A friend has a pioneer PDP-501MX plasma tv which now does not work.
Apparently there is a problem with the panel itself-most likely with
the electodes located on the front side of the glass. Pioneer says the
Plasma panel will have to be replaced. The plasma panel is number
AWU1025. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Needeless to say my friend
would rather not spend thousands to get it fixed. Is there anyway
around this, e.g., an easy (he should be so lucky) repair, or a cheap
panel replacement? Any thoughts, comments appreciated.

Douglas