Introduction
In the world of consumer electronics, component-level understanding often unlocks the potential for repairs, upgrades, and deeper appreciation of device functionality. The BN6924878F, a specialized logic board primarily associated with Samsung’s UE40EH5000 series LED TVs, exemplifies this. Introduced around 2012, this mainboard serves as the central nervous system for the television, handling signal processing, input management, and output control. While it may appear as an alphanumeric code to the uninitiated, BN6924878F (often cross-referenced with variants like BN41-01778B in Samsung’s nomenclature) is crucial for maintaining the performance of budget-friendly Full HD TVs. This article delves into its technical details, performance characteristics, and practical use cases, providing a comprehensive overview for technicians, enthusiasts, and everyday users. With the evolution of TV technology, understanding such components helps bridge the gap between legacy hardware and modern demands.
The UE40EH5000 series, featuring a 40-inch LED display, was designed for entry-level consumers seeking reliable Full HD viewing without the bells and whistles of smart features. The BN6924878F board powers this simplicity, ensuring seamless operation. As we explore further, we’ll uncover how this board contributes to the TV’s overall ecosystem.
Technical Details
The BN6924878F logic board is a compact, printed circuit board (PCB) assembly that integrates multiple subsystems essential for TV operation. Measuring approximately 20cm x 15cm, it fits snugly within the chassis of the UE40EH5000R and similar models. At its core is a proprietary Samsung processor, likely a variant of the S3C2416 or equivalent ARM-based chip from the era, clocked at around 400-600 MHz. This processor handles video decoding, scaling, and basic signal processing for inputs up to 1080p resolution.
Key components include:
- Memory and Storage: Equipped with 512MB DDR2 RAM for buffering video frames and temporary data storage, paired with a small NAND flash chip (typically 128MB) for firmware and configuration settings. This setup allows for quick boot times and efficient multitasking between inputs.
- Connectivity Interfaces: The board features two HDMI ports supporting HDMI 1.3 standards, enabling connections to Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. A single USB 2.0 port facilitates media playback from external drives, supporting formats like AVI, MKV, and MP3. Additional interfaces include component video inputs, composite AV, a headphone jack, and RF tuner for DVB-T/C digital broadcasting. Notably, there’s no Ethernet port, reflecting its non-smart design.
- Power Management: Integrated voltage regulators step down the input from the power supply board (usually 12V and 5V rails) to power the CPU, memory, and peripherals. Overheat protection circuits prevent thermal throttling, with a typical operating temperature range of 0-60°C.
- Video Processing: The board incorporates Samsung’s HyperReal Engine for image enhancement, though in a basic form compared to higher-end models. It supports Clear Motion Rate (CMR) technology at 50Hz, which interpolates frames to reduce blur in fast-moving scenes. The display controller drives a 1920×1080 LED panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio, achieving a native refresh rate of 60Hz.
Other notable elements are the audio amplifier IC, delivering up to 10W per channel for the built-in stereo speakers, and an IR receiver for remote control signals. Firmware is upgradable via USB, with versions addressing bugs like input lag or color inaccuracies. In terms of build quality, the board uses multi-layer PCB construction with surface-mount technology (SMT) components, ensuring durability against common failures like capacitor degradation over time.
Compared to modern boards, BN6924878F lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4K upscaling, but its simplicity makes it robust for basic use. Cross-compatibility exists with models like UN40EH5000F, where assembly numbers like BN96-28934A encapsulate the same core functionality.
Performance
Performance-wise, the BN6924878F excels in delivering consistent, no-frills Full HD viewing, as evidenced by contemporary reviews of the UE40EH5000 series. In calibrated modes, such as “Movie” with “Warm2” color tone, the board achieves excellent greyscale accuracy, with delta E (dE) values below 2 after adjustments—indicating colors close to reference standards without noticeable tints.
Picture quality is a standout, with black levels reaching 0.035 cd/m² on ANSI checkerboards, providing decent contrast for an edge-lit LED panel. Gamma tracking aligns to a 2.4 target post-calibration, ensuring balanced brightness across scenes. Color reproduction is accurate in “Auto” space, with good saturation for primaries like red, green, and blue, though greens can appear slightly pale without tweaks.
Motion handling is adequate for its price point, resolving up to 300 lines in motion tests. The 50Hz CMR reduces judder in 1080p/24 content, making it suitable for movies, though fast sports may show some blur. Input lag measures around 20ms, low enough for casual gaming on consoles like PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, without significant delays.
Audio performance, driven by the board’s amplifier, outputs clear sound at 20W total (10W x 2), with SRS TruSurround for virtual surround effects. However, bass is limited, benefiting from external soundbars.
Power efficiency is impressive, consuming 33W in calibrated mode and under 1W on standby, contributing to energy savings. Screen uniformity is very good, with minimal clouding or backlight bleed, enhancing viewing angles up to 178 degrees horizontally—though colors wash out beyond 30 degrees off-axis, typical for VA panels.
In benchmarks, scaling from SD to HD is excellent, with effective deinterlacing reducing jaggies in video modes. Film cadence detection passes 3:2 and 2:2 tests, preserving cinematic feel. Overall, the BN6924878F provides reliable performance for everyday viewing, scoring high in value-driven reviews from sites like HDTVTest, where it was praised for budget calibration potential despite lacking advanced features.
Use Cases
The BN6924878F finds its primary application in TV repair and maintenance scenarios. Common failures in UE40EH5000 models, such as no image despite power-on (often due to faulty capacitors or HDMI ICs), can be resolved by replacing this board. Technicians source it from platforms like eBay or AliExpress for around $50-100, making it cost-effective for reviving decade-old sets.
In refurbishing, the board enables upgrades; for instance, pairing it with a new LED backlight array extends the TV’s lifespan. Home enthusiasts use it in DIY projects, like converting the TV into a large monitor for retro gaming setups, leveraging its low input lag and Full HD resolution.
Educational use cases include electronics training, where students disassemble the board to study SMT soldering, voltage regulation, and signal flow. In commercial settings, such as hotels or offices, BN6924878F-equipped TVs serve as secondary displays for signage or waiting rooms, where smart features aren’t needed.
For hobbyists, integrating the board with Raspberry Pi for custom media centers adds value, bypassing the lack of native smart capabilities. In regions with analog broadcasts phasing out, its DVB tuner supports digital transitions. Overall, its use cases emphasize sustainability, reducing e-waste by extending hardware life.
Conclusion
The BN6924878F logic board remains a testament to Samsung’s engineering in budget TVs, balancing technical prowess with practical performance. While technology has advanced to 8K and OLED, this component’s role in the UE40EH5000 series highlights enduring value in simplicity. Whether for repairs, education, or creative repurposing, understanding BN6924878F empowers users to maximize their electronics. As we move forward, such legacy parts remind us of the foundations upon which modern innovations build.
