failure after failure after failure

Product/Model

• Samsung TV (TU series), specifically UE43TU (43-inch class mentioned as an example).
• Auto-caller notes these are commonly identified by the letter code “TU”, rather than the marketing series name.
  • In other words: “Samsung TU series” is the practical identifier for this model line.

Main Issues Observed (What’s Being Reviewed)

Screen / Panel Failure Symptoms

The reviewer describes several repeating behaviors:

• Picture flickers
• Image disappears, then returns
• Cyclical reboot / unstable power-on
  • Includes mention of a two-blink standby/error code
• “Frame glitches” / lines that appear shortly after powering on

Backlight Problem

In addition to the screen/panel symptoms, the reviewer observes:

• The right side corner looks darker
• The upper-right corner backlight LEDs are likely not lighting (only one or two appear to work)
• The reviewer concludes there are two faults:
  1. Screen malfunction
  2. Backlight failure

User Experience / Testing Process

• The TV is described as working briefly after warming up:
  • It may appear fine after about 5–6 minutes
  • After that warm-up window, glitches/flickering still return intermittently
• The reviewer leaves it running briefly to observe behavior but implies the repair situation isn’t practical.
• They note that if it only fails during the first couple of minutes, repair might be questionable—but their overall conclusion is that it’s already effectively in a failure mode.

Repairability / Service Cost Claims

• The reviewer claims these TVs are not worth repairing because:
  • The screen is failing, and
  • Replacement involves installing a new screen
• They cite a cost estimate:
  • Samsung would charge about £400 for a replacement screen
  • “No one will buy it” (implying it’s not economical at that price)
• Workaround attempts (e.g., a “paper trick”) are mentioned as likely leading to stripes, and still not worth it.

Comparisons / Broader Claims

• The reviewer claims this TU line has a widespread, recurring failure pattern:
  • Others reportedly experience failure after a year or after 3–4 years
  • It’s framed as common enough to resemble a class action lawsuit waiting to happen
• They link the situation to right-to-repair concerns:
  • Repair limitations and part pricing make it easier for manufacturers to avoid liability
  • Part sales may be priced at whatever level the company chooses
  • Laws forcing parts availability may not ensure reasonable pricing

Pros Mentioned

• Temporary usability:
  • After warming up, it can appear functional for several minutes
• It can be used as a PC monitor while it still works (as a fallback)

Cons Mentioned (Dominant Points)

• Unreliable power-on and recurring flicker/glitching
• Progressing screen/panel failure
• Backlight LEDs failing (upper-right corner)
• Not cost-effective to repair due to expensive screen replacement
• Likely inevitable deterioration:
  • “These screens will still fail… they will break.”

Verdict / Recommendation

• Overall recommendation: avoid repairing; use it as long as possible, then replace/discard once it fully fails.
• The suggested approach is to keep using it until it stops, since repairs are not expected to be economical and failure is likely to recur/worsen.

Unique Points (Distinct Mentions)

1. Samsung TU series TVs (example UE43TU) commonly fail.
2. Failure described as screen/panel breakdown: flicker, image disappears, intermittent reboot behavior.
3. A two-blink standby/error code is mentioned.
4. A possible “paper trick” workaround is discussed but likely leads to stripes.
5. The reviewer claims a widespread/common pattern across owners (class action-like framing).
6. Right-to-repair / liability pricing argument: parts pricing won’t necessarily be “reasonable.”
7. Testing suggests it may work ~5–6 minutes after powering on.
8. Frame glitches/lines appear shortly after startup.
9. Backlight issue: right corner darker; upper-right LEDs likely not lighting.
10. Conclusion: two faults—screen malfunction + backlight problem.
11. Notes that opening the TV and tinkering won’t help much because failure is intermittent.
12. £400 estimate for Samsung screen replacement is claimed.
13. Recommendation: keep using until it fails, then throw away/replace.
14. Notes the TV can be used as a PC monitor while functional.

Speakers / Views

• Single main reviewer/speaker only, using informal narration and repair/cost reasoning.
• No separate credited speakers with distinctly different viewpoints.