Video Asylum

Posted by halfnote (A) on May 12, 2005 at 20:12:43

I have a large flat-screen Toshiba TV that has begun to behave oddly:

After turning on normally, red artifacts begin to appear on the screen -- blotches and smears that flit by in a split second, sometimes a split-second appearance of a red helix pattern, sometimes the entire screen goes red. The TV shuts off spontaneously, usaually after the appearance of one or more of these red artifacts. It cannot be turned on again at at, UNLESS the tv plug is removed from the power outlet, and then plugged in again.

The tv is connected to a Time Warner cable box. I haven't tested whether it happens when a different video source is used.

Anyone out there with some technical knowlege who could shed some light on this problem would be greatly appreciated.

I know I can take it to an authorized repair center -- but the TV is a monster and the service center is many miles away. I'd almost have to call a mover.

Any thoughts ... anyone?