Hitachi is usually a very good set. But, your symptom is almost non-existant and hearsay at best.

I would first, check the back of the set and see when it was made. A "couple" of years can be anything from 5-10 years old. I suspect that the set is old.

Free Service on a TV, even if it was given to you is highly unlikly.

Call a service shop in your area and get a price for an estimate.

Good luck,

pw

You were right! I went and looked at the set, and 10-15 years old is more like it. I plugged it up, turned it on, nothing...not even a pop. I figured it was too good to be true!

TV sets are being classified as "hazardous waste", so be verrry careful what you accept. His problem could become your problem.

pw