Philips Magnavox 42MF521D/37 Television Logo
Posted on Jun 11, 2008
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42" magnavox plasma tv

We are w/out any picture, only a black screen. Audio still works fine. The TV is only 15 mos. old. Happened while in the middle of watching a show, and never have had any problems prior. Not even the menu is visible.

  • 37 more comments 
  • PEPUCHIN Jun 15, 2008

    My 42" Magnavox Plasma TV, staring to show only 1/2 of the picture, this problem started few days ego.

  • PEPUCHIN Jun 15, 2008

    My 42" Magnavox Plaasma TV, is acting very wrong, stared few days ego, only show 1/2 of the picture, can you help me,,,!!!!!

  • Anonymous Jun 27, 2008

    we have same problem, we are w/out any picture only a black screen, audio still work fine the tv is only 15 months old

  • Anonymous Jul 03, 2008

    I have exactly the same problem as stated above. I have had the Magnavox plasma TV for about 18 months, now I gave a blank screen. The audio is fine. By the way, I have the 42" model.

  • Have a Magnavox 42MF23ID/33ID Plasma TV purchased Christmas 2006 at Home Depot. Recently noticed screen only showing half the picture, however would correct if turned off and then let rest a while. Over time it took longer to come on. The other night while viewing, the picture went to half, then a few color bursts came across the screen, then screen went black. I gave it a rest overnight, however oticed an "electronic" smell. When I turned it on in the a.m., electronic smell strong then smoke was coming from the right side of TV. I promptly shut it off.



    It TV shot? Is there a part I can replace? This TV only lasted about 18 months. I am on the search for another one, but wondered if it could be salvaged?

    Any help please advise.

    Thank You

    Anne

  • icslo Jul 14, 2008

    Man oh man...sounds like we all have the same or similar TV and the same problem. Mine started out with half the screen going out; then went black but came back on now is totally without picture. I'm going to have to take it in to a repair place where they have a computer that tells you what is wrong...100+ dollars just for the evaluation :(

  • Anonymous Jul 30, 2008

    We have no picture, only a black screen. Voice still works good but have on control of vol. The TV is only 20 mos. old. Just turned into a black screen when watching a show, we never have had any problems before......

    Called 1-800 # tech tryed to reset tv no luck. Sears tech was called his repair notes said the y-sus,lower buffer,upper buffer boards are bad. The replacement is $650.00.

  • LAdude Aug 04, 2008

    I got the 42" Magnavox Plasma TV on Christmas 2006. Yesterday the top half of the screen was black but everything was fine after I turned off the TV for a bit. Today the screen is totally blank but the audio is working. Since this seems to be a frequent problem with this model, I was looking for some direction.

  • blakels Aug 06, 2008

    Same thing, picture just went blank while viewing. 18 months old. Has normal sound. You think you're buying a set that will last 10-20 years but Magnavox/Philips thinks you should buy a new one much more often than that. Absolute BS, will never, ever buy another product from this rip-off company. What ever happened to testing and validation?

  • shelbyd4 Aug 10, 2008

    42 inch magnavox plasam. 17 months old. Started off with the screen showing half black and now is completely black.

  • ggaviria Aug 11, 2008

    42" Plasma Magnavox. The image started to "shake" and some times it goes black. I have to turned off and wait at least 15 minutes, sometimes it works fine but later same problem. Initially I changed all cables then re-start the box provided by Direct TV (local provider).

    It is just 2 years old. Do you know what part needs to be replaced?

  • Anonymous Aug 14, 2008

    We too are experiencing problems with our 42" Magnavox Plasma tv. It started with half the screen turning black and then just last night the screen turned red, then completely black with popping/cracking noises. Smoke started pouring out. Now we have no picture, only audio. We bought this tv in Sept 06 so it has lasted less than two years. Pretty disgusted! It's ironic our postings are all recent. Guess we got a bum deal.

  • pamaran5 Aug 24, 2008

    After only having our 42" plasma for 3 years it finally went black last night. For about 6 months of 1/2 of the screen going in and out it all just went black last night. Is there any way to fix this or is this the companies way of making money...just go buy another one?

  • Anonymous Aug 27, 2008




    I posted my original message on July 9th about same problem. After some research and inspecting the burned out part, I figured out it was the upper buffer. After a difficult time locating one, I found the part at United Electronics in Illinois. (They have a website)... It was back ordered and finally arrived today. Now, with much disappointment, TV still does not work... same thing, just sound.



    So, what could it be now? I noticed not as much heat radiated from TV as when it worked. It was suggested a power converter? Look forward to hearing more.



    FYI, I was in Sam's Club and saw the exact same TV piled high on a pallet for in the isle for about $998. It was not displayed on a shelf as other TVs they had and I thought that was unusual. This must be a "made to be marketed" TV. I work at Home Depot, where I purchased mine Christmas 2006 at a reduced price. Original price was about $1500. It was brought in for the season and never carried again.

  • owenscmx1 Sep 04, 2008

    42 inch magnavox plasam. 20 months old. Screen half black and still have sound.

  • mvvrs Sep 07, 2008

    have the same problem 20 month tv picture went out and burnt smell magnavox 42 inch plasma, got it at home depot

  • Anonymous Sep 07, 2008

    Same fing problem. Pretty pissed off. less than two years old from home depot. I'll spend the next week I have off of work harassing home depot and magnavox; this is BS.

  • strickda Oct 22, 2008

    I also have the same problem. I brought the same TV at Home Depot September 2006 and the picture just went out and I also smelled a burning smell. The only good thing is that I did take out a 2 yr extended warranty at Home Depot for $229.00. The service tech came to fix it after ordering a part for it and when he had the back panel opened, he stated that the TV was beyond repair. Home Depot service department is in the process of sending me a check for replacement.

  • blakels Oct 22, 2008

    Update on my Home Depot purchased Magnavox 42" plasma that went blank in August: I had it repaired at a cost of $450 (I bartered down from $500). Paid $1399 about 11/06, can get them now for $900. They replaced the lower buffer board, the Y board and 3 resistors. It works as it did before but takes several minutes longer than it did before to completely shutdown after turning it off. I think it's the heat that's killing these circuit boards.

  • Anonymous Oct 31, 2008

    screen went black, got it from home depot in 06, bought two of them in fact, so anyone want to do a pool as to when the other one will do the same thing?

  • Anonymous Oct 31, 2008

    BTW, i went to magnavox site, lol.. they will not even accept email contact, and the 90 day warranty, is a joke.. they won't even guarantee a tv for a couple of years?... I'll join the consumer backlash against anyone buying a tv from them ever again!

  • llewdlac Nov 05, 2008

    I to am having the same problem and had purchaste my Mag 42 TV from home depot around 2 years ago. What do we do know?

  • Anonymous Dec 10, 2008

    We have the same problem as many others on this site. We purchased the Magnavox 42" plasma TV from Home Depot in Murfreesboro, TN in December 2006, initially for $1,300 and then got a price adjustment when they went on sale for $900 the week before Christmas. We did not get the extended warranty.



    The TV screen goes black at times. If you take the palm of your hand and hit the screen, most times you can get the TV to work correctly again. It may work correctly for 1 - 2 hours sometimes 4 hours. Other times, you just have to turn it off and let it cool down for awhile. The sound works perfectly and never goes out, only the video portion.



    I did not see a solution in any of these posts that worked. I'm going to keep checking. Could a lack of ventilation be the cause? We have ours mounted to the wall instead of in the stand on a table or dresser top. If heat is an issue, could that contribute to it? Has anyone tried directing a small computer fan behind the TV to cool it down? You should not have to rig a TV but just trying to salvage a $1,000 TV that is not lasting 2 years.



    If knocking the TV fixes the problem, what would be the cause? I don't understand why over heating is temporarily fixed by jarring the TV.



    Comments anyone?

  • kgospodinova Dec 29, 2008

    I have the same problem!!! I am soooo disgusted to see that so many others are in the same boat.  My Magnavox 42" went blank, purchased from Home Depot in '06....black screen, sound works fine. I also noticed that there is not as much heat coming from the back.

  • Anonymous Feb 03, 2009

    I have the same problem, also my gateway lasted about 10 years and now is goin gout as well.

  • Anonymous Feb 14, 2009

    Does Magnavox or Home Depot even care that there are so many of us that have the exact same problem in the same time frame. This is a lot of money to spend on a TV that last less than 2 years.

  • thedebrisdoc Feb 24, 2009

    I to have the same problem only 2 1/2 years old. I was told by a tv repair man that he "can" fix it for at least $350. I just cannot believe how many people are having this same issue. I just wish I had checked into this before buying it. I am going to continue my research as I cannot believe that people all over the unit states are experiencing this issue with the same company that a class action law suit cannot be filed against Phillips. If I discover anything I will be sure to post something for everyone. Just blow my mind that this is allowed to happen in this day and age.

  • araseliguerr Feb 27, 2009

    my magnavox plasma went pitch black as we were watching a show, the funny is that the audio is still working, can you tell me what part i need to replace it?

  • Anonymous Mar 27, 2009

    I purchased my 42 inch Magnavox plasma a little over 2 years ago (I purchased it from Home Depot in December 2006). I have not even used the tv that often (It is only myself and my wife and a 17 month old new addition to the family)...so we don't watch it as much as a larger family would. Well last week on Sunday March 22nd, my wife called me at work and told me the tv went blank with nothing but sound. And she also smelled smoke.



    So I told her to unplug it. On monday I called Magnavox USA Support center and got the run around. It does not sound like they are willing to listen. I called them again today, March 27th, and asked about a recall on this tv and of course there is none.



    Here is what I am going to do and i suggest everyone do the same: I going to call The Consumer Product Safety Commission (1 (800) 638-CPSC) to file a complaint. This product is a safety hazard and the only way to get this rip off company to listen is to file a complaint.



    Also please file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.



    Just one last point...I also spoke with a superviosr at USA Suport and told him that the tv was smoking and he said "there is a difference between smoke and fire". I told him I can't believe what he just said. He also told me that he shows no record of anyone else calling to complain about this tv!...to which I responded that I do not believe him.



    But this shows you that everyone who purchased this piece of **** has to act as one to get this rip off company to respond and take this product off of the market.



    I will not buy another product from Managvox/Philips.







    julianAtl

  • kimberly4812 Mar 27, 2009

    WOW! I am so surprised to find this posting because we have the exact same problem.. with the same TV also purchased from Home Depot! Smelled of smoke, or burning plastic, or burned out picture tube or something... then screen black - but great sound. Unbelievable! We replaed it with a Sony Bravia and my son is trying to fix the old one. He opened it up and fuses are blown and he said resistor is bad. But I am shocked that you have the exact same problem with the same YV purchased at the same time.

  • Anonymous Mar 29, 2009

    wow iam a victim also of home depot garbage i spent $1500.00 on my tv and right after about 15 months i too have the same promblem. piece of **** i still have a 10 year old sony. guess what iam buying today. does magnavox have a QC dept. I GUESS NOT

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    42" magnavox plasma tv

    I have the same problem with this tv purchased about 2 years
    ago. The tv had a blank screen with
    sound and then I saw some smoke and smelled something burning.





    I decided to call the CPSC (consumer product safety
    commission) and spoke with a representative yesterday and explained to them the
    problem with the tv in hopes that they will initiate a product recall. This product is a fire hazard waiting to
    happen. The CPSC only deals with
    products that present a safety issue.





    The process works like this.
    I filed the issue/problem on the phone with a CPSC representative (dial
    the 1-800 638-2772 phone number and then press option 3 which should take you
    to a live person who will file the complaint paperwork online – the entire
    process only took about 15 minutes or less).
    They also need the following information…



        TV
        model number and serial number,

        The
        manufacturer,

        The
        retailer/store where the product was purchased,

        The
        date of purchase,

        A
        description of the hazard / problem,

        Your name,
        phone number and address.

        Case
        number - If you spoke with Philips / Magnavox and you have a case number
        you should give that to the CPSC representative as well.





    After completing the application, the form will be mailed to
    you for your approval. Sign the form and
    then mail it back to the CPSC. They will
    then forward the form to the CPSC Technical Department for review where a
    determination will be made on whether or not to issue a product recall; part of
    the Technical Departments decision will also be based on speaking with the
    manufacturer.





    I also gave them the name of the person I spoke to at
    Philips (I asked to speak to a supervisor after not getting satisfaction from
    the first phone call). Of course the
    supervisor was useless as well. USA SUPPORT
    (1-800-705-2000) is Philips customer support - what a waste of human
    capital. They can’t even make a decision
    on a product that could be a huge lawsuit for this company. But anyway they gave me a case / tracking
    number and I gave this to the CPSC representative as well.





    The CPSC representative also suggested that I call the
    Consumer Protection Agency (1-800-869-1123) which handles product disputes
    between the consumer and the manufacturer / retailer. I will call them as well and file a complaint.





    I think we should all do the same thing to make this rip off
    company pay. This product is dangerous
    and should be taken off of the market.
    Besides I am sure we don’t have $1,000 to $1,500 to throw away
    especially without a fight and especially in this economy.


  • Anonymous Apr 03, 2009

    Bought in summer of '06. POS crapped out a couple of weeks ago.Magnavox said out of warranty and to take it to repair facility. I tookit to authorized Magnavox repair facility. He told me it would be $584to repair and that the upper Y buffer board and the lower Y boardcrapped out. I am severely upset as I paid $1500 for it and get asimilar if not exact TV for $700. Magnovox and Home Depot have lost mybusiness forever. I will be a loyal Lowe's shopper for the rest of mylife. I will also never buy another Philips/Magnavox electronic.

  • Anonymous Apr 06, 2009

    We also have a 42" plasma tv. Six months after purchase, the tv turned itself off. Then, it turned itself back on. Well, it kept doing this. We called USA Support, but, as someone stated, they are a waste of human capital. Anyway, we kept calling. For six months we called. Always a ticket number. Always a run around. We took it to 3 authorized repair shops, per Magnavox, two were a joke! The other one finally leveled with us and said he has 8 more plasma's in his shop with the same problem. The part needed for it is no longer manufactured. Magnavox sent a replacement. A month later, same problem: goes off, turns on. At random. Then, it'd turn off, come on, have sound, no picture. Magnavox sent another replacement 3 months later. It showed up with a shattered glass screen right out of the delivery truck. Called Magnavox and they insisted on knowing who was at fault. Beats me, came out of the truck like that. Demanded a refund. Now, we're 2 months into the refund fight and STILL getting the run around. I asked where they're located, the answer? 'We are not allowed to disclose our exact location, I can only tell you we're in the great lakes region.' So, do they use Star Trek type cloaking devices to show up for work or something? I can't file a better business complaint without a location. All internet searches point to Seoul, Korea. When I get my money back, I will NOT EVER purchase a Magnavox tv again. If they are the last manufacturer on earth, then, I will entertain myself with puppets before I purchase another tv from them. Product was great, service sucks!

  • Anonymous Apr 17, 2009

    42 plasma no picture but sound

  • Anonymous Apr 17, 2009

    plasma 42 231 no picture but audio

  • blkcfy Apr 18, 2009

    We have a green screen. The audio from cable works fine but the screen is steady green. We have had flashings of green screen in the past bu picture would resume shortly.

  • Anonymous May 04, 2009

    Our tv just went black this evening while we were watching a show. The sounds still works but like the other posts, no picture.

  • marlon Sep 29, 2012

    i have a 42'' tv magnavox that when it turns on it 1/2 screen until it warms up

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I partly agree with imaliszewski the problem is Y buffers (upper & lower). There is 3 parts to the Y board (Y-main, Y-upper, and Y-lower). There was an issue with defective Y-buffers in a memo sent out by the Plasma manufacture. The problem could be that you just got a set of these defective buffers in your panel. Or as Imaliszewski stated a current problem. but if you replace the Y-buffers repace them as a set. If your TV goes out again after changing the buffers. The panel is causing the problem by drawing too much current. That was a Defect I found out why working in a Philips/Magnavox warranty repair facility.

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I too, have been had by Phillips Magnavox and Home Depot. My receipt number 3019-119132 dated on 09/04/06 for the amount of $1,611.05 got us a TV that lasted only 3yrs and 72 days! This is preposterous! If any one knows a recoarse to this, please, PLEASE, let me know.

  • Otp2000 Nov 30, 2010

    David, I bought a 50" magnacrap plasma for the hubby, lasted 2 years went out, red light blinking. Apparently, its so common with these crappy made tv's, there's a name for it, " red light special" After much research, no help from magnavox, We fixed it ourselves for around 3$ (three dollars!) . We opened the back up, there were two capacitors that were slightly bubbled out, really hard to notice, look closely. Ordered part on eBay, replaced all fuses while we were at it....took old capacitors out, soldered new ones on..!!!!! That's it, it worked. I barely believed it.

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You need to replace the Y-main board the buffers are just that, the Y-main drives the upper and lower buffers, this Tv has a problem with the Ymain going out and trying to draw to much current from the power board causing the burning smell

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  • Posted on Sep 03, 2008
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Magnavox 42MF23ID/33ID

Well posted previously Aug 27, stating new upper buffer replaced and that did not fix problem.. (cost about $69).

Today just today installed a new power converter.. (cost about $59) and very dismayed that did not fixt it either.

I am throwing in the towel at this point. Among the many posts with same problem it was mentioned there are about 5 main boards in this plasma. I will stop at 2 and consider it was "a throw away TV " after a short 15 months life span marketed for the moment by big box stores.

While doing some investigating on this, I found that a similar problem occured with Gateway 42" plasma flat screens same time frame.
Thats it... Anne

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The problem is one of the driver/buffer bosrd, you csn see the part number printed on the circuit board (PCB No) and then look on EBay there a lot of parts from broken units... EVR

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I took my 42MF23ID/33ID Magnavox Plasma TV into a repair shop and they said it would cost 500 dollars to replace both the logic board and the Invertor. Is there someplace I can purchase these in order to replace these two parts myself? thnx

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