Should I fix my plasma?

Agreed. Don't throw good money after bad...

Get a new TV and and upgrade in the process. Get better picture quality, probably lower power consumption and a "reset" of the clock ticking on all of the remaining components in the old TV.

When it comes to flat screen TVs, buy as cheap as you can, consistent with a good picture. I got my Panasonic 42" plasma this year, and will be surprised if it lasts five years. Great viewing experience. $398 at walmart.

Sorry to hear about your problem. Been there myself.

If you know electronics and have a good multi-meter, you may be able to isolate what board is causing the problem. Once properly diagnosed, recycled replacement boards are relatively cheap from various sites on the internet. With a little luck and help from a friend, I was able to replace the power supply board on my 2005 Pioneer Plasma for under $80. It as good as new and I hope to get another 5-7 years or so out it. I had an estimate of $359!

Here lies the problem with modern AV electronics, especially flat panels. Unless you can fix yourself, its always better to buy with replacement new. In my case a 50" 720p plasma was $359 to repaiir or spend $500 on a new 50" 1080p plasma. No brainer.

If you do go new, check your local craigslist for scrappers that search out broken flat panels. They do this to pull the boards and resell them to DIY'ers. Often they will pick up and give you a few bucks too. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies. I don't often need too much encouragement to get a new piece of electronics so the validation of that notion is exactly what I was hoping for.

In looking at new plasmas, I see 55" plasmas in panasonic at $1200 and $2500 which both seem to be 1080P and 600hz. Where is the extra $$ going for the more expensive plasma tv's? I don't mind spending extra if it will give me a better picture but it seems like there may be other differences.

Your local dealer should be able to explain the differences better than we can here online. But in short the more you spend the better the display a better screen, a better power supply, a better processor. All resulting in a better picture. Also look at the Panasonic website and do the side by side comparison on the format they offer