Samsung LE40 M868BD Dark patches

[Spanners]

I have a Samsung LCD TV (LE40) and it's just under 3 years old and it has developed dark patches pretty much all over the screen, the worse one being on the right (see pic).
I was just wondering what people think the problem is and what would cause this problem. I'm sure it should last more than 3 years...
I would normally have a go at most repairs but I think this one is a bit too complicated for me. I just like to have some sort of idea so when I take it to the repair shop I can have an idea what to expect.
The dark patches are on all channels and all inputs, Both HDMI's (DVD and Sky HD) and on the tv's own menu screen..
Obviously the blue screen is from an un-used Sky channel. This shows the problem up better.

Any clues would be great... Many thanks, Phil.




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[Turnip]

Hi Spanners,

Tried site suggested - confused. Couldn't you just upload piccy to Quuq ?  - doddle   - Chris.

[sparky]

hi
looks like a new screen or fit some
new ccfl tubes charles hyde sells them becoming
a common fault from 32" upwards you could
try ringing samsung cust services and complain
saying it should last longer han it has
dave

[Spanners]

Hiya Turnip, you should get the large picture if you click on the small pic...


Thanks for the reply Sparky. I was going to try the Sale of goods act but I need to prove the fault was present from day one (even if it's taken 3 years to show itself).
I have found that it is a common problem but haven't found out what the actual problem is ( I thought as you do that it is the tubes/screen).

[Spanners]

Sorry Turnip didn't see the add options..

[Kilroys]

In order to produce an apparently even illumination (if you're lucky) a translucent plastic
diffuser plate are placed in front of the ccfl tubes to spread out the light.
Unfortunately, as lcd tv's do get quite hot internally, these plates can become discoloured by heat.
This is a design/ manufacturing defect and don't let the manufacturer
try to tell you otherwise.
As the backlight is an integral part of the lcd screen the whole screen would need
to be replaced - I have replaced many for this problem -
it is actually well known and quite common.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/lcd-led-lcd-tvs/1061134-marks-inside-my-lcd-tv-screen.html

I agree.
It is the panels, have seen it on Sony, Sharp, Samsung and so so on

[Spanners]

 
Thanks Kilroys. I hadn't done a search on other makes for the same fault. I couldn't find many Samsungs with the same promlem.
This gives me more amunition to fight them with.
Are the LCD panels all made by the same company? Like some parts on cars are the same for different manufactors?

[Turnip]

Hi Spanners,

In a word - No,

Drive an antique Ford Sierra auto meself, nothing like a Trabant and as cardboard doesn't rust, think to go Ebay - Chris.

[obagama]

Hi Spanners,

I have come across this and its definately the ccfl tubes (backlight).

What I did for a fix is that I bought a cracked 40" and used the backlight for mine.

you can buy them on ebay for peanuts compared to buying a new screen.

Very easy to change since you only remove 6 screens from the front of the screen itself after dismantling the TV.

Hope this helps

Cheers

[Spanners]

Just for information..
Went back to the retailer who supplied it 3 years ago and they took it away and replaced the screen... They charged £60 but then refunded it when they saw it wasn't a problem caused by myself..
Was expecting a fight, but they were really good..
Gotta love the Sale Of Goods Act..

Thanks all who offered their diagnosis..