My Samsung TV (HDMI-related) died

[SykomantiS]

So, I think the thunderstorm of Monday night (9 Nov) killed my TV. Or something did.
Only picked it up today as I didn't watch anything yesterday.

It's not exactly new- not sure but I think 2012 or thereabouts- UA55H6203AK

So here's what it's doing:
Both HDMI ports report no signal with stuff plugged in. I have a Windows PC connected via one HDMI port and a security camera box on the second.

No amount of restarting the tv/pc/cameras or any combination thereof, or switching HDMI ports, or cables, or both or resetting of tv settings helps.

When the pc for example is disconnected, the tv will show no cable connected, but once it's connected and started up, it shows the no signal message again.

I've checked the pc on my Dell monitor via HDMI- it works, the camera box works via another monitor as well (vga) although curiously, the Dell doesn't pick up its HDMI signal.

The TV itself will display its settings menu and smart apps just fine, connect to the network and play video via upnp (or whatever it's called), I even updated the firmware. But I just can't make use of anything hdmi related- which essentially renders the tv useless for my use case.

I would think if lightning took out a tv, it would do so properly, not this half-arsed job where only the HDMI ports no longer function. Or am I missing something else entirely? Is there anything else I can do to test/restore HDMI functionality? Or am I looking at a hardware repair (not sure parts are even available)- or more likely, a new tv?

Anywhere close to Pta North that I can take it to have it tested/diagnosed and get a report I can hopefully submit to the insurance?

And, now the big question... If I'm looking at new TV's now, what would you guys recommend?
I'm thinking 60" or greater- no way I'm settling for something smaller than I have/had- something that would not be too expensive, though I'm not sure how to quantify what that would be- depends on how much, if any, the insurance pays out, and how much I'll have to pay out of my own pocket.

Something like this? Good idea/ bad idea? Alternatives? Yes, size matters!

Thanks for reading, opinions appreciated.

 

[Lupus]

Yes lightning could cause strange behaviour with things, it lets a lot of emp as well when it strikes and even one just near can cause damage. A friend lost a projector (would turn on but just sit blinking), network port on his network card and speakers thanks to a lightning strike next door.

 

[Mawirepower]

Something like this? Good idea/ bad idea? Alternatives? Yes, size matters!

Coming from a 2012 FHD TV, that 70" TU7000 HDR10+ 4K TV should tick all the boxes for you.
The 65" is R13k at Game.

 

[Adhvik]

Hi. This is probably lightning as i had the same and had replaced from insurance. The older tvs dont have HDMI with ESD. The HDMI plug is frequently exposed to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) directly from the user or Cable Discharge (CDE) from hot plug cable. Your tv probably got exposed via the HDMI of your cameras. The best is to take your TV to a Samsung Support centre and have the assessment done. Not sure if you have to pay for it as it is probably out of warranty and parts are not available and most probably need to be replaced. Do the assessment asap and claim from your insurance

 

[MidnightZA]

Try a different input method besides HDMI.

When my Samsung TV got hit by lightning it was only the HDMI ports that fried. I tested with an old RCA dvd machine we had and that worked.

 

[ProfA]

Lightning also took out both my TV and PS4's HDMI port. That is why you unplug all appliances from the socket during serious lightning.

 

[SykomantiS]

Thanks all,

Seems like lighting can be the cause of my woes, going on your responses.
Problem is, we woke up to the heavy thunder and lightning, too late by then.

I've initiated communication with the insurance so we'll see how this goes.

Coming from a 2012 FHD TV, that 70" TU7000 HDR10+ 4K TV should tick all the boxes for you.
The 65" is R13k at Game.

That looks like it's a lot easier on the wallet, thanks.
Is the TU7000 model range worth having? I know next to nothing about new tv's on the market. Got the current one via an FNB deal way back when. Looking at their device catalogue now (they also have the 70" TU7000 model available), they seem much more expensive even though one can pay monthly instead of a lump sum. Not sure I want to do that again.

Any other brands that support all the fancy 4K / HDR stuff that are worth looking at? It need not be smart- that's what the pc is there for- but I'll probably have to upgrade that to play 4K HEVC content.

 

[Mawirepower]

Any other brands that support all the fancy 4K / HDR stuff that are worth looking at? It need not be smart- that's what the pc is there for- but I'll probably have to upgrade that to play 4K HEVC content.

This 65" Hisense will do at R11,5k. The TV's smart interface sucks.

 

[Drifter]

My Samsung lasted 2 years, lightning alaso fried it. Replaced with a 55" LG.

 

[crysis]

This 65" Hisense will do at R11,5k. The TV's smart interface sucks.

Was 9.3K At incredible connection yesterday

 

[SykomantiS]

Was 9.3K At incredible connection yesterday

They don't even have it on their site at all today

Is the Hisense comparable in display quality to brand names such as LG / Samsung? Or rather, do the brand names / fancy brands if I can call them that, justify their price premium?

Like I said, the smart features don't bother me, but I'd like to get the best visual quality that I can afford in a large frame.

 

[SykomantiS]

Additionally, where around Pretoria / Pretoria North can I take the tv for a diagnostics report- any reputable centres you guys can recommend?

 

[Mawirepower]

Is the Hisense comparable in display quality to brand names such as LG / Samsung? Or rather, do the brand names / fancy brands if I can call them that, justify their price premium?

Like I said, the smart features don't bother me, but I'd like to get the best visual quality that I can afford in a large frame.

Visual quality same with expensive known brands entry level TVs. Service and updates on Hisense is lacking.

 

[SykomantiS]

Thanks all for the replies.
Turns out my 8yo tv was repairable after all, so insurance is paying for the repairs.

No new tv for me.

 

[Mawirepower]

Thanks all for the replies.
Turns out my 8yo tv was repairable after all, so insurance is paying for the repairs.

No new tv for me.

Not sure if that's good news or bad!

 

[SykomantiS]

Not sure if that's good news or bad!

I suppose it comes down to who's money you are putting on the table.

So in this case- and added that I learned on Friday, after the repairs were accepted and paid for, that I will be getting a bonus this year- it's a bad thing.