Newbie needs big time help with Samsung HT-SK5

[mtrjets]

Hi all-
My problem is with my Samsung home theater system, more specifically the 5 disc carousel-style changer. It has gotten to the point where even brand new DVDs right out of the box will not play correctly. Skipping, freezing, not allowing me to negotiate through menus, etc....

I brought it in for service to a local guy with a good reputation. He assured me the laser had gone bad. After an extended wait, he finally got a replacement part from the company. Apparently, it comes as a whole carrige assembly(he gave me back the old one) so after $62 in parts and $58 in labor I figured I was fine.

Well it started slightly better(i.e. I'd get halfway through a film without incident) but it's really doing the same thing. Even the most minor of blemishes seem to jam the old girl up. I've tried the same Dvd's in my computer- no problem......

I'd rather not get rid of it, I watch an inordinate amount of films and it has served me well for three years. Plus the six speaker surround sound, AM/FM tuner, even CDs seem to be in perfect working order.

My question, of course, is does anyone have any idea what else this could be?? I trust the repairman, he explained to me about solderballs used during shipping to prevent shorting from static electricity-I think the new part is fine. Hell, maybe the old one was. I'll admit I'm not the most technical guy around, but I'm not horrible either----I guess I'd just like to be able to go back to this guy with something beyond "It still doesn't work."

Thanks for taking the time to read this-any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Peace,MTR

[redwudz]

Unfortunately the price of repairs is high these days. Your repairman seems to have charged you a reasonable price. You could take it back to him with a commercial DVD in good condition that won't play if he warrantied the repair with the understanding that it would function properly, but I think most of us will advise you to give up and replace the unit. You may have to get a separate player and home theater amplifier, or find a similar all-in-one setup.

I would be reluctant to spend more money on a 3 year old unit.