[opendtv] Growing uncomfortable with Samsung
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: OpenDTV Mail List <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:27:39 -0500
After writing the Black Screen of death message, I decided to visit
the Samsung Support site to see if they can shed any light on the
software crashes. There was nothing on this subject, but I did find a
few things in their FAQs that are a little disturbing:
Regarding Samsung's policy on defective pixels:
2004-06-18 20:29:00
Question
I'd Like Information On DLP TV Pixel Policy.
Answer
DLP technology uses thousands of tiny mirrors to reflect light in
order to produce the picture. There are no pixels, consequently,
there is no possibility of dead or defective pixels and no pixel
policy.
I wonder what they think each mirror is?
I also wonder why they think that a mirror cannot break...
=========================
Regarding lamp replacement
2004-06-18 20:29:00
Question
Where Can I Purchase Replacement Lamps For My DLP Set?
Answer
If the indicator lights on your DLP set indicate the lamp is not
working, you need to replace the lamp. You can find out about and
purchase DLP lamps and other parts and accessories through the
following distributors:
But further down the page I found:
If you have one of the following DLP TVs, you cannot replace the DLP
engine lamp yourself:
* HLM4365W
* HLM5065W
* HLM437W
* HLM507W
* HLM617W
Fortunately for my model I can replace the lamp; too bad suckers if
you bought one of the models above.
============
This one looked interesting, but I did not expect what I found.
2004-06-18 20:29:00
Question
Does The Samsung DLP TV Product Line Feature The 1394 Interface?
Answer
No. Samsung DLP TVs do not feature the 1394 interface. While there
are several reasons, the most common and practical reasons include
price considerations and the delivery choices of digital and HDTV
programming. The important thing to know is that a 1394 equipped TV
product would require a MPEG-2 decoder, something that adds
considerable cost to a TV set. Note also that the cost of adding a
HDTV tuner to most TV sets would add approximately $500 at retail,
most of which is the cost the decoder itself.
Because there are several delivery options for accessing HDTV
programming like cable, satellite, and over the air HDTV broadcasts,
add-on tuners and receivers are a more practical way to go for most
consumers. With this in mind, the Samsung DLP TV product line
features the high quality DVI interface for true digital
connectivity. Most of the new generation off-air HDTV/Cable TV tuners
and Satellite HD receivers are or will be DVI equipped.
===========
Then I stumbled on what "may" be a potential cause of the black
screen of death...
Question
My DLP Is Overheating.
Answer
If your DLP TV is overheating, check to see if the ventilation hole
on the rear of the set is blocked. If it is, unblock it.
Note: If the set is overheating, it will automatically shut off if
the temperature gets too high.
Also, see if the indicator LEDs are blinking and indicating that the
fan inside is not working properly.
If, after you have cleared the ventilation hole, the set continues
to overheat, or if the Indicator LEDs indicate your fan isn't working
correctly, you should contact Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-SAMSUNG
(1-800-726-7864) or use our ASC Locator to find your nearest
Authorized Service Center.
For information on what pattern of blinking LED indicator lights
indicates that the fan on your DLP TV isn't working correctly, see
the chart below.
I guess I need to wait until it crashes again to determine what the
blinking lamps are telling me.
Regards
Craig
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