I have the same TV as the OP and had the same problem. I got the extended warrenty with my set and I'm glad I did. A few pixels went out and it was the light engine, I also had the gray marks on the side of the TV and they had to replace the screen. It took them 2 trips to change the screen cause the 1st time someone from the parts supply place put a huge sticker on the screen and the installer didn't notice until he had the tv apart and was ready to install the new screen. All is well now and I really like the TV.