My 1997 Samsung TV model # TXE2746 has a bright line horizontally across the mid section of the screen with no picture above it and the picture below the line seems to be fine.

Dave, April 2005

I have a hitachi and had the same problem. Whacked the top of the box and it works for about a minute.

t. Bishop, EI, March 2010

I have a Toshiba from 06 with a horizontal line in the center. Like others I hit the right side of the set and the picture came back perfect. Showed my wife how to do it. Problem fixed

Kenny, November 2009

My TXE2746 dated for Sept 1996 developed the same problem. Sounds like Samsung might have had a batch problem that isn't sufficient to force a recall.
This is a pretty standard CRT problem and your local service shop can fix it in under 30 minutes. They'll spend more time doing an after fix burn in. It's either in the vertical amplifer module or the caps and resistors mentioned above.

Ken, August 2009

I experience the same.

from link mentioned, "The cost of repair will be around $200 to $300. The problelm is a defective vertical deflection system. Could be the amplifier, vertical output driver or whole printed board that supports the vertical deflection activity. It is considered to be a serious failure."

so buy a new one
OR
I found that if I whack it on the side, picture comes back
It not the ultimate answer but it is now a family affair.

hope this helps

carlos, April 2008

I too have a Samsung 27" of about the same year which just this evening went to a horizontal line mid screen. No pic above or below. The line has some thickness and shows the picture, just sqwished down to a few raster lines, like in a vice.

Sound is fine, as is reception. It's just 20" wide and 1/4" tall.

I found this other link which may also be helpful:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/TV-VCR-Stereo-1749/Only-horizontal-line-tv.htm

This is July 4th, 2007, just missed the Boston Pops fireworks. Rats!

K.A. Hruzer, July 2007

Usually replace IC301 (TDA8350Q) and R417 (5.6 fuse-resistor)
Good luck
Gus
Grand Forks Electronics

Grand Forks Electronics, September 2005

the vertical ic chip has broken pins where it is soldered to the pc (printed circuit )board .you'll need a soldering iron and solder

Jim, May 2005

I also have a 27" Samsung TXE2746 which was built in Sept of 1996, and it's having the exact same problem - top half has no picture, bright line across center of screen, and bottom of screen is fine. I called Samsung customer support and asked if they'd heard anything similar, but they said no and that it'd probably be cheaper to buy a new one than to pay to have it repaired. I checked to see if there was ever a manufacturer recall to take advantage of, but no luck. If you can find any additional information, please email me at Tex1281@hotmail.com or add a response. Thanks!

Jimmy, April 2005