Fixed! Vizio LCD Problem Vertical Line in Pixels (VU42LF)

The Vizio LCD FHDTV television that we have had up in our bedroom had been working great for the last couple of years since we purchased it on a Coscto special about 22 months ago. It is a 42" LCD TV, with 1080p resolution -- model VU42LF.

The reason I used "had" been working great is just a few days ago while watching -- Ashley mentioned, that blue line down the middle is annoying. I thought, what blue line...I do not see anything. But, then changing viewing angles -- I could clearly see it -- a one pixel wide blue line running the entire length of the screen. From top to bottom.

It kind of looked like:


I was not panicing yet, but I first changed the TV channel. The blue line was still there. Then I reset the DVR receiver. The blue line was still there. I then change to a different device using a different connection mechanism -- DVD and Component vs. HDMI. The blue line was still there.

I was beginning to panic.

I turned to the Internet and searched Google and the results were not encouraging. Not encouraging at all. In every case I found, the situation was some sort of damage to the LCD, irreversible and requiring either a costly repair at $400 or replacing the television altoghether.

And of course the warranty on the TV was only for a year -- that would be par for the course.

I was trying to figure out what to do, whether I should look for a new television, see what new LCD screens costs and do DIY repair. While thinking, I fired off an email to Vizio technical support to perhaps get more information.

Resolved to waiting, I was just standing in front of the television looking at the blue line and I did something odd. I just tapped on the line where the one pixel wide blue line was...and it disappeared. It was not really hard, just a tap...tap...tap with my finger and the television was fixed.

Now I am not sure if this works for red, green, black, or white lines in a LCD television, but for some reason it worked for me. If you are having an issue, I would suggest giving it a try. It may not work, but hey -- what do you have to lose?

Good luck!

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