42 inch colored lines on top,If that is the problem is it better off buying a new tv or should i spend the money to fix it

needs a new bulb or ballast check the back of tv for dirt dust and that the fan is working use dusters on vent hole dust blocking venting hole will over heating screen tube. you may want to look into too trading ur tv in and getting a better one... like the led tv i thinks best buy will pay you so much for yours and add that on to a brand new one with new warranty and better options wifi ,bluetooth 2040k-4000k by the time u spend the money on the bulb labor couple dollers more and you get a better one and not just a warranty on the bulb hope this helps

Hi friend,,,
welcome to fixya

Commonly for Plasma tv's if the screen went out,,the problem will be the CATHODE RAY TUBE,it is costly to buy.if you want you can buy it,,or it may be the D-board problem will be also,,,
but it is unusual,so check the tube.

if your satisfied with my solution PLEASE RATE IT

thank u...

ONE OF TWO THINGS, THE LINE COULD POSSIBLY BE FIXED WITH A SCAN BOARD, BUT NOT LIKELY, PROBABLY NEEDS A SCREEN REPLACED, THE OTHER RED STUFF CAN BE FIXED WITH A X-BOARD REPLACEMENT, BETTER OFF TO BUY A NEW TV

It is called "Thin vertical lines" and change colors depending on the background color.
It is fixable but there are several components that can show this sympton.

You will need a tech to fix it in order to save money (because you do not want to buy a board you dont know if will fix it).
Possible Solutions:
Replace Timer Control Board, if it is not fixed
Replace Sustain Board.

One of those boards needs to be replaced and I wrote the most likely first.

USUALLY THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE X OR Y SUSTAIN BOARD. ESTIMATE BETWEEN $300- $700

Another "same probelm"

My set has encountered this magical 50/50 split screen and it seems to be quite a problem since I am not the only one researching this issue. LG was of no use because of course it is just out of warranty. Any solutions on fixing this or am I out of money in buying a new plasma?

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that once the screen is broken, is better to buy a new TV because the repair might exceed the price of a new one.
Sorry.

Thin lines down center of ESA 42"plasma tv, about 1 pixel wide each, about 3/4" to either outside line
Started as 1 then 4 over 4 months

yes it will be expensive because you will need a new pcb

first make sure its not an input problem or from an external source.Disconnect all inputs and see if lines are present with no inputs to tv.if lines affect menu and or ON SCREEN DISPAY (top) there is a good chance (SSB) board could be bad .I would start with this board first ,lvds cable (second) and last the logic board (comes only with new LCD)