HDX 16 1080p- LCD Screen Problems- Flickering

Hi all

after being a proud owner of a top spec HDX16 with the 1080p screen for the past 18 months, it has recently developed a fault with its screen

Basically, about 3 weeks ago, i noticed the left side of the screen hinge coming loose, with a little bit of 'play'' when it was open, only a small amount but i noted it mentally that i will fix in a few weeks.

A week past and one day i went to turn it on and i noticed that the screen was flickering, the screen inverter was making a buzzing/squealing noise, and then the screen went black. I tried it again, with the brightness dimmed and eventually managed to get it turn back on.

Initally i thought it could have been a loose screen connector due to the play in the hinge, but due to the buzzing invertor, i ordered a new inverter just incase.

This week i took it apart as per service manual and it is NOT screen connector.

I then recieved the screen inverter and swapped it out, but it has made no difference. The inverter still buzzes/squeels accompanied with a flickering screen.

I notice though, if i leave the screen on, and flickering, after 5 minutes or so, the screen SUDDENLY springs into life in all its full lit glory with no problems, and no squealing from the inverter.

What the hell can it be? Could it be the CCFLs or, one of them in the screen? I found it weird than it works after 5 minutes but not initially, and also, that it flickers, rather evenly across the screen, as though both CCFLS (this screen has 2), so its not as if 1 is completely knackered. Maybe they are wired in 'serial' so although one is almost dead, when it eventually fires, the screen pings into life, so basically, one is struggling with full ignition?

Annoying. . .looks like i am looking at a new panel? Either a full HP panel (with the LCD bonded to the front panel') or, break away the Samsung Panel and buy another one. Expensive. . .

Any thoughts on what i may have missed? Dodgy Cabling? Doesnt seem to make a difference when i move them. How about problem with coils on the motherboard that provide power to the inverter to step up. Woudl this cause same problem/symptoms?

I dont want to buy an Envy17 just yet!

J

 

Well, i (gently) ripped my precious laptop apart, even more, with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive from the lcd panel from the "Glass" front panel (which is infact plastic!), and then actually took the panel itself apart. Turns out its the bloody CCFL.

Tried to source a repalcement CCFL on the net. Found a couple for sale from an panel, but thought better.

Ordered a new panel from a company on ebay. SAMSUNG LTN160HT03.

Its Matt and of course 1080p. The standard one is matt too, its just the front that makes it gloss.

Then spent 2 hours last night cleaning the backhalf of the front plastic panel. Getting rid of any old double sided foam adhesive (dont use anything to scrap as you will scratch off the black painted surround on the back of the front screen which gives the black border to the screen, just use ure fingers and hairdryer, with some isopropyl alcohol) , getting rid of any smears with window cleaner and a glasses cloth, and using an air duster to get out any dust.

Then stuck on some new double isded black foam tape, and stuck back onto the back of trhe front panel.

Result! No trapped dust it seems and no visable smears, not that i am gonna look too hard again as it was painstaking and its too late now as its stuck on.

All plugged in and working! Phew.

Envy17 will have to wait