WantzChas
Hi guys. This is something for the computer gurus.
When I start up my computer all goes well but when in Windows for about 1 minute my screen blacks out. The power light of the screen is still on though. Then if I switch it off and back on again it works again but blacks out after 2seconds.
So I plugged it into my other computer and it did the same. When I moved my computer to another area in the house and plugged the screen in there, it worked fine since last night up until about 2 o'clock. Now it does the same again. I initially thought it was the plug (it doesn't get power from the PC, but from a 2 point plug) but it is doing it on the other plugs as well.
Any ideas on what could be the problem?
Mannemarak
Sounds like some components in the monitor is failing, how old is the screen?
If it does the same no matter where you plug it into it makes it clear that the screen has an issue. Try finding another screen to test to be sure.
Gray
It could be the firmware on the monitor or the two prong may be causing problems (as far as I know most use a 3 prong) or you have a heating problem within the monitor or both your GFX cards failed within a short time frame of each other. You'll have to trial and error this one.
1. If you have another monitor plug it into both machines if it boots fine and stays on for an extended period of time then it's not the GFX cards
2. Try using your kettle cord on your monitor it should be the same as a normal power cable
3. If the problem persists call the manufacturer/regional distributer.
Hope this helps. ?
RobK
Have the same problem with my screen. Comes on, flickers once or twice and goes off. I'm suspecting faulty screen components, since a new screen fixed the issue ?
Screen isn't more than 2 years old. Yours isn't a Samsung by any chance? Going to see if I can find someone to sort it out for me.
WantzChas
Mine is the Samsung SyncMaster 920NW. It started doing it yesterday afternoon completely out of random. I'm using another screen now and it runs fine. Just the Samsung that gives problems. I'll use a kettle cord and see what's going on. Thanks you guys.
WantzChas
Nope does the same with 2 other cords. So it's the screen then.
AlanRatcliffe
Yup - one of my older Philips LCDs did this a few months ago too. Monitors are not worth fixing in most cases.
Gray
If it's still under warranty send it back dude.
90% of Samsung's we get in get replaced.
If not pitch it. ☹
Gray
Almost forgot
Check the serial with Samsung South Africa they will be able to tell you if it's still under warranty. The supplier you got it from may give you a story because of the hassle involved with RMA'ing the bast**d.
Actually send it back either way if it's just the firmware then they won't charge you an arm and a leg.
RobK
Gray, now that's a good suggestion. If I remember correctly Samsung monitors have 3 year warranties (mostly). It's no biggie, though, since I've replaced mine, but it would be nice to have a second 22" screen on the desk (if I can find space for it) ?
WantzChas
We bought it from Game so they will probably have to send it in anyway. Can I just take it directly to Samsung?
RobK
I'm sure you can take it directly to any of their service centres.
Just reading on their website and it might be the backlight that's failing. Here are the contact details for the repair centre.
I-CSS (JHB) 011 542-0200 011 542-0226
Rique Palma Cnr Gazelle & Lechwe Ave, Corporate Park,Old Pretoria Rd, Midrand. 3802, Halfway House,1685
Heath
It is failing , klaar . We have a few lcds at work doing the same thing . mostly psu problems . Send it back and see if they will fix it under warranty . Else throw it away
WantzChas
Thanks a lot for the help. Will try to go there tomorrow. It is still under warrantee so I'm sure it will be fixed or replaced.
Gray
Take it to game they're a chain store and they have all sorts of policies that if they screw up you get your money back.
Also you have someone to complain too if it's not a prompt return.
Provided it's still under warranty else take it direct to the service center.
lindsmuse
These LCD screens are a rip-off. They last 2 years. I mean what kind of component is that? And if they cost what a 2 year lasting component costs I wouldn't complain. I mean you have to have a monitor. And we've got Acers. One was stolen and the other 2 packed in within a couple of months of each other. Its crazy.
RobK
I'm pretty sure they aren't designed to last only 2 years. If they were I doubt that Samsung would be backing theirs with a 3 year warranty. That being said, I'm also pretty sure that they're made from the cheapest components they can find to keep the price down, so failures are to be expected.
As long as they honour the warranty, I don't have too much of a problem. It just becomes inconvenient for me for a few days until it gets sorted.
WantzChas
So I've been to Game, took the screen to product returns or what ever at the store and was told that they can't really do anything as their suppliers are closed. Being relatively angry at that point from various other factors I decided to leave as it wouldn't help my cause trying to get upset in store. When leaving the mall I quickly stopped into the PC shop I got my PC from and the guy said the people are closed, but I can try to get Game to give me a replacement.
What should I do?
RobK
Phone these guys:
I-CSS (JHB) 011 542-0200 011 542-0226
Rique Palma Cnr Gazelle & Lechwe Ave, Corporate Park,Old Pretoria Rd, Midrand. 3802, Halfway House,1685
They're the Samsung repair agents. They don't care where you bought it as long as you have the receipt. I did that for a washing machine I bought - went straight to the repair centre. They came to pick it up, fixed it and delivered it back fixed and they gave me a loaner while mine was being sorted. OK, so it wasn't a screen and you might not get a loan one ? but at least they were on the ball. Game has a useless customer service department, IMHO.
FYI - Samsung has promised someone will get back to me regarding my faulty screen. I can't find the receipt, so I'd like to see whether they can trace the warranty status by serial no. Will let you know what happens.
PeteM
WantzChas wrote
So I've been to Game, took the screen to product returns or what ever at the store and was told that they can't really do anything as their suppliers are closed. Being relatively angry at that point from various other factors I decided to leave as it wouldn't help my cause trying to get upset in store. When leaving the mall I quickly stopped into the PC shop I got my PC from and the guy said the people are closed, but I can try to get Game to give me a replacement.
What should I do?
I say push for a replacement.
