

Thanks.

K

Xander,

I have found quite a few posts about the "Flicker" issue while playing XBOX or watching certain HD shows. I have already had to replace my power supply (500.00) and I have lost faith in HP Televisions. Since I do not have a warranty, any chance you know the number of the part that was replaced? I'm thinking about trying to order the part and replace it myself. I don't see any software updates available for the TV either. Anyone who can assist me in finding an answer to the dreaded flicker problem, I would be very greatful.

Thanks.

K

Unfortunately I do not know the part#. Also, the flicker is back and I see red dots when the TV gets hot. Called BB back and now they will replace my power supply. And I'm sure I'll call them back again after the power supply is replaced. Fortunately I have a 4 yr ext warranty with 2 years left (my intention is to get this TV replaced, hopefully).

I've really lost faith in HP period (I also have issues with their printers).

Unfortunately I do not know the part#. Also, the flicker is back and I see red dots when the TV gets hot. Called BB back and now they will replace my power supply. And I'm sure I'll call them back again after the power supply is replaced. Fortunately I have a 4 yr ext warranty with 2 years left (my intention is to get this TV replaced, hopefully).

I've really lost faith in HP period (I also have issues with their printers).

Well I've already paid to have my PS replaced. I hate that I got a bum TV, but I have no extended warranty. This flicker problem is a joke. I can't even play NCAA 2009 or enjoy watching HD NFL. HP is a joke. I will be writing a letter. Once I get it composed I'm going to call my local news company and report it as a lemon. If anyone else has any guidance on the flickering, please let me know.

thanks!

I bought the 5060N at BB open box in May of 07. Worked great until this afternoon.

The color seemed to go a little funny (grainy and a little reddish) for a minute then the TV shut itself of. Now it just continuously attempts to reboot, with no picture, not even the logo screen. There is an audible click as it switches on followed by a buzzing sound and after about 5 seconds the light goes back to red briefly and it all starts over.

Any ideas? I downloaded the service manual and didn't see anything that matched. The LED isn't staying red or purple, it's going between the two. I also don't recall reading about anyone hearing a louder buzz from their unit (I skimmed the last 15 pages or so of the forum).

Any insight would be appreciated.

Why is there a whole page of posts missing?

Why is there a whole page of posts missing?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1054910

On the morning of August 11, AVS Forum suffered a major failure in the database and backup storage. As such, we have no choice but to recover from August 2nd.

This represents tens of thousands of lost posts and new threads for the last week. There is nothing we can do about it at this time but move forward. We are sorry about the loss and will work to be sure this does not happen again. We are as upset about this as you may be, more than likely even more.

Regretfully,

AVS Forum
__________________
David Bott
AVS Forum Admin

My 50" PL5060 has recently started the "red sparkle" thing on a dark screen. It's most noticeable on my PS3 menu screen with the black background, but is occasionally noticeable during a dark movie scene.

I purchased the set from Best Buy and also got the 4 year warranty, which it is still covered under. Is Best Buy still attempting to repair these or just replacing them? After reading all of the stories on here about the trouble, I'm not sure I want to chance another set. Mine has been trouble free for 2 years now, but I want it fixed before Football season gets into gear.

Ryan

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.

raginbender, can you post the part number for the YSUS board you bought? (I figure the 6870QCH0C6B you mentioned in your previous post is a control board and not the YSUS board....pardon my ignorance....). I have the same exact problem and would like to get the same board and try....

Thanks,
Edited to add: Found it on the board. The LG part number is 6870QYH005B

I have a 4260n and it did nothing, expcept flash the power light. I replaced the YSUS board, and it came on now, however all i have are about 6 to 8 verticle colored lines going from bottom of the screen to about 2/3 the way up. The lines are in the middle and grouped about 1/4 1/2 apart. I cannot access menu or anything else. Any suggestions? Please help! I have been fighting with this thing for months!

My 50" PL5060 has recently started the "red sparkle" thing on a dark screen. It's most noticeable on my PS3 menu screen with the black background, but is occasionally noticeable during a dark movie scene.

I purchased the set from Best Buy and also got the 4 year warranty, which it is still covered under. Is Best Buy still attempting to repair these or just replacing them? After reading all of the stories on here about the trouble, I'm not sure I want to chance another set. Mine has been trouble free for 2 years now, but I want it fixed before Football season gets into gear.

Ryan

Best Buy will try to fix it. They have already replaced 2 boards (one board being replaced twice) and replaced the power supply on my TV.

So far it looks like it is working OK. I believe if they have to go back out and fix my TV again they will have to replace it.

My 50" PL5060 has recently started the "red sparkle" thing on a dark screen. It's most noticeable on my PS3 menu screen with the black background, but is occasionally noticeable during a dark movie scene.

I purchased the set from Best Buy and also got the 4 year warranty, which it is still covered under. Is Best Buy still attempting to repair these or just replacing them? After reading all of the stories on here about the trouble, I'm not sure I want to chance another set. Mine has been trouble free for 2 years now, but I want it fixed before Football season gets into gear.

Ryan

Best Buy will try to fix it. They have already replaced 2 boards (one board being replaced twice) and replaced the power supply on my TV.

So far it looks like it is working OK. I believe if they have to go back out and fix my TV again they will have to replace it.

All depends on where you live I guess. When I sent mine in for repair it was diagnosed as having a bad panel, not bad boards or power supply, and mine was deemed unrepairable. I received a full refund in the form of a check.

I live in Phoenix, AZ by the way and it was picked up and brought back by a shop in Mesa.

I have a 4260n and it did nothing, expcept flash the power light. I replaced the YSUS board, and it came on now, however all i have are about 6 to 8 verticle colored lines going from bottom of the screen to about 2/3 the way up. The lines are in the middle and grouped about 1/4 1/2 apart. I cannot access menu or anything else. Any suggestions? Please help! I have been fighting with this thing for months!
I posted this question on here a number of days ago and it seems no one is responding anymore to them> is that the case/

raginbender, can you post the part number for the YSUS board you bought? (I figure the 6870QCH0C6B you mentioned in your previous post is a control board and not the YSUS board....pardon my ignorance....). I have the same exact problem and would like to get the same board and try....

Thanks,
Edited to add: Found it on the board. The LG part number is 6870QYH005B

Update: Got the LG part today from discount-merchant.com. (NOTE: Although their website called it an LG part - the QYH005B noted in my previous post quoted above, the actual part had the HP part number on it as well....). They took about 3 days to ship it out.
Took out the old YSUS board and put in the new one (NOTE: for anyone doing this on their own - the ribbon cable clasp on the lower right hand side of the board is rather fragile - be careful - I almost broke it on the old board; not that it would matter in my case, given it was the old non-working board....Also, I found it easier to just take out the screws on the YDRV board (the long one to the left of the YSUS) and swing out the whole assy. before trying to disconnect the YSUS from the YDRV) - and VOLA!! MY TV IS BACK UP AND RUNNING !!!! :D

....don't know how long it will work - but if it quits working, will let you know.

Anyone looking for a broken YSUS board?

I posted this question on here a number of days ago and it seems no one is responding anymore to them> is that the case/

IMHO:
The control ribbon cable is a pressure connect - did you try reseating that?
Also, the YSUS to YDRV board connection, I noticed, can misalign relatively easily as there is enough play even as you tighten the screws....(don't know if the pitch within the edge connectors is small enough to cause a mis-connection....but worth a try....)

My 50" PL5060 has recently started the "red sparkle" thing on a dark screen. It's most noticeable on my PS3 menu screen with the black background, but is occasionally noticeable during a dark movie scene.

I purchased the set from Best Buy and also got the 4 year warranty, which it is still covered under. Is Best Buy still attempting to repair these or just replacing them? After reading all of the stories on here about the trouble, I'm not sure I want to chance another set. Mine has been trouble free for 2 years now, but I want it fixed before Football season gets into gear.

Ryan

Hi folks, hi reklund,

I"m getting that "red sparkle" too. I'd call it a "pink snow". It seems to get worse as the set stays on. It's only noticeable in dark scenes. Anything with any amount of color variation and it almost disappears . You have to look very close in order to even notice it. When the set is cold it's not even there, even in dark scenes.

At first is was only a certain area and only when the set had been on a long time (7hrs approx). But now when it does appear it's been getting worse,covering more of the screen. I didn't get the extended warranty so I'm sort of out of luck.

In 2 years I've never used the whitewash function, since this is for "burn-in" and I'm super anal about making sure the screen is full a vast majority of the time and I never display static images on it (ie. console games).

Would a whitewash hurt? Help? Do nothing? I remember reading when I first got the T.V to use the Whitewash only when needed. Over use could do harm. I suppose using it once in two years isn't going to harm the TV, but I don't think it's going to help from what I understand the whitewash does.

Any thing new as reklund is also asking, about this issue?

Getting into the service section and "tweaking" it?
Replacement board?
Whitewash?
Could it be a cabling issue?
Heat? (might have something to do with it)

I'm going to try a few things on my end, do some comparative tests to rule out cabling or anything else obvious.

I finally got hold of BestBuy- I'd been too busy to pursue a fix. I'm supposed to have a local TV repair place come and check it out this week and tell me what it needs.

I haven't heard of an easy fix, other than getting it warrantied, so we'll see what happens. I'm sort of hoping that it will be deemed unfixable, mainly because I don't trust people to work on my stuff. (I'm a bit of a freak in that regard- I know I could fix it myself given a little training and access to the proper parts)

Ryan

Looking to help my in-laws mount their HP PL4260N. I've been looking at monoprice, specifically this model:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082806&p_id=3337&seq=1&format=2

Any thoughts or opinion? Thanks in advance!

I have lost the screws for mounting the side speakers. If anyone knows what the size and thread type of those screws are I would love to know. HP wants almost 20 bucks before shipping and I just want to grab them from a local hardware store. If anyone knows asap I would really appreciate the knowlege ASAP.

Kudo's to HP and extending the warranty for the pixel flare issue!

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01481913&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=uk&product=1832457&lang=en

I called and simply explained my issue and they ordered the replacement control board right away and arranged for a local service tech to install in home. It took about 1 hour total to swap in the new board and I have had it back in service for about 2 weeks now with no complaints.

Ok, about a month ago I took HP up on their offer to fix my mal-discharge under the new extended warranty for this issue. I had red sparkles that would start in a small area in the upper middle of the screen, and progressively get worse the longer the set was on.

Tech comes out, replaces the control board. Red sparkles are gone, however they were replaced by BLUE sparkles. HP sends new board and different techs.

This time it was two kids that couldn't have been older than 18, one of them even remarks "Wow, I didn't know HP even MADE tvs!". Filled with confidence at that point. Sure enough, they broke the board putting it in, and I had half a picture upon completion. So they put the old board back in. Blue sparkles are now back to red, and far worse.

New board and tech today. Same guy that came out the first time. This time, the ribbon cable that connects the Y board to the control board gets damaged (probably from taking it on and off so many times in the last month). Couldn't get a picture for about 30 minutes, then he swaps the connectors around so the cable is connected opposite of how it was originally. Now we get a picture. However, it flickers, and solarization is TERRIBLE. So much that my 5 year old said "Daddy, why does the TV look so funny?".

So, here I sit, watching my badly damaged TV, in far worse shape than I was when I originally started the repair process. Someone from HP is supposed to be calling me, hopefully not to tell me that I'm screwed.

This is a terrible experience, by far the most time-consuming repair process I've ever had (I've taken three days off work so far), and still no resolution.

I'll keep you updated, and fair warning to anyone trying to get a repair.

Wow, that was fast. HP just called, they are sending out a "new" (refurb) tv. Hopefully this one doesn't have any issues.

Wow, that was fast. HP just called, they are sending out a "new" (refurb) tv. Hopefully this one doesn't have any issues.
When I was having the sparkle issue, we attempted a repair first, and that didn't help. They then gave me a free refurb even though I was out of warranty. That actually made the problem worse. They gave me another refurb and it's been flawless ever since. If your repair is being done in warranty, it appears that if the refurb doesn't fix the problem, they may offer you a brand new TV instead. Unfortunately, HP doesn't sell plasmas any more, so it would be an LCD. Or you could ask for another refurb plasma.

Since my repair was done, I see that HP is now extending the warranty for other people affected by the issue. I'm glad to see that! I got my repair by writing their executive offices.

Yeah, the guy from HP said this refurb will have a 90 day warranty, so I'll be examining it VERY closely for any problems.

So, once you get a refurb, and it has problems, do they then give you an option for another refurbed plasma, or a new LCD?

So, once you get a refurb, and it has problems, do they then give you an option for another refurbed plasma, or a new LCD?
That appears to be the case.

Hope the refurb is in good working order, cause HP LCDs suck.

Delivery company just called, refurb will be here in the morning.

Got the new one. Picture is great, but it looks like the back was smashed a few times with a hammer. It's pretty beat up. Talked to my case manager, and they are sending ANOTHER one.

OK OK... so i've not been very smart about getting this TV to work and ordered a YSUS board thinking that was the problem. Come to find out, that problem is only specific to the no picture but audio still working problem. OK You live you learn right? So i called HP to find out that my TV is not covered in the serial number range and even if it were... that problem is for the YSUS board. My problem is the main board.

Now... My problem: I cant find the "main board" that they said was bad. I can find every other board but this one. I've googled the HP part number and found it on one site for $600+. Does anyone have an alternative part number or mabey can you tell me what the board looks like and where its located?

Further info: I asked HP twice about the Ctrl board and they swore up and down that this was a differnt board called... well... the "Main board".

Thanks in advance folks!!

The part number that HP gave me is 108781-HS

Hey hockeman... I have a good main board that I bought to have as a spare one. I will sell it for $300 if your interested. I can send you a picture of the board. If interested email me at rguth3@juno.com I will throw in a schematic if you purchase it that has pictures.

Got the new set yesterday. It's in good shape, PQ is perfect.

Gotta say, HP really went beyond my expectations to repair/replace a set that is almost a year out of warranty. Sure, there were bumps in the road on the way to satisfaction, but HP never blew me off and stuck with it until we reached a positive resolution.

I have a Hewlett-Packard pl4260n plasma tv. when i turn it on everything appears normal the hp icon appears and below it the word initializing. however after the tv is done initializing the screen appears with tons of vertical line running down it. the lines are made up of various colored pixels. I tried to fix it by replacing the control board but that didn’t help. I was then told by the same tv repairman it was the digital board that needs replacing. does anyone know if this is in fact the part I need?

Just got the word today that it would cost $800-$1000 to fix my 5060n. Add to that the $150 that Geek Squad charges to diagnose. Luckily the tech was decent enough to give me the bad news over the phone without having to see it. The problem is that the screen just went black and I can hear a relay clicking and the front LED is going red to purple. It's about 2 weeks from being 2 years old. It seems like such a waste to throw it out. :(

I don't know if it's my ears or my TV, but the sound output seems to be getting worse. Most of the time the volume is at half the maximum just to barely hear it. If I have no other ambient sound in the room, I can get by with 30. And I'm not sure my Best Buy extended warrenty will do anything to fix it. I might just try to unload it at a loss on Craigslist and get an LCD, but definitely NOT an HP one.

Just got the word today that it would cost $800-$1000 to fix my 5060n. Add to that the $150 that Geek Squad charges to diagnose. Luckily the tech was decent enough to give me the bad news over the phone without having to see it. The problem is that the screen just went black and I can hear a relay clicking and the front LED is going red to purple. It's about 2 weeks from being 2 years old. It seems like such a waste to throw it out. :(


HP called this morning. They are sending out a refurb unit next week at no charge. Keeping my fingers crossed that all will end well.

I have a Hewlett-Packard pl4260n plasma tv. when i turn it on everything appears normal the hp icon appears and below it the word initializing. however after the tv is done initializing the screen appears with tons of vertical line running down it. the lines are made up of various colored pixels. I tried to fix it by replacing the control board but that didn’t help. I was then told by the same tv repairman it was the digital board that needs replacing. does anyone know if this is in fact the part I need?

If it's under warranty, then call HP. When I had a problem with my pl4260n they had to replace the TV. No idea about which board you would need to replace sorry.

Hell, even if it's not under warranty, call em anyway. They seem to be real generous about sending out new TVs lately.

Life with HP service could get interesting in the future. It seems like they're not even going to be in the LCD marketplace so replacing your TV with a new model might not be an option.

You can't even find HP TVs for sale on their web site any more.

i just replaced my digital board. i found the part i needed on ebay same part number but the part i bought came out of a 50 inch tv while mine is the 42 inch is there a way i can center the screen to suit a 42 inch tv?

HP called this morning. They are sending out a refurb unit next week at no charge. Keeping my fingers crossed that all will end well.

Got the replacement yesterday and all is well. I have to say that I'm very pleased with how this worked out. HP could've just told me to take a flying leap, but they chose to step up and take care of a customer. :)

I have to say that I'm very pleased with how this worked out. HP could've just told me to take a flying leap, but they chose to step up and take care of a customer. :)
That's been my experience as well. I won my TV from HP and they still replaced it (twice!) once I reported my issues after the warranty expired.

does anyone know where I can get a service manual for my pl4260n?

My wife just bought a Wii console. I am already using the HDMI and both component inputs for two DVRs and a Blu ray player. What is my best choice for the Wii? Will the PC Input work? Do I need any special cables?

My wife just bought a Wii console. I am already using the HDMI and both component inputs for two DVRs and a Blu ray player. What is my best choice for the Wii? Will the PC Input work? Do I need any special cables?

It won't work with the PC input. And since the max resolution the Wii will do is 480p, you might want to just stick with the composite cables. I had the Wii attached via component on the 42" HP. I also had the Wii hooked up to a 55" Mitsubishi RPTV, and it was OK. Resolutions wasn't as sharp, but I think that had more to do with the larger screen size than the cables.

It won't work with the PC input. And since the max resolution the Wii will do is 480p, you might want to just stick with the composite cables. I had the Wii attached via component on the 42" HP. I also had the Wii hooked up to a 55" Mitsubishi RPTV, and it was OK. Resolutions wasn't as sharp, but I think that had more to do with the larger screen size than the cables.OKay thanks. So basically there is no value in using an HD input. 480i versus 480p is adequate for this type of gaming console.

OKay thanks. So basically there is no value in using an HD input. 480i versus 480p is adequate for this type of gaming console.

Not much value - if you have an open component slot, I'd use it. But otherwise, meh. If the Wii had a DVD player, it might be worth using it, but since you already have DVD players using component, there's no point for you.

I recently replaced the ysus board on my HP plasma after it fell victim to the "no picture" problem. The problem I have now is that the picture is all jacked up. Vertical lines, color out of adjustment, flaring, the works. I have managed to get it somewhat clear in certain areas of the screen but it is still hardly viewable. I used the four adjustment screws on the ysus and 2 other boards on the rear of the set but have yet to find the perfect combination to get my picture back. Does anyone know how to correct this or have the proper adjustment instructions for the 4 adjustment points. Is there another adjustment I'm missing? I read that each of them has a set resistance that they should be set to? Where do I measure this for each resistor? Any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to prevent having to take the set in to the professionals unless this is something that cannot be adjusted at home and I truly need to take it in. Thanks!

does anyone know where I can get a service manual for my pl4260n?

http://rapidshare.com/files/77563025/hpmanual.pdf (http://rapidshare.com/files/77563025/hpmanual.pdf)

Just got a PL4260N from a local pawn shop for super cheap. Works like a champ out of the gate, just need a remote. My question is if I use HDMI and Component Digital inputs will the audio come out the audio outputs on the TV to go to a A/V Receiver? I dont have HDMI or Component inputs on my receiver and my TV didnt come with the speakers.

Just got a PL4260N from a local pawn shop for super cheap. Works like a champ out of the gate, just need a remote. My question is if I use HDMI and Component Digital inputs will the audio come out the audio outputs on the TV to go to a A/V Receiver? I dont have HDMI or Component inputs on my receiver and my TV didnt come with the speakers.
One of the limitations with the PL4260N is that it doesn't do digital or optical out - only stereo. So assuming you want to get Dolby 5.1 sound to the receiver, you need another approach.

Do you have a cable box (or a TiVo)? If so, connect a digital or optical out from the cable box to the receiver, and the video signal to the TV. It's what I'm doing today with my TiVo Series 3 and it's working well for me.

I have the speakers hanging on the sides of my TV but that's because I don't have any other good place to store them. I haven't used them in many months. If you're in Minnesota, we could talk about the speakers that I have and you want :-)

I know about the red sparkle effect on this TV, but I notice white sparkles on my 4260. But I don't know if it was the particular channel or for every channel. Has anyone else had this?

I have AT&T U-Verse and it is hooked up pretty much just like you said your Tivo is. I have component RGB going to the TV and the Stereo going to the Receiver and that works fine, my problem is trying to figure out how to get my PS3 to be HD and have sound out the receiver.

Does anyone know if when the new TV regulations go into effect in the next couple of months if the problem of the volumn increasing during comercials will go away when you are watching an HD channel? I believe it has something to do with an analog vs digital signal but I am not sure...

Just in time for Christmas and the new wii we finally bought my daughter, my 4260 had the no picture/blue light problem this morning that I've been reading about. Of course I emailed HP and since my serial number isn't in the span of fixable ones, I got the "pay us $600" email to fix it.

So I have been researching a bit about this problem to see if I could buy the part and fix it. But now when I turn the TV on there isn't even any sound. Nothing, no sound or picture. The blue light comes on, but other than that nothing happens. Has this happened with anyone after the picture alone went out? I wonder if this is the same issue or another part as well.

:(

Well add me to the list of HP Paperweight owners!
Got the PL4260N in Feb 07. Had the main board replaced in March 07 because the original would not take the firmware update. Everything worked fine until Nov 08 when I attempted to turn up the volume with the remote. I got no response, so thinking the batteries were dead, tried the buttons on the tv - no response. So I tried turning the set off - no response. The tv kept playing. Figuring this is a computer-type glitch, I held the power button down for 5 seconds to reset the tv. It powered off, but when I tried to turn it back on I only got a "click" and a purple indicator button. No picture, no sound - just a purple button.
Read these boards and thought "Y sus" problem. Called HP, they said "Y Sus problem" and sent a new board out. Techs came and installed and...nothing.
They said "Probably the main board." Called back HP - they said "probably the main board - $629!" Yikes! The tv is 18 months old!
Called an independent service company to come look at it - explained all the above and he deemed it "bad screen - $4200!!!":eek:
Has anyone had the "purple button" issue repaired for less than either of these two quotes? What was the problem?:(

Ok..my turn for help!

My power switch seems to be stuck in an on/off loop. I turn it on, it goes to purple, then resets back to red, then loops to purple again and again...

Anyone heard anything on this?

Have been talking to HP already and they say they think its a power supply issue and will be glad to help for $627.00. I have looked on a few boards and other people have had this issue and it's been the main board.

HELP PLEASE!

Thanks!

Oh yah...it's a pl5060n..

Well add me to the list of HP Paperweight owners!
Got the PL4260N in Feb 07. Had the main board replaced in March 07 because the original would not take the firmware update. Everything worked fine until Nov 08 when I attempted to turn up the volume with the remote. I got no response, so thinking the batteries were dead, tried the buttons on the tv - no response. So I tried turning the set off - no response. The tv kept playing. Figuring this is a computer-type glitch, I held the power button down for 5 seconds to reset the tv. It powered off, but when I tried to turn it back on I only got a "click" and a purple indicator button. No picture, no sound - just a purple button.
Read these boards and thought "Y sus" problem. Called HP, they said "Y Sus problem" and sent a new board out. Techs came and installed and...nothing.
They said "Probably the main board." Called back HP - they said "probably the main board - $629!" Yikes! The tv is 18 months old!
Called an independent service company to come look at it - explained all the above and he deemed it "bad screen - $4200!!!":eek:
Has anyone had the "purple button" issue repaired for less than either of these two quotes? What was the problem?:(

If you would like to part out the tv I would love to have the YSUS board.

Ok..my turn for help!

My power switch seems to be stuck in an on/off loop. I turn it on, it goes to purple, then resets back to red, then loops to purple again and again...

Anyone heard anything on this?

Have been talking to HP already and they say they think its a power supply issue and will be glad to help for $627.00. I have looked on a few boards and other people have had this issue and it's been the main board.

HELP PLEASE!

Thanks!

Oh yah...it's a pl5060n..


I had the same problem. See my story in this thread. Mine was less than 2 years old and I was ready to throw it out when I was told it would cost me $1000 to fix. I contacted HP and they sent a replacement/refurb at no cost to me and it's been working fine. I started by sending a comment to Mark Hurd, CEO. http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/execteam/email/hurd/index.html

Hint - Disappointment works better than anger. ;)

Hi,

Sadly I found this forum too late! I should have done my research :( . Add me to the list of HPPL4260 paper weight owners! I've been fighting well arguing with HP for MONTHS now stating that they should fix not just my HP POS but everyone whom have the same issue. Of course I have the infamous sound but no picture issue.... the YSUS board as so detailed out by HP.

Has anyone ever gotten their TV fixed for free? When mine first blew which was approximately 1 year and 3 months old, I called HP to get some help trying to figure out what the issue was.. Yea we went through the whole riggamarole trouble shooting steps which finally concluded to "your TV is out of warranty, we can schedule our technician to come out and diagnose your tv for $150.00 or you can call Best Buy where you purchased it"... I called Best Buy... they sent their guy over who plugged in some scanning device which apparently pined the issue on the YSUS. He then offered to fix the issue for $900.. WHAT!!! exactly $900 to fix a roughly brand new TV??!! I had less than a little over 3300 hours on the TV!

So I call HP back hoping they would be sympathetic towards my issue of having a TV that's barely used... What does HP say... in a nut shell... "YOU'RE SCREWED!, SO F.U.!" That was completely BS that they refused to fix it, claiming that my TV was out of warranty and even had the audacity to suggest I purchase a new one verse fixing the one I had.

Anyway to make a long story short... I've been calling HP back and forth over the 7 months when I came across some funny information: HP put out a "free fix" for those of us whom own the PL4260N model television, however, the free fix is only for those who's tv's fall within their said serial range... what's funny about that is although I have the exact same model, with the exact same issue their fixing for free... my serial falls 2 digits outside of the "free fix" range. I found it odd that HP would only fix those in that serial range even though most of the PL4260N models have the same issues. I've researched this issue and found numerous others 47, to be exact where theirs too fell 1-2 digits outside of the free fix, but were offered the HP fix for $629.00.

After another series of calls I eventually got transferred to HP parts department where I was told by an HP rep that "the life span of the PL4260N is roughly 3381 hours, that's about 1 year 5 months of everyday viewing". I asked if that was the case, then shouldn't HP be fixing every PL4260 that has this issue for free not just the ones that are in the serial range of faulty parts? The rep, laughed and said "who told you those faulty parts were only used in that serial range?, all of the model PL4260N, have the same internal parts made by LG".

So if you put two and two together you get: HP received numerous calls in reference to the PL4260N series Plasma television having no picture but sound. To avoid having to continue fixing these issues at their out of pocket cost, they devised a plan... "Free Fix, but only if your TV has X serial number." As so eloquently put by the HP Parts guy.." HP, for legal purposes put out a free fix serial number range; however those TVs in that range didn't necessarily have to have been sold in consumer stores, they could be sitting on a shelf in our inventory"... Did anyone notice how HP used to sell the parts needed to fix it yourself, but now they don't even carry them, nor sell them? Basically, the whole free fix is a scam, to get all owners of the PL4260N that have these issues: sparkle, no picture, wash out, chromatic arbitration (sp), multi colored lines... to call thinking their serial will get them the free fix; only to be gaffed with: "Your TV does not fall within our free fix serial range, however, if you like, we can set up an in-home visit from one of our Home repair specialist, they can fix your TV for $629.00".... straight BS!!!!!!!!

Can anyone help me with this issue... I want to repair the TV, however I'm not paying HP $630 bucks to do something I can do...

I've owned it for 2 years and 1 month, and all of sudden the tint is pretty green. All over.
I swapped out the RBG component video cable for the Motorola DVR cable box. It didn't help. Then I realized it's also happening with DVD player which is different video input and is HDMI cable.
So then I read here that people seem to be having some issues with the red pixelating & flashing and I wonder if my issue is related.
I emailed HP support but I fear all they will say is "too bad, your warranty period is up." Anyone else had the "green" issue?

I've owned it for 2 years and 1 month, and all of sudden the tint is pretty green. All over.
I swapped out the RBG component video cable for the Motorola DVR cable box. It didn't help. Then I realized it's also happening with DVD player which is different video input and is HDMI cable.
So then I read here that people seem to be having some issues with the red pixelating & flashing and I wonder if my issue is related.
I emailed HP support but I fear all they will say is "too bad, your warranty period is up." Anyone else had the "green" issue?
Follow up: I phoned tech support and I have only the option of paying $629 for replacing parts or contracting with an authorized service center here. It seems silly as it's only 2 years old. And I can buy a Panasonic or Samsung for close to that amount anyway. I emailed the CEO via the link provided here, but I am resigning myself to having to buy a new TV. I'm so disappointed...

Dont write them, call them and let them know you are having problems with coloring.

They extended the warranty on the TV for that specific problem. Don't forget to let them know that it is green and you are having little spots on it.

I think it is past a 2 year warranty for that problem.

I will say this, they replaced my ysus board already and it didnt fix my issue so they are sending out a new main board to me free of charge. I am dissapointed with the TV but they seem to be helping out on parts right now though.

I will update this board as soon as I get full resoloution and steps I went through.

Sadly, I will have to agree with the other poster in here that the CEO/Executive route seems to be one of the best ways to approach it.

Goux

This is probably a dumb question, but I cannot figure out how to get the tuner to recognize OTA HD channels. I have been using cable, but am thinking of dropping it and just using an antenna. I have an antenna hooked up that works fine with HD channels on my PC with HD tuner. But when I run the channel setup program on the TV it just goes through the analog channels and then says setup complete. As far as I can I tell the TV never even tries to tune the HD channels. So what am I doing wrong?

Well calling HP support was fun. First he tells me it isn't possible to receive HD signals through an antenna. Then he says I need to contact the antenna manufacturer. Finally he admits he doesn't know much about the TVs and offers to escalate the problem to senior technician tomorrow morning. This wouldn't be so bad if I didn't work for HP... Well at least I sold all my stock a few months ago. Hopefully the call tomorrow will go better.

Follow up: I phoned tech support and I have only the option of paying $629 for replacing parts or contracting with an authorized service center here. It seems silly as it's only 2 years old. And I can buy a Panasonic or Samsung for close to that amount anyway. I emailed the CEO via the link provided here, but I am resigning myself to having to buy a new TV. I'm so disappointed...
Well, I've given up and went out and bought new Panasonic 50" for $800. Even if HP comes back to me and offers to start changing out parts and controller boards etc.--I don't want to fool with it as it sounds like y'all have had many issues even after they've done that. I would simply like a working TV. And I will donate the old one...I did get a phenomenal deal on the 42" HP 2 years ago at under $1,000, but this is really disappointing. A TV should last longer than that.

doolitcd, make sure you set the signal source to antenna and not cable. I've been using an antenna to get OTA HD on my PL4260N for about a year now, and it works great.

I haven't checked this forum for a while, and I'm glad I did. I had been getting intermittant white sparkles on the left side of my display for a few months now, but figured since it wasn't that bad and I was out of warranty that I'd just try to live with it. Today I called HP support and the tech got me set up for a fix without any hassles. The only risky part is that the tech is scheduled to come one day after my wife's due date for our 2nd kid, which I think anyone will probably agree is a dicey manuver for a husband to make. Let's hope he's at least two days late.

well i ran across this forum while searchin for troubleshooting tips........my Hp pl-5060n has a problem only half of the screen comes up now..Hp wont do anything.....anysugestions on what it is and where i can get the parts? thanks..

anyone with tips?

Hi, Im also getting the red sparkle..what's causing it?

Hi, Im also getting the red sparkle..what's causing it?

The manual, where it says "Hewlett Packard Plasma HDTV" :mad:

Here's a quick summary: If you have the sparkle problem and your TV is covered under HP's extended warranty for the issue (search HP's web site), then get your TV fixed or replaced by HP - their service is actually quite if you're covered. If not, you are going to either have to fix it yourself with used/refurbished parts, or you'll be cheaper and probably better off in the long run replacing the TV. That's it in a nutshell. The details are in the many pages in this thread which I won't bother to quote.

Has there been any talk about a class action on this issue?

HP has admitted that there are HP PL4260N problems on their service advisory on their website.

Has there been any talk about a class action on this issue?

HP has admitted that there are HP PL4260N problems on their service advisory on their website.
There has been no talk of any class action nor do I see any reason for any class action. You're welcome to consult with your own attorney.

Yes, HP has acknowledged some specific issues but they have also offered remedies - an additional year of warranty and an offer to pay for any repairs for people that funded their own service before the advisories were issued.

Personally, I'm satisfied with the remedies. My TV was replaced at no cost - not even shipping - out of warranty. That was before HP issued the latest advisory that may have affected my original TV.

Well calling HP support was fun. First he tells me it isn't possible to receive HD signals through an antenna. Then he says I need to contact the antenna manufacturer. Finally he admits he doesn't know much about the TVs and offers to escalate the problem to senior technician tomorrow morning. This wouldn't be so bad if I didn't work for HP... Well at least I sold all my stock a few months ago. Hopefully the call tomorrow will go better.

Have you tried running the setup wizard again and selecting antenna.

Well, I've given up and went out and bought new Panasonic 50" for $800. Even if HP comes back to me and offers to start changing out parts and controller boards etc.--I don't want to fool with it as it sounds like y'all have had many issues even after they've done that. I would simply like a working TV. And I will donate the old one...I did get a phenomenal deal on the 42" HP 2 years ago at under $1,000, but this is really disappointing. A TV should last longer than that.
I emailed the CEO via their website and even though it was out of warranty, they replaced my HP 4260 with a refurbished unit completely free of charge. Seriously impressed.

They must time bomb these pl4260n tvs :(
My problem is I have a very dark picture, lighter more towards the center, very hard to make out the details. I believe the back light is out. Not covered by warranty because I have a picture. For $629, I can buy a new unit. Anyone happen to know the part I need that might fix the back light issue. Hp person would'nt tell me saying its something I could not buy.:mad:

They must time bomb these pl4260n tvs :(
My problem is I have a very dark picture, lighter more towards the center, very hard to make out the details. I believe the back light is out. Not covered by warranty because I have a picture. For $629, I can buy a new unit. Anyone happen to know the part I need that might fix the back light issue. Hp person would'nt tell me saying its something I could not buy.:mad:

Its my understanding that the Plasma screen is made up of tiny neon lites which would not need a backlite like the LCD screen does. The plasma screen in this set is made by LG.

My tv has been exhibiting signs of the mal discharge described on the website but was able to get in on the free repair. Other than that it's been a great set IMO.

Well I finally called HP today and complained about the red sparkle.they basically told me it was my fault for waiting this long....I noticed this a long time ago but "really" thought it was my cable box, etc....what do I know??

I got the ole 687.00 or whatever for a repair....I then said I wanted to speak to someone because I can get a brand new LCD for 900.00....

Well I wanted someone higher up on the food chain to call me and he did this morning. He asked me if I was still an HP employee and when I told him I was he offered a replacement, not new because they don't make em anymore.
The 600 plus repair seems excessive but I asked around and that's what they go for...
That's replacement is fine with me..I asked if it was the same model hoping I'd get the newer w/o side speakers but it will be the same..np...eventually it'll be in my bedroom if I can keep my job...I'll get an LCD.....

I should see it by Thurs or Fri this week....90 day waranty..

People are raving about the Sceptre's from Costco's, really cheap...anyone have experience with them or should i get a quality brand like Samsung, LG, etc.?

Got my refurb today..just the panel, speakers, stand and remote stay...so far so good

There has been no talk of any class action nor do I see any reason for any class action. You're welcome to consult with your own attorney.

Yes, HP has acknowledged some specific issues but they have also offered remedies - an additional year of warranty and an offer to pay for any repairs for people that funded their own service before the advisories were issued.

Personally, I'm satisfied with the remedies. My TV was replaced at no cost - not even shipping - out of warranty. That was before HP issued the latest advisory that may have affected my original TV.


Surely there has to be an option for all of us who purchease a 4260N or 5060N? As someone who has already poured 600 bucks into m 5060N, I now have the obnoxious "red sparkles". I still suffer from the "flicker" when watching HD Football, or playing Football on my XBOX 360. I'm into this TV for $2600 bucks, and now I'm looking at another $600 to fix it. It just doesn't seem fair to sell a product, and have so many people experience the same issues, and have little recourse. Some of you have had success with HP service. Some of you have extended warranties to take care of the problem. Some of us are still sitting with our broken TV's.

Has anyone seen any formal postings from HP about the "Red Sparkles"? I saw a link further up the thread about a warranty extension, but that link is dead now.

Surely there is enough proof to qualify for a class action?

Got my refurb today..just the panel, speakers, stand and remote stay...so far so good

unless you got a newer version of power board installed it will likely start all over again , " red sparkles " .. good luck ..

unless one of you are a attorney and want to spear head this, a class action suit will amount to little.. i can provide all nec. details , but you will will have to write the brief.

There has been no talk of any class action nor do I see any reason for any class action. You're welcome to consult with your own attorney.

Yes, HP has acknowledged some specific issues but they have also offered remedies - an additional year of warranty and an offer to pay for any repairs for people that funded their own service before the advisories were issued.

Personally, I'm satisfied with the remedies. My TV was replaced at no cost - not even shipping - out of warranty. That was before HP issued the latest advisory that may have affected my original TV.

another one who will feel different a few months from now when it starts all over again..

This product is a joke. After 15 months it stops working. Hp refuses to help. Wants $650 to fix it. Can but a new 50 inch for $900 with a two year warranty.

I wouldn't trust HP with you money.

It goes they laugh all the way to the bank.

Don't trust HP all over the internet posting that V are going down in 12 -24 months. That is unbelievable. Many other friends who were wiser bought off brands that are still working fine 3 years later.

Many friends who bought wiser, even off name brands are still running fine 3 years later.

Now I have to get rid of the boat anchor, or buy a boat.

Can you send me the URL for the advisory posted by HP . 15 months and my PL4260N is dead. $650 to fix it, when new 50 inch by LG is $900

How is everybody else getting help and I can't?

They must time bomb these pl4260n tvs :(
My problem is I have a very dark picture, lighter more towards the center, very hard to make out the details. I believe the back light is out. Not covered by warranty because I have a picture. For $629, I can buy a new unit. Anyone happen to know the part I need that might fix the back light issue. Hp person would'nt tell me saying its something I could not buy.:mad:
I have seen the back light issue on the internet. The buld(s) are easily changed

When you call to discuss tell them you want a call back from a manager and ask what recourse w/o paying 700 for a fix...then ask about a refurb....play the game and hopefully they'll offer..
The replacement 4260 looks new, still has tape on the edges so don't know if it was a factory reject that was fixed or what but so far..a month later it runs fine but of course waiting a month isn't the issue..

I told them that how can they advertise a life expectancy of 20 years and expect us to pay 700 after 2 years for a fix..crazy..

I am having the same issue with my pl4260n that many other people are having. I get sound through the speakers but no picture. Not even the OSD. Anyone on the SoCal area that can fix this tv? Right now it's a $1300 paperweight.

Also, I tried calling the HP Case Managers Line 877-917-4380 ext. 79 but it didn't help. Both times I called that number they said my TV was out of warranty and it would cost $629 for a technician to come out and fix it.

Any ideas on how I can get this fixed/replaced?

-Phil

All of a sudden, I am unable to switch the input to my DVD player. The screen stays blue and says unknown signal. I have not touched anything and this error came up. I have since changed out the cable and even purchased a new DVD player! (was going to get a new one anyways) But it still has the unknown signal message. Any ideas on how to fix this??

The only thing I know to try is unplug it for a few hours and then try it. Power fail might reset the processor.

I had a similar problem with a Xbox 360 connected via HDMI. No picture. I disconnected the HDMI cable and turned off the TV for a few minutes. Powered it back on, picture returned.

Do you still have the service manual for the pl4260n? Mine just died and I'm trying to get as much info as possible to see if I can fix it.

I've had it a little over 2 years. 3 months after I bought it, the picture shut off. HP send a tech to repair it and it worked again. Now the picture has died again and it's out of warranty. Any suggestions?

THANKS!

Does anyone have a working link to or some sort of copy of the HP service advisory that was issued regarding the red sparkles?

My TV is out of HP warranty but within BB extended warranty. The red sparkles are intermittent and can only be brought on after a couple hours of video gaming. The service repairer was unable to see the problem as he was unable to replicate it but anytime I play PS3 for a couple of hours, it is back (on all sources). I am hoping that having the service advisory in-hand will help BB to deal with this.

Many thanks!

I bought the PL5060N Sept 06 from BB with the 4 year extended warranty. For the first 2 years, no problems - PQ was great. Over the past year, I've been getting the red flickering during dark scenes and on the 360 and dimming screen during bright scenes. Now that I pointed it out to my wife, she sees it all the time. It only happens after the tv has been on for over 1 hour.

Long story short, I've called BB and they are sending a tech out Monday to diagnose the problem. I'm actually hoping they can't fix it because I don't want to deal with all these issues over again. Thank goodness my warranty doesn't expire until Sept 2010. That was the best $300 I've ever spent.

I'll repost after the tech diagnoses the problem but I'm not optimistic anything can be done.

So the Geek Squad tech came by this morning and verified the problems I was having. He's going to order the y sus & logic pcb (copied from the invoice) but he doesn't think it can be fixed. Most likely, they will offer a replacement which I take to mean they will give me store credit.

Decision should be made mid next week on what to do. Needless to say, I'm thrilled that they confirmed there was an issue with the tv.

I'll post again next week hopefully when a resolution is reached.

Decision should be made mid next week on what to do. Needless to say, I'm thrilled that they confirmed there was an issue with the tv.

I'll post again next week hopefully when a resolution is reached.

Sorry to hear you had problems, but I'm really hoping that they can't/won't repair it. I've got red sparkles on my set, and with the crappy speakers on it, I really want to get a new set. Plus, even for the price I paid for it open box, I can bet a 1080p 42" LCD with a few HDMI ports and still have some left on the card.

Good Luck!

My HP PL4260N lost the sound and image....while we were watching a show. Called HP because I got the TV EXACTLY 3 yrs ago and not extended warranty. $629 is the price to send a tech to repair....

any suggestions on where to take it or what to do? I cannot afford to buy a new one right now but it seems that the price tag is the same...new one about $800- $1,600..

g

Well Bestbuy came out today and replaced the panel with a Hisense. Unfortunately that's about all the inforomation I could get from the work order. No mention of replacing anything else.

Does anyone know who the OEM was for these HPs? I'm hoping I didn't get an inferior panel.

I'll report back in a few days on the status. So far, no red sparkles.

Hi, "Phidler", I had it confirmed that LG was the OEM of the panel quite some time ago before I bought mine.

My HP PL4260N is acting up. The screen in black, but there is audio. I can change inputs and channels (verified by the audio changing, since I can't see anything).

The TV is for my son who is 10 years old. He has pretty severe cerebral palsy and watching TV is his favorite thing to do and just about all he can do by himself. He is is a wheelchair and cannot move his arms or use his fingers. Ha has no friends his age so TV is his world. I would like to get him back his big TV.

HP wants $629. to come out and try to fix it, but they won't guarantee the repair.

Like everyone else in this thread, I don't want to spend 3/4 of the price of a new TV on a risky repair like this.

So my question is this: HP has swapped out TV's for some of you. What did you say to them to get them to do it and do you have any suggestions for me?

Well like so many of you on here I had the issue of the TV breaking after around 2 years. It started with no picture but still sound, then later in the day I had no picture or sound.

I battled back and forth with HP for weeks and got the "pay us $629 and we'll try and fix it routine". So I just gave up and went out and bought another plasma. This was back in January. A few weeks ago my sister told me about a law that we have in the State of Maine called the Consumer Goods And Maine Express And Implied Warranty Laws. In case anyone is from Maine, here is the link:

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=AGOffice_Consumer_Law_Guide&id=27922&v=article


The Maine Implied Warranty is the little known law that protects Maine consumers from being sold seriously defective items. It can be an Unfair Trade Practice to refuse to honor the Maine Implied Warranty Law within four years of sale. The basic test for possible implied warranty violations is as follows:

The item is seriously defective,
The consumer did not damage the item,
The item is still within its useful life and is not simply worn out.

When I googled this law I found that about 7 other states have these laws as well. But I can't for the life of me find the list of states right now. Best to check with your state's Attorney General to be sure. I did contact my state Attorney General and they would have mediated a complaint for me, but it turned out to not be necessary.

Once again I wrote to the HP CEO from this link:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/execteam/email/hurd/index.html

and told them about this law that we have in our state. I got a phone call from an HP case manager, and after researching the matter with their legal department, they said to go ahead and fix it. It took two tries to find the right part, which of course was the infamous Y-sus board, but it's fixed now. :D

I just had to share this and hope somebody else might have the same luck.

Ok so we've got the TV and it's working but the software version is 1.3.1. I can't seem to get the aspect ratio changed to make NON HD channles go fullscreen anymore. Am I correct that would be done from the aspect ratio button? Was 16:9 the one to make non HD full screen? I can't remember. Does an HP repair person have to be the one to update it, or is this something I can do?

BB came out again today to try and replace the used Hisense panel with a "new" panel from HP. The tech installed the new panel and immediately said there was a problem.

I am approved for a exchange under the no lemon policy so I have to take the tv back to a local BB. According to phone support, I can pick out a tv up to what I paid for the HP which was $2251.

Has anyone had any experience exchanging TVs? Will they really allow an exchange up to what I paid for the HP?

I wrote too. Had a pl4260n that when blank no sound after 15 months...should have bought the warranty...should have bought Costco 1st time...2 year warranty there.

Hp told me that they could do nothing. Never buy HP again

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.
Raginbender is Right HP knows there is a huge problem and has done nothing...any other manufacturer would make a recall

Well, I've given up and went out and bought new Panasonic 50" for $800. Even if HP comes back to me and offers to start changing out parts and controller boards etc.--I don't want to fool with it as it sounds like y'all have had many issues even after they've done that. I would simply like a working TV. And I will donate the old one...I did get a phenomenal deal on the 42" HP 2 years ago at under $1,000, but this is really disappointing. A TV should last longer than that.
Want to sell it, AS IS ?

There has been no talk of any class action nor do I see any reason for any class action. You're welcome to consult with your own attorney.

Yes, HP has acknowledged some specific issues but they have also offered remedies - an additional year of warranty and an offer to pay for any repairs for people that funded their own service before the advisories were issued.

Personally, I'm satisfied with the remedies. My TV was replaced at no cost - not even shipping - out of warranty. That was before HP issued the latest advisory that may have affected my original TV.
What is HP offering as a remedy?

ewilts...doesn't that say anything to you...that they had to repklace it twice.

You put up with it because you won it...I say that with a big congradulations for winning...but if you bought it like the rest of us for $1500 you might think differently.

TWICE????

Don't buy HP!! That's my plan, and I encourage everybody else in the world to do the same. Since my tv broke, and they refused to help me, I've purchased 3 computers a laser printer, and lots of other stuff that might have been HP. Their loss. Spread the word. HP=garbage.

I'm having problems with my pl4260n. Something broke in it, screen went all black. BB sent someone to "fix" it, they brought it back and the picture was there, but crap. Took it again, replaced something they already replaced, brought it back still looks crappy.
My question is, does the pic quality really suck this bad? Did I forget how it's supposed to be? Repair guy says it's working to manufacture specs, but there are no sharp lines, even on HD. Even on cartoons, the black lines are fuzzy, I can see the pixels no matter what I watch. The finer the detail on the screen the fuzzier and worse the picture. ANY movement on screen is SO out of focus.
Am I fighting a fight that I'm wrong?
They said they'll send a new company out to check it, but if they say it's working fine I'm SOL.
I used to love my tv, now it's awful...

BB came out again today to try and replace the used Hisense panel with a "new" panel from HP. The tech installed the new panel and immediately said there was a problem.

I am approved for a exchange under the no lemon policy so I have to take the tv back to a local BB. According to phone support, I can pick out a tv up to what I paid for the HP which was $2251.

Has anyone had any experience exchanging TVs? Will they really allow an exchange up to what I paid for the HP?
My brother had exchanged a defective TV with Future Shop in Canada which is owned by Best Buy. Sure enough, you can do exactly what they're proposing. In his case, he paid the difference to upgrade to a Kuro (which then blew over in the back of his truck due to a passing semi and shattered but that's another story...).

Has anyone had any experience exchanging TVs? Will they really allow an exchange up to what I paid for the HP?

For just about all BB extended warranties, what you may end up with if they can't fix it is a gift card for the price you paid for the TV. With 3-4 year warrenties, it's very likely you'll be able to get the same size TV for less at the time you have to "upgrade."

I purchased a used PL4260N that is broken, the person I bought it from said they heard a pop and then the screen was dim from then on. They said they contacted HP who said it was probably an issue with YSUS.

Then, after I picked it up, I turned it on. The tv starts up in a few seconds showing the HP logo surrounded by a black fog. Then the actual programs start coming through with big black patches on the screen that slowly dissipate. After a while, the black patches are gone, and I'm left with a screen that is quite dim, with a red/pink hue all over everything. Other than that the TV works fine and the audio is good.

When I contacted HP support, they told me that if it was a Y Sustain problem, I wouldn't be getting any picture at all, and suggested that it was a problem with the main board. I have no problem replacing the main board if this is the case, but I was wondering whether anyone here who knows more than me can tell me if that diagnosis is accurate. I.e. does what I have described sound like a main board problem to you guys?

Thanks in advance. I can post pictures of how the set looks if you like.

-Red

Today you can purchase a brand new 42" Panasonic 720P plasma for under 650 which will look far better than this one, even if you manage to get it working perfectly. If you DO get it working, it will fail again in a relativly short time. The TV is a money pit for anyone not covered by warranty. How many have been replaced for people in this thread because they couldn't be fixed properly (or at all). The fact that this thread is still active three years after they stopped selling these models should tell you something.
Hopefully you've not spent too much on the set. Be smart - cut your losses and don't spend any more money on this TV.

Hi,

My HDMI port stopped working about 6 months ago. Ive heard its the main board. Can anyone tell me what this means, like what part number etc? Is that the logic board? I see that listed on ebay. Im just trying to figure out what part to order.

Replying to Cassie's post on 05-22-09, 11:15 AM , the Implied Warranty Law apparently exists in all states, except Louisianna. My 4260 (1.5 years old) is useless now and HP wanted the $650 to look at it, so I'm going to go this route. I've email the CEO, or at least filled out the form to send from:

hp . com / hpinfo / execteam / email / hurd / index . html

So I will wait for the responce. In the mean time I will do some research on this Implied Warranty Law, maybe even talk to a lawyer to see if it's a legit solution. I will post back with any news.

Here is a link to some info on the Law:

enotes . com / everyday-law-encyclopedia / warranties

Red -- I had the same issue with the "pop" and then losing video (well a good part of it). Initially I replaced the fuses which made things worse, now it goes through the power on cycle and the On/Off button turns Purple then back to red (Blue light on the Main board comes on, 2nd on for a bit, then off again) and the TV is non-responsive.

I'm looking at buying a new main board to see if that fixes it. Any feedback/ideas?

I was contacted a day after sending the email to HP through the CEO's page. I spoke with someone who didnt really care about anything but saving money. He offered the $629 dea, then a 25% buy back. I said they were both unacceptable offers and then he offeren a 30% buy back, and I said I need something better than that. All the guy said was "not under warranty, this is the best I can do", and when I said ok let me talk to someone else, he said he was basically the highest power of authority there (customer service superiority complex obviously). While he grew to be more angry because I wanted to speak to someone else about it, while I was in mid sentance, he put me on hole, which was where I stayed for about ~20 minutes, then he hung up. I immediately created another complaint, and they called back within a day and a half. Guess who it was? He left a message offering me the same thing. It's getting pretty ridiculous. When I said no one expects a TV of that price and caliber to essentially die within a 2 year period, he said, "that's why we offer a warranty, you can't expect the electronics to work perfect all the time. They are very sensitive."

I told him that I would not buy anymore HP products. I said let's assume I will buy a computer every 2 years for the next 50 years at $1000 a piece. Thats $25k just from me. I said maybe HP doesnt care about that one guy, or maybe they care that they saved the repair cost when in the reality of the situation they've just lost $25,000 in business over a period of time. He had no response to that.

I really don't even want the damn thing anymore, but I'm going to fight it out of principal. I'll post any progress.

Anyone have a part number for the Y-sus board?

I was contacted a day after sending the email to HP through the CEO's page. I spoke with someone who didnt really care about anything but saving money. He offered the $629 dea, then a 25% buy back. I said they were both unacceptable offers and then he offeren a 30% buy back, and I said I need something better than that. All the guy said was "not under warranty, this is the best I can do", and when I said ok let me talk to someone else, he said he was basically the highest power of authority there (customer service superiority complex obviously). While he grew to be more angry because I wanted to speak to someone else about it, while I was in mid sentance, he put me on hole, which was where I stayed for about ~20 minutes, then he hung up. I immediately created another complaint, and they called back within a day and a half. Guess who it was? He left a message offering me the same thing. It's getting pretty ridiculous. When I said no one expects a TV of that price and caliber to essentially die within a 2 year period, he said, "that's why we offer a warranty, you can't expect the electronics to work perfect all the time. They are very sensitive."

I told him that I would not buy anymore HP products. I said let's assume I will buy a computer every 2 years for the next 50 years at $1000 a piece. Thats $25k just from me. I said maybe HP doesnt care about that one guy, or maybe they care that they saved the repair cost when in the reality of the situation they've just lost $25,000 in business over a period of time. He had no response to that.

I really don't even want the damn thing anymore, but I'm going to fight it out of principal. I'll post any progress.

Anyone have a part number for the Y-sus board?
There is 3 boards related to the Y axis on the PL5060N (mine has the three of them made by LG)

1 Y SUS
2 YDRV_TOP
3 YDRV_BTM

Y SUS is the Main Y Board, the Other 2 are connected to it and to the side of the screen controlling the TOP half and Bottom Half of the Y Axis.

The following are the part numbers that I found:

Y SUS____________________________________

Brand LG
TV Model 50PX1D
Screen Size 50 in.
TV Manufactured Date Jan 11, 2005
TV Serial Number 511RMMD075179
TV Panel Manufacturer LG Electronics
TV Panel Model PDP50X30010
TV Chassis AF-05FC
Part Type YSUS
Alternate Part Type Y DRIVE ASSY
Part Number 6870QYC004C (Printed on the board)
Alternate Part Number 6871QYH039A (Label, Probably attached by HP)
Manufacturer Part Number 6871QYH032B
LOC Number 2XXX

_________________________________________

YDRV TOP_________________________________

Brand LG
TV Model 50PC1DR-UA
Screen Size 50 in.
TV Manufactured Date Jan 8, 2006
TV Serial Number 608RMXX264386
TV Panel Manufacturer LG
TV Panel Model PDP50X3
TV Chassis PA61A
TV Product Number 50PC1DR-UA.A
Part Type YDRV_TOP YDRVTP
Part Number 6870QDC004A (Printed on the board)
Alternate Part Number 6871QDH088A (Label, Probably attached by HP)
Manufacturer Part Number 6871QDH088A
LOC Number 7XXX

__________________________________________

YDRV BTM__________________________________

Brand LG
TV Model 50PC1DR-UA
Screen Size 50 in.
TV Manufactured Date Jan 8, 2006
TV Serial Number 608RMXX264386
TV Panel Manufacturer LG
TV Panel Model PDP50X3
TV Chassis PA61A
TV Product Number 50PC1DR-UA.A
Part Type YDRV_BTM YDRVBT
Part Number 6870QDC005A (Printed on the board)
Alternate Part Number 6871QDH089A (Label, Probably attached by HP)
Manufacturer Part Number 6871QDH089A
LOC Number 7XXX

___________________________________________

HP tech support told me the following:

1 If you have no picture and no sound from the TV output you have the Main Board of the TV fried, not related to YSUS board

2 If you have no picture but you have sound from the TV output then you have a Y axis related problem.

My case is the second option so my problem is one, or all Y axis boards.

What I could not get from them is which of the three boards or even if the three of them have to be replaced. It looks like there is always the same board going bad but I am not sure about that. Since my TV started having the lines on the top half I am leaning to believe that my problem will be the YDRV_TOP 6870QDC004A but this is a guess.

If somebody has the answer for this, please share ir with us

Alfredo

Alfredo, thanks for the info. I have the 42" so I'll check try to match your part numbers with my boards and post the PL4260n board numbers. I think I'll get a picture of the inside somewhere online and label it and try to get it on here. Other than that, I may purchase the boards one by one and replace them to see which one fixes them, and play the 'wait for HP' game...

Devonlandry, go to shopjimmy.com and do a search of your part numbers, it will return all specs. Notice that the same part number is used in a wide range of TVs from diferent brands, but bottom line they all share the same parts.

Alfredo

These are the Major Failing Points of the YSUS board. This information is from the HP Service manual for PL4260N and PL5060N.

I will try to fix mine and let you know.

Alfredo

any update on the fix?

These are the Major Failing Points of the YSUS board. This information is from the HP Service manual for PL4260N and PL5060N.

I will try to fix mine and let you know.

Alfredo

So I took mine apart (again) and can't find anything that looks like what is in your picture.

SO I bought a new Y-systain board for ~$169 off ebay, put it in and nothing. Still the same half-black screen. As the TV warms up it goes away a bit so I'm beggining to think it's the plasma that's bad. So if anyone needs a brand new Y-sustain board I now have one to sell. I'll try to get a picture on here so you peeps can see it and maybe help determine what board is bad or if it's the plasma.

Picture attached

I have been repairing plasmas for the past year and very familiar with the core plasma components of this tv. Here are some troubleshooting tips that i have gathered after fixing about 15 purchased broken off ebay or craigslist
-No power light, no click, no response to plugging it in, then fuse or dead powers supply
-Turns off randomly or during bright scenes - power supply dying
- ticking or buzzing that gets faster when brigght scenes, listen for sound, most likely power supply
-turns on normally but picture dim, grainy, or slow refresh - listen for ticking noise coming from xsus board- replace xsus board
- turns on normally but no picture , perhaps a small amount of very dim speckle once on - replace ysus - its possible the ysus can also tick, ticking always comes from part under the heatsinks
-turns on normally but piicture is distorted wherever picture is on screen - y buffer boards need replacing upper and lower - kind of looks like when a nintendo game messed up and froze, it would have all these wierd distortions then you would have to remove and blow into it.. kinda like that..
- if there are verticle black or clored bands or half the picture missing, its the x buffers on the bottom or the Plasma control board - located under the video input board
- if picture is flickering and colors are way off - could be ysus or plasma control board
- if there are blue or red specles in black areas, ysus voltage adjustment is needed or the plasma panel is going bad, voltage adjustment is temporary fix
-if there is trailing blue or black speckles like a delayed shadown, its prob the plasma panel and voltage issues

Many times strange sound can point you in the right direction. also get a fuse tester as sometimes a board will go out and its just the fuse, there is one fuse on the power board and 2 on the ysus, one is for the ysus and the other is for the xsus.

Another tip, i have purchased many different brands with the same lg plasma panels. vizio, toshiba, akai etc have used these same model plasmas for years and can be found in many different models.. and sometimes you can get another broken tv for cheaper than just buying the part, just make sure its local and you can pick it up.

good luck to all of you, right now i have a vizio p50hdm and a toshiba 50hp66 that have the same exact internals and i brought back to life after having that same pop of death.

Mad

Maddigital,

Excellent post, but I don't really see anything in there that describes my TV situation perfectly. Please looko at the picture I just posted and throw me some advice if you can. I would guess from you posting that I shoud replace my XSUS board? When the TV is turned on I can barely see anything, and as it warms up the black spots slowly fade till I have what is in the picture, half black screen the other half very dim. XSUS or bad plasma???

SO I bought a new Y-systain board for ~$169 off ebay, put it in and nothing. Still the same half-black screen. As the TV warms up it goes away a bit so I'm beggining to think it's the plasma that's bad. So if anyone needs a brand new Y-sustain board I now have one to sell. I'll try to get a picture on here so you peeps can see it and maybe help determine what board is bad or if it's the plasma.


Let me know if you still have it for sale. Please reply here and I will begin contact. Your trouble may be : XRCT;XRRT;XRLT; Google "50hp66 service manual" for the service manual. It is online at scribd.com.
mm

MM9000, it's still for sale, just sitting there in its box staring at me saying, "Ha-ha! I didn't fix your problem and you still have a useless tv!"

Thanks for the new info, contact me if you want to buy the board.

MM9000, it's still for sale, just sitting there in its box staring at me saying, "Ha-ha! I didn't fix your problem and you still have a useless tv!"

Thanks for the new info, contact me if you want to buy the board.
Check your PM.

MM

My 42" HP picture just blinked out but has audio. The screen is black but I still have audio.

I have the Best Buy extended warranty should I have BB do a in house repair or just bring it back to my local BB where I bought it from and get a whole new TV.

Thinking of upgrading to a 50" but not sure how to go about using the extended warranty.

Thanks

My 42" HP picture just blinked out but has audio. The screen is black but I still have audio.

I have the Best Buy extended warranty should I have BB do a in house repair or just bring it back to my local BB where I bought it from and get a whole new TV.

Thinking of upgrading to a 50" but not sure how to go about using the extended warranty.

Thanks
I would suggest calling Beat Buy and ask them that question.

My 42" HP picture just blinked out but has audio. The screen is black but I still have audio.

I have the Best Buy extended warranty should I have BB do a in house repair or just bring it back to my local BB where I bought it from and get a whole new TV.

Thinking of upgrading to a 50" but not sure how to go about using the extended warranty.

Thanks

In house repair. If you tel them you want to upgrade they wont care, nor do any sort of trade-in, just tell you to buy a new one. Is this a plasma I'm guessing? Get it fixed, sell it, but an LCD from another manufacturer. Do what we all should have done...

These are the Major Failing Points of the YSUS board. This information is from the HP Service manual for PL4260N and PL5060N.

Alfredo

How far in do you have to go to get to the Y sus board?
I pulled the access panel off the back but, don't know whats next.
John

Opening day for the NFL and my HP PL5060N is acting up again. I bought the PL5060N 2006 from HP direct with the 2 year extended warranty. For the first 2 years, no problems, the television worked great. Over the past year, the TV has been acting up. The HP TV will go to a BLUE screen from out of nowhere and display “no signal”. The volume will also turn down on its own. I will go to source and select HDMI and the TV will go back on but sometimes the source will not allow me to choose the option as if it’s randomly moving or pushing the controller on its own. Within 10 minutes to an hour, back to the same old problems. I’ve called HP tech department a number of times and they simply say send us $695 and we will figure it out. Ya right! I’ve powered down the TV, satellite box, unplugged all the wires, rebooted the box and it does seem to help for a awhile but as soon as I set down to watch it and once again it shuts down again. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated….

Thanks to all.

Well I'm back...Nobody has responded yet and the TV is getting worse. The times the TV is on and the picture is showing a blue box will pop up "source selection" and start flickering on and off. Eventually, the will go to an all blue screen and show a "no signal" or at times just shut off.

Could it be the satellites provider Direct TV fault?

Direct TV says its the TV....

How far in do you have to go to get to the Y sus board?
I pulled the access panel off the back but, don't know whats next.
John

You have to remove the entire back cover to get to it. Just a lot of screws around the outer edge. It's located on the left side.

Ask me how I know that... Like so many on here, mine just died with a loud pop. Removed the back cover, found F2 blown, replaced it, got another loud pop. Now I can see where the noise was coming from. The diode, D17 I believe is split in half. Pulled the board and found the power transistor adjacent to the diode is shorted. I've read on here that many of you have replaced the Ysus board with mixed results. I spoke with a repair tech that stated that in some cases, the panel will take out the Ysus board and he couldn't guarantee that a new Ysus won't meet the same fate.

Have any of you tried to repair the board at component level? I was able to locate the power transistor but am having trouble with the diode. I figure I might spend the $10.00 for the components (if I can locate them) to see if it's the board or the panel. Does anyone know where I might get a schematc of the Ysus board?

Ask me how I know that... Like so many on here, mine just died with a loud pop. Removed the back cover, found F2 blown, replaced it, got another loud pop. Now I can see where the noise was coming from. The diode, D17 I believe is split in half. Pulled the board and found the power transistor adjacent to the diode is shorted. I've read on here that many of you have replaced the Ysus board with mixed results. I spoke with a repair tech that stated that in some cases, the panel will take out the Ysus board and he couldn't guarantee that a new Ysus won't meet the same fate.

Have any of you tried to repair the board at component level? I was able to locate the power transistor but am having trouble with the diode. I figure I might spend the $10.00 for the components (if I can locate them) to see if it's the board or the panel. Does anyone know where I might get a schematc of the Ysus board?

Have not tried to replace anything at the compnent level, but I have on other boards in the past (not pertaining to TV's). As far as finding a schematic, I've searched long and hard for a decent amount of time to no avail. If the diode has some sort of marking it would help, but it sounds like it's gonzo. Let me know what the board number is, I have 2, so if it's the same, if you can get me a picture showing the part you seek I can locate it on my boards and confirm some sort of rating.

As far as My PL4260N is concerned, I am giving up and taking HP's 30% buy back offer. Going with an LCD or DLP this time. This means I will have a brand new Ysus board for sale if anyone is interested. Keep in mind that it's for a 42", not a 50". ONce I hear back from HP's wonderfully prompt callback "specialists" (note that was said with a mass quantity of sarcasm), I will keep you all posted on the process.

Hey devonlandry,

I left the board at work, I'll check the number tomorrow. The diode has "K 4" on it and right underneath is "S L" It is a rectangular axial surface mount. I spoke with a tech at Digikey and he wasn't sure of the rating either. He suggested I locate a schematic.

As far as My PL4260N is concerned, I am giving up and taking HP's 30% buy back offer.

How did you manage that? When I spoke to HP, nothing of the sort was mentioned.

How did you manage that? When I spoke to HP, nothing of the sort was mentioned.

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/execteam/email/hurd/index.html

Go to that website, fill out the little form, then a "Case Manager" will call you. They will give you the $629 for service visits bull, and then a buy back percentage, depending on how old it is, etc. Be advised though, that these case managers have an obvious superiority complex as I was told, "I don't have a boss, only payroll is over me." Fight with them, they will up their offer 5% or so. And make sure to tell your story of disgust with HP and be mean, all the case managers think their last name is HP....

Well this is my third message and still no replies. There is now an additional problem NO sound. Imagine that another problem with this worthless plasma. I'm now going into the second week of the NFL and still no television. Anyway if I don't get a reply by next week, I'll just take this piece of **** outside and light it on fire.

BOL to all who bought one of these lemons...:eek:

Well this is my third message and still no replies. There is now an additional problem NO sound. Imagine that another problem with this worthless plasma. I'm now going into the second week of the NFL and still no television. Anyway if I don't get a reply by next week, I'll just take this piece of **** outside and light it on fire.

BOL to all who bought one of these lemons...:eek:

It sounds to me that it's you video input board (the one with all the HDMI, RCA's, etc). Here is a link to a tuner board that may help.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-PL5060N-Tuner-Board-E-RSAG7-820-630A-ROH-912A_W0QQitemZ260292242943QQcmdZViewItemQQptZTelevisions?has h=item3c9aa06dff&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

I'm not 100% on this so someone chime in if you have a better understanding.

As for week 2 of football and not TV, I hear ya, mine just sits there and laughs at me!! Frickin HP...

I am on the phone with HP now any suggestions??? Waiting for a case manger.

well just got done speaking with matthew at HP who is a case manager. he was a very polite honest seeming person... as honest as he could be.

He gave me the $629 price for in home repair service. Then offered me 25% off of that, I gave him some more reasons I was unhappy with HP and he gave me another 5% off that so 30% off of $629 for in home repair service.

He said that if the repair person can not repair the TV in the first time they will send out another part based on the tech's diagnosis, and repair again. if it does not work the second time they will send a 3rd and final unit out to repair it and after this if it does not repair the TV they will refund 50% of what you spent to have them come out.

I have until next week to decide if this is cost effective to repair or not. Honestly this TV is not worth much anymore and just doesnt seem right to me to have to spend this much money to repair it. I'll sleep on it and decide later. I just thought I'd let everyone know how the process works.

Oh while I'm at it I might as well give out their number :)

877-917-4380 ext 79

call them up and see what they'll do for you. Lets make them help us more.

I did the HP in house repair option for 625.00. After three visits, they said they could not repair it. They would refund what was left over from the parts they replaces and the visit charges. That was 4 months ago and no refund to date. I still have the same ~1 pixel wide vertical red line through the middle of the screen regardless of what source is playing.

I saw a 700.00 plasma at Cost co after they told me I'm stuck with the broken set. Wish I would have used the repair money that new set instead of throwing it away.

Mine lasted a bit over two years.

I'm needing a new computer these days. Guess what brand I'm not considering... :mad:

Got a call back for the buy back option. Talked to a nice young woman for a little bit, then she said she'd get things ready and call me back in a half hour. Didn't hear back for a few hours, then it wasn't her, it was the ******* Roge (like Roger without the R at the end). Told him not to call me and I won't deal with him, so he called right back again. If anyone talks to hime on the phone tell him to go play in traffic. He acts like his last name is HP...

Had the Geek Squad out yesterday to take a look at my 42". I have the red flash problem and the low volume on sound. Unfortunetely I wasn't able to stay when they checked it out, but my wife stuck around. She felt they were trying to pull one over on her. They are going to replace the sound board, but that's a known issue so nothing to really fix there. They are also going to replace the motherboard, but they blamed it on the age of the TV and the voltage changing or dropping. Ugh. Just have to get it to "break" 2 more times in the next year for a replacement via BB's lemon policy.

I still haven't heard back from HP, most likely because they actually have to dish out cash, but I did come across something somewhat exciting. I got home from the office last night and decided to take off the back panel and screw around with the voltage adjustments on the xsus board. There are a few pot's to turn, only 2 of them seemed to make a difference. There are 2 small (maybe 1.5" x 1.5") circuit boards coming off of the main xsus board, each with voltage adjustments on them. I recommend turning the them both COUNTERCLOCKWISE the entire way first (turning the voltage DOWN), then Starting with one of them, turn it clockwise a little at a time while you watch the screen, then fiddle with the other one. It took me about 5 minutes to get it as good as it is, though the screen is still very dark. which leads me to believe I need the plasma recharged (?). Turning the adjustment on the ysus board didnt seem to do anything. Anyway, look at the picture I posted on post #2136 (before) and this picture I've posted(after). The plasma is on the bottom, and there is a correctly working LCD above it, the plasma in 1080i and the LCD in 1080p. The plasma seems good in the picture, but the brightness of the LCD is how it should be, and how it once was.... so depressing...

Anyway, hope that helps someone out there. If anyone needs parts, let me know, I may be parting the whole thing out. :confused:

Any thoughts on if the plasma needs to be recharged or not?

Any thoughts on if the plasma needs to be recharged or not?


There is no such thing as recharging plasma.

Had the Geek Squad out to replace the mainboard on my 42" due to red sparkle. No change. Guess I call in a week to say it didn't work. One repair down, two to go until they "lemon" it.

Add me to the list of problems. I have the red flare issue. I also have a flickering of the picture that is accompanied by a ghosting image. Case management told me that it is the controller board.

I'm out of warranty, but I'm going to pursue it. In my opinion the product was defective to begin with. I've been through round one with "Louis" from case management diagnosing the problem over the phone, and then firmly telling me for the next hour that I was out of warranty, and had to pay the 629 repair fee.

I would encourage everyone to file as many complaints as possible. I'm looking into filing with the Nevada Attorney General. I paid 2100 dollars for a TV that lasted a little over a year before the picture went bad. HP sold a product that either they know was bad, or was inadequately tested.

Anyone else have suggestions on where to file complaints?

my tv has no pic but good sound i replaced the ysus board and still no pic.
any one has any idea as to what it could be.