Sony Plasma PFM42X1 loud buzzing and turns off

[silentnoise713]

Hi,

My Sony PFM42X1 has been having problems the last few weeks. The TV turns on ok and screen is clear but there is a noticeably loud buzz at first. After ~15 mins, the buzzing gets louder and the screen starts to get grainy and the TV would turn itself off. After a min or so, I can still turn the TV on again and it would work fine but would the cycle again. I also notice the back feels unusually hot.

At first, I ‘though’ it was a bad power supply but I am not a qualified technician to be sure. I decided to do some simple diagnose and with the back cover off, I can easily trace the buzzing down to this round and black component piece. It would be too easy if this is the actual culprit but it is worth a try.

Can someone help me identify this part? What is it called and where can I source it? I figure it is worth swapping it out for a new one to see if it helps. I contacted Sony and they have a replacement board for $340 (ouch)! I can buy a new TV for not much more…
For anyone wanting/needing a replacement board for a Sony TV, contact 800-538-7550.

http://picasaweb.google.com/baibwu/SonyTv/photo#5235934799285929762
http://picasaweb.google.com/baibwu/SonyTv/photo#5235934693733506978

Thanks in advance!

[minnie]

Read this 5 plus time, sounds like a bad panel/pdp.

[silentnoise713]

Would you mind elaborating a little bit more?

When you say "bad panel/pdp", are referring to the whole TV or just the isolated board that I've pointed out?

The TV is composed of 3 separate boards, each can be replaced individually. Are you saying the TV is beyond repair and that I should just scrap it?

Pic of complete back.
http://picasaweb.google.com/baibwu/SonyTv/photo#5235934804306081922

[minnie]

The "panel" is what the boards are mounted to and the same thing you get your picture from. I see the average life of plasma being 3, 3 1/2 years.