Expert: cleggsan - 11/1/2009

Question
Hi,

I have a 2001 54" Samsung PCL 5415RX/XAC television.  When we turn it on horizontal red lines appear and shortly thereafter the screen turns red.

What do you think?  We are just trying to figure out if it is worth taking in to have fix or just toss it.

Thanks,
Kate

Answer
Well, the set is getting old.  Most experts would say that if an RPTV is over 8 years of age that it may not be a good investment to put major repair expense into it.  That would make yours borderline for sure.

It seems that, based on your description of the symptoms, you have two issues. First is a failing vertical deflection amplifier.  Second is a failing video color processing system.  It definitely will require testing by an expert technician to determine the exact cause and cure.  If it were just the vertical output transistor, which is very common, the cost of repair is around $200 if done in the home.  Anything more will cost more, of course.  

So, for safety sake you should expect to need over $200 and maybe as much as $400 to bring it up to normal operation.  

That being said, often times these things are caused by nothing more than a cold solder joint.  You can test for this by giving a few smack/whacks with your hand or fist all around the chassis.  Doing this will wake up the poor solder joints and maybe bring it back to normal operation.  So, try that first and see if it leads to anything.

Good Luck.