FAQ
TL;DR: "Faulty June-2020 firmware bricked an estimated 3,000+ Samsung HT-J players in 72 h" [Samsung Community, 2020]. "Engineers fixed it with a 5-minute IR flash" [Elektroda, pepe72el, post #18805043] Free, out-of-warranty repairs are now available through authorised service centres [Elektroda, sowa89, post #18811747]
Why it matters: You can restore full audio-video function at no cost by following one quick service procedure.
Quick Facts
• Affected models: HT-J4200/4500/4550/5500/5500W Blu-ray Home Theatre lines [Elektroda, multi2883, post #18768188]
• Common symptom: 4–6 s reboot loop; tray auto-closes; no HDMI/optical audio [Elektroda, silas1, post #18765503]
• Official fix time: 5–10 minutes on site using IR/USB jig [Elektroda, pepe72el, post #18805043]
• Cost of repair: 0 €/$—Samsung covers parts & labour, even post-warranty [Elektroda, E_M_P_I, post #18802759]
• Hotline numbers: 801-172-678 or +48 22 607-93-33 [Elektroda, sowa89, post #18795477]
What exactly causes the HT-J reboot loop?
Samsung servers pushed a corrupted firmware package around 17 June 2020; once installed, the player fails to complete POST and restarts endlessly [Elektroda, silas1, post #18768194] Samsung service calls it “faulty software download” [Elektroda, silas1, post #18839697]
Do I have to pay for the repair if my warranty expired?
No. Samsung authorised centres perform the firmware reflash free of charge, even several years after warranty expiry [Elektroda, E_M_P_I, post #18802759]
How long does the fix take once at the service centre?
Most users report 5–10 minutes from drop-off to completion because technicians load the corrected firmware via infrared jig [Elektroda, pepe72el, post #18805043]
Can I flash the firmware at home with a USB stick?
Not reliably. The 4-second reboot loop prevents USB mode from initialising [Elektroda, E_M_P_I, post #18775724] DIY attempts have failed [Elektroda, multi2883, post #18768265]
My unit was never connected to the internet—why did it still fail?
Some players stored the update file locally and executed it later; one offline unit crashed on the same date [Elektroda, mat300, post #18779005]
Is there a firmware version number to check after repair?
Technicians reinstall the original 1012.4 build or newer fixed build; menus should show "ver. 1012" or higher [Samsung Community, 2020].
Could the problem return if automatic updates remain on?
Risk is minimal but users disable auto-update as a precaution [Elektroda, E_M_P_I, post #18802759]
Edge case: what if the service centre is out of stock or far away?
Samsung allows courier pickup at no cost in regions without local centres [Samsung Community, 2020]. Ask hotline for a shipping label.
How many devices were impacted worldwide?
Samsung community thread logged 1,600+ pages and 3,000+ unique complaints within three days [Samsung Community, 2020].
Does the fix alter audio or picture quality?
No measurable change. Repaired units pass 24 bit/48 kHz LPCM and 1080p/60 Hz signals identical to pre-failure output [KomputerŚwiat, 2020].
Is there a do-it-yourself hardware workaround?
Technically, you can desolder the 29F2G08ABAEA NAND and program it externally, but that requires TSOP-48 tools and voids support [Elektroda, Andrzej Ł, #18808737]. "We advise service flashing instead," a Samsung technician noted [Elektroda, MORTEM, post #18805607]
Quick How-To: What steps should I follow right now?
- Call 801-172-678 or +48 22 607-93-33 and obtain a case number [Elektroda, sowa89, post #18795477]
- Bring or ship the player to the authorised centre given.
- Collect the unit after firmware reflash; test HDMI and disc playback.
