Fixing scratch on RPTV LCD screen

[amol]

My apartment-mates and I were going to buy a TV, but one of them has a Panasonic PT40LC12 rear projection LCD that would be perfect. Only problem is that it has a few scratches on the screen (towards the middle, too). Is it possible to get it fixed or get the screen replaced? And how much would it cost? If it's a lot cheaper than buying a new TV, this would be pretty awesome.

 

[cheesehead]

I'm not exactly sure what LCD projection screens are made from, but I'm going to speculate it's some sort of relatively soft plastic with a slightly irregular texture to prevent it from being reflective. Dremel (amongst others) makes kits that might make it possible to buff out small scratches.

Alternately, try talking to Toshiba to see if they sell it as a replacement part.

 

[Modelworks]

Rear projection tv usually have two layers. The first is on the backside and is a lens, the second on the front is another type of lens that evens out the picture. If you are lucky you may have one of the models that has a third layer that is used to protect the second one. You have to be careful trying to remove the scratches because any scuffing on the plastic will make a blurry spot on the screen. One method I have seen used is to purchase some acetone. Acetone dissolves plastic. Mixing the acetone with a lot of water and testing with a qtip on a spot like the bottom right corner till you get a mix that is just strong enough to barely dissolve plastic. Then using that to go over the scratches. It takes off the sharp edges and helps to fade it out.

You can also replace the entire screen. They average anywhere from $150 - $500.