Samsung forum: PN50A450 thin black horizontal line

I just called a Samsung authorized repair center and they told me it wasn't worth repairing that the panel is likely bad and we are better off buying a new TV. 4.5 years = about $250 a year... This product is not a good value.

You're not alone, and my problem began when my $1600+ 3D set was only 15 months old. Many, many people who have purchased Samsung plasmas are experiencing the same problem. The infamous black lines begin to appear just months after the units fall out from under warranty. When Samsung is contacted, they deny knowing anything about the problem. With persistence, we finally were told that the problem is indeed well known, and correction lies with the replacement of the main panel. The main panel for my 3D Samsung costs $900-$1000. Samsung eventually emailed me a rebate form and told me that they would rebate $300 if I had the unit repaired .... and I would pay for labor, of course

Now if this was not a well-known problem at Samsung, why would a formal, printed rebate form exist for customers who are experience the horizontal line problems? The $300 rebate is an absurd way to attempt to handle the defective boards that Samsung has placed in their plasmas. A recall is in order. Samsung should voluntarily replace the boards, as they know the boards are defective.

I am not giving up. Everyone who is experiencing this problem should file FTC reports and contact each and every Samsung CEO -- yes, there are several. The Samsung "HD Tech" who is here on these CNET boards has the responsibility of intercepting the complaints so they won't proceed any further. His reply consistently will be -- sorry, out of warranty, but we can get you tech support. Then you are referred to a technician who is affiliated with Samsung and a parts store who also works very closely with Samsung. The absurd cost of repair will hit you hard and you will just swear never to buy another Samsung product.

Don't you get it, Samsung? Toyota did, and they have made good on their products.