Hi,   same thing happened to me. Posted on Sunday and curious to find out if you discovered anything besides the following;  1. if still under warranty; local contracted service provider can come out and fix it and cost is covered since under warranty time period.  2. if NOT under warranty any longer; local contracted service provider can come out and fix; however, cost of repair is paid by the customer.  Unfortunately for me my warranty expired 5 months ago so #2 was my only option to get my tv fixed. The cost was $300 to come out and fix but did not cover parts nor did it guarantee success. But my understanding from answers received by other customers who had similar problem the vertical black smudge is fixable. But all in it will be closer to $400 minimum.  Faced with that it is more economical and easier and guaranteed outcome to purchase a new TV. Frustrated and disappointed. Good luck and hope that it all works out.  ... View more

Final response. Apologize for my frustration. But problem Not solved to my satisfaction. Need to purchase a new TV. Caveat Emptor.  Hoping Samsung takes note and collects all the challenges customers are posting here. There are a enough similar challenges (vertical black smudge. Weirdly seems from the posted pics location is eerily similar for most) that there seems to be a defect either in design or manufacturing.  Have to say until the challenge loved the tv. But now the tv is unwatchable and seems to be economically not fixable (problem is fixable but cost benefit outside warranty not worth it). So have to get a replacement. For the first time will be reviewing possible extended warranty.  ... View more

Update!  I spoke at length with Samsung and they sent me to their authorized repair services for my area. Unlucky for me since warranty recently expired it would cost $300 and parts just to come out and that does not include the actual total cost of fix. Concurrently I have been researching replacement cost of a new tv. Samsung competitors have new TVs for as little as $550. For TVs that are new latest technology and rated as high or higher on CNET. So I am really disappointed that it looks like I may have to buy a new tv. If that is the case I do not see how after this experience I can in good faith remain a loyal Samsung customer.   BTW - the picture is now 1/3 devolved. So clearly the there is a product defect.  thanks,   Matt  @userF3KzZDvppB wrote: Let me know if they tell something other than a service call and new LED backlight for $200-300.  I have the same problem.   @userF3KzZDvppB wrote: Let me know if they tell something other than a service call and new LED backlight for $200-300.  I have the same problem. ... View more