lcd tv repair

missi hart's Avatar
i have a 37" vizio lcd tv that is past its warranty. i was watching it recently when the screen picture started fading from top to bottom. it still gets sound and the backlight is still functioning, just no picture whatsoever.

does anyone have a suggestion as to what is going on, and if it is economically feasible to repair? i did buy a new tv to replace it, but if it can be repaired economically, it would still be a nice second tv. final question---if it can be repaired, any suggestions on who/where could handle the repair? i live south and would prefer a south location, but willing to take it anywhere if, again, the repair cost would be reasonable.

thanks for the help!
If there's sound and backlight but no image, there are a handful of potential issues.

It could be as simple as a loose cable, any of a slew of bad components, or a dead panel. If it's a dead panel, it'll probably cost as much as a comparable TV would.

I've heard good things about Bonds and Dean TV Repair. I've heard that the folks at Deans are native Korean speakers and some people have trouble communicating with them. They do have some coupons for a cheap diagnosis, at least: http://www.deantvrepair.com/coupon.html
missi hart's Avatar
thank you, whosaidthat
No problem. It's the kind of thing I love to fix myself, but I'm so much of a ditherer it makes it hard to do it as a favor for someone else.
GneissGuy's Avatar
Be really careful to figure out costs ahead of time. The odds of getting it repaired for less than it's worth are probably pretty bad.
missi hart's Avatar
Be really careful to figure out costs ahead of time. The odds of getting it repaired for less than it's worth are probably pretty bad. Originally Posted by GneissGuy
definitely. that is why I'm trying to gather some informed opinions, and/or shared similar experiences with this particular problem. i realize the odds are pretty much that the repair cost wouldn't be worth it. i think the repairs would have to be in the $100 range for me to consider it, and it seems unlikely that would be the case. I've not finished my research into this yet, but i certainly appreciate everyone's input.
Like others have said that the cost would be too much to repair rather than just getting a new one.
Now vizio is an ok brand but for future refs id stick with Sony,LG,Samsung and a few others i cant think off the top of my head...
GneissGuy's Avatar
Like others have said that the cost would be too much to repair rather than just getting a new one.
Now vizio is an ok brand but for future refs id stick with Sony,LG,Samsung and a few others i cant think off the top of my head... Originally Posted by Ts AmberRose
In my experience, Vizio is usually considerably cheaper with little, if any, loss in reliability or performance. You need to check out any brand you want to buy. Some of the "big" brands, especially Sony, have lost some of their edge over the competition these days.

I'll also put Vizio above the no name brands, or the "phony" name brands. These days, a lot of old time traditional name brands are out of business, and the remnants of the old company pimps out it's good name to anyone with cash.

You think "Grandma had an XYZ brand TV and it lasted forever, so I'll buy this one." In fact, XYZ is out of business and Unpronounceable Brands from China bought the trademark and is sticking the name on the cheapest crap they can find.
There is a tv repair shop off Parmer lane at lamplight they buy sell and fix tvs

It's beside Parmer lane tavern, create a cig, and inails!
Well
Before I tell you all this please neve tamper with any electronics unless unplugged

And best to have clean hands/gloves.

You need to remove the back cover a couple screws
Itll be hard but trust me it comes off
Once you get that cover off
Lol
Trying not to lose you
You see if any of the boards back there are burnt
Most likely it will be a board named Slave -####part number
. This board is your backlight, if your screen is black and no picture theres your problem.
You can google this part number, sometimes you can find it on ebay

When you receive the part its just a reverse process

Vizios are known for this infamous black screen with logo light on

Just my 2 cents sorry for punc. /Spelling
I've used bonds tv,, great guys. They charge $100 for a diagnosis, which is applied to the total repair bill if you decide to fix it.