Video: A Fix For The Samsung TV Power Problem

Over the years flat-screen TVs have come down in price, partly because some manufacturers use cheaper parts. That has led to a lot of complaints about TV sets losing their picture, or not turning on at all.

Usually, the problem occurs right after the set is out of warranty coverage.

"I have a Samsung 40" LCD TV that I paid $1200.00 for in December 2008. All I get is a black screen with sound no picture," Rich of Westminster, Colo., told ConsumerAffairs.com. In my research I have found that hundreds of people are having the same issue with there TV's as I am in different models of Samsung TV's. The capacitors are defective."

Maybe not defective, but not the most durable parts. They do, indeed, appear prone to failure.

Since the set is out of warranty, you could be looking at an expensive repair bill. A number of consumers have figured out how to identify and replace the capacitors themselves. There are a number of consumer videos on YouTube that can walk you through it. Make sure you unplug all power cords before starting, however.

If you've recently purchased a flat screen TV, Kinnya, a consumer from Laurelton, N.Y., says you may get longer life out of your capacitors, and other internal parts, by investing in a really good surge protector. At the urging of a customer service rep, who she thought was only trying to upsell her, she bought a high-end surge protector for $199. A few months later, her apartment flooded.

"The $199 surge protector immediately powered off, cutting the power to all appliances," Kinnya told ConsumerAffairs.com. "I stronglysuggest that a excellent surge protector that comes with a lifetime warranty on the appliances connected is purchased when one makes such an investment."