Vizio VL470M audio is ok picture is $%&*ed

[jaygriggs]

Hi!
I have a Vizio VL470M I bought in late 09. Never been rough handled and stored for a year. One day it worked the next its jacked.
Its this model here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcBwTums_mI

In fact the symptoms are exactly the same I get 5 inches or so at the to that works fine the rest is a grayish that gets brighter in 5 or 10 seconds when the tv is turned on (backlight maybe)
Audio is fine.
I followed this guys steps and I get the same results with one ribbon removed I get half a picture.
Halfway through the video he looks at the bond things
(Im very unfamiliar with TVs)
which I didnt do.

So I guess my questions are is this guy's assessment correct is it the panel?
I couldnt find a replacement on the net
any suggestions there?
Is it worth messing with the tabs?

Thanks In Advance

[capkid]

Re: Vizio VL470M audio is ok picture is $%&*ed

Norcal715 is a professional tech, and he's great at diagnosing and fixing TVs. If you followed his troubleshooting steps and got the same results, you're most likely looking at a bad panel. Sometimes, you can place foam shims between the tab and frame as a workaround like he mentioned (forum member budm is an expert in this area), but that doesn't appear to be an option in this case. I'd stay away from Vizio TVs in the future or get a 3-yr+ warranty. I'm personally a plasma guy - MUCH fewer issues with the panel.

[jaygriggs]

Re: Vizio VL470M audio is ok picture is $%&*ed

Hi Capkid,
Ya I was thinking I'm done with Vizio since it didn't last. Thanks for the advice I'll try the foam shims since I have nothing to lose