Hi -

Does anyone know if an LCD screen with dead pixels (that form a dotted
line) will get worse over time (develop more lines)?

I have a 27" Norcent LCD TV that is about 8 months old for $1000 and
has developed a dead pixel problem (a green vertical dotted-line at the
side of the TV, really only noticeable up close or with bright colors
on the screen).

It is still under warranty BUT, I have to ship it (from Canada to the
U.S.) to the manufacturer for repair/replacement. I am very uneasy
about this, because in my research I have discovered that there is a
VERY high risk for damage for these types of items. I even have the
original packaging (thank GOD!) but only ONE courier company in Canada
will cover it in the event of a claim (Purolator).

If Norcent receives the TV damaged in any way, they will immediately
return it and I am liable for recovering any money from the courier
company for that damage. Hmmmm....how much is a used and faulty LCD TV
worth? Probably not a lot. Then there is a possiblility that the TV
returned to me is still faulty or is damaged on the return, so I may
have to do this whole thing all over again.

So, I have established that there is high risk and potenitally a lot of
headaches invovled with this situation. Now I have to factor in real
and potential costs to me.

There are the costs that I know of - shipping costs (close to $100) and
any customs fees (perhaps about $20). Then there are costs that MAY be
incurred and I may not be able to get refunded for - the returned TV
could have paperwork filled out incorrectly and I may get stuck paying
duty/taxes/customs fees just to receive the repaired/replaced TV.

Then there is the cost of not having a TV for a month (or longer).

I can barely afford to ship the TV for repair - let alone pay for
potential extras that could add up to what this thing is worth at the
moment. When I do the math it almost makes more sense just to live
with the TV as is.

Do you think I should take my chances, ship it off, incurr any extra
costs that may arise and hope to get refunded for them later?

Thanks,
Paula