Broken LCD HDTV

[oz]

My 27" ViewSonic LCD HDTV completely stopped displaying a picture recently (the sound still works).  It was purchased from CompUSA 3 years old and is out of warranty.

I'm thinking this is a bulb or something serious.  Can anyone recommend how to get this TV looked at/fixed, assuming it's worth the cost?

[Gregg Lengling]

My 27" ViewSonic LCD HDTV completely stopped displaying a picture recently (the sound still works).  It was purchased from CompUSA 3 years old and is out of warranty.

I'm thinking this is a bulb or something serious.  Can anyone recommend how to get this TV looked at/fixed, assuming it's worth the cost?

If the backlight is bad, it's more than a bulb...this is a light panel behind the LCD.  Even if the light source is bad you should be able to see the picture (monochromatic at best) from an angle.

[oz]

If the backlight is bad, it's more than a bulb...this is a light panel behind the LCD.  Even if the light source is bad you should be able to see the picture (monochromatic at best) from an angle.

I just checked my broken LCD again and I can see the picture very faintly. So what does this mean?  Is it worth getting fixed?

[Jimboy]

Usually the lamp is ok. The high voltage supply that feeds the lamp probably has died. Have you tried calling Viewsonic and ask what the repair cost would be?

Viewsonic Customer Service & Technical Support
From United States and Canada
T: (800) 688-6688

[waterhead]

It sounds like it is the CCFL backlight, or the inverter board that powers the CCFL.

My laptop had the same trouble awhile back. First I replaced the backlight bulb, because it was fairly inexpensive. When that didn't fix it, closer inspection showed a burned transformer on the inverter board.
 
If you are handy, (and don't mind being without the LCD for a while) you can fix it yourself.
Here's a few links, they are mostly for PC LCDs:
CCFL Direct
Inverter Central

And a repair site:
LCD Repair

[Doug Mohr]

I have ordered backlights for LCDs from moniserv.com and had no problems with their service.

I'm actually thinking about sending them my laptop screen and having them install polarizng film on it. It was only available in the glossy screen and after a few months, I just can't stand it.

Doug

[oz]

It sounds like it is the CCFL backlight, or the inverter board that powers the CCFL.

My laptop had the same trouble awhile back. First I replaced the backlight bulb, because it was fairly inexpensive. When that didn't fix it, closer inspection showed a burned transformer on the inverter board.
 
If you are handy, (and don't mind being without the LCD for a while) you can fix it yourself.
Here's a few links, they are mostly for PC LCDs:
CCFL Direct
Inverter Central

And a repair site:
LCD Repair

Thanks for the links. I will check them out.