UPDATE 8/17/2007: Samsung has released a new firmware to fix this problem. Call customer service if you need this. Thanks to everybody who signed the petition... there really is power in numbers!
Samsung LN-Txx42H and LN-Txx53H Video Tearing Problem
Documentation and Petition for Resolution
I own a Samsung LN-T4042H LCD TV. Like many other owners of the 42H and 53H series Samsung LCD's, I am experiencing "video tearing" problems (see description and examples below). The problem is widespread. View the forum thread here to see how many people are experiencing it. However, rather than return it to the store in search of a different TV, I am keeping it in the hopes that Samsung will rectify the problem with a firmware upgrade. The fact of the matter is, this is an excellent TV (other than the tearing) for the price and picture quality and nothing else on the market meets my needs like this one does.
If you own a LN-Txx42 or LN-Txx53 TV and have observed tearing problems, or are considering purchasing the TV, but are discouraged by the tearing problems, please sign the petition. This will help show Samsung how widespread the problem is. Please include as many details as possible (480p or 720p, etc) in your entry. Also please CALL Samsung (1-800-SAMSUNG, menu options 5,1,1, to get to LCD TV support) and describe your tearing problem, and send them an email with a copy of the petition text in it, AND write them a letter with the same. The more they hear of this problem, the better for us!
Description
Video tearing, from the petition, is best described as a "thin line" or "ripple" across the screen, where the image above and below it are refreshing at different points. It occurs worst at 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions over HDMI and component connections. It is worst at 480p and 720p. Examples can be seen below.
Examples of Tearing
A webpage has been created by another consumer showing videos and pictures of the tearing problem. It can be found here. These pictures and videos are re-hosted below.
If you have any of your own examples of tearing, please email them to me at matt AT matthoover DOT com along with what resolution the tearing occured at (480p for example), and I will gladly upload them to this page along with your name if you wish, again to show Samsung how widespread the problem is. Also, if anybody could advise me how to capture video from my TV, I will endeavor to get some captures of my own tearing problems.
History - A Successful Resolution
For those of you who are worried Samsung will not respond to this plea, there is indeed hope. In the UK, there was a similar problem in 2005 with Samsung UK's LExxR41/51 LCD's. There was an online petition made here in July of 2005, and two months later in September 2005, Samsung UK released a firmware update that successfully fixed the tearing problem. Reports of that firmware upgrade and implementation can be found here. Also, Samsung USA has already demonstrated their ability to fix problems with the current lineup with their recent firmware update which fixed the audio dropout ("muting") issue many 42H/53H owners were experiencing. I have confidence it is only a matter of time before the tearing issue is remedied too. Our petition to Samsung can prod them to act faster.