Jazzly and Dave...

Thanks so much for the responses. Jazzly - it is REAL interesting that you mention the flyback transformer! Something I did not mention was this new TV is making a real strange sequence of small popping noises when I turn it off. Although some (not all) others in the store did the same, none were anywhere near as loud (you can hear mine across the room - albeit faint). I am now wondering if in fact the blue bleed problem may be exactly as you describe - and is realted to the "faulty/flaky" sounding flyback transfomer. I can return the TV for another new one as I am in the 30 day warranty period, but I was hoping to avoid the headache unless necessary.

Sounds like maybe I should return it after all, huh?

Any more "testing/debugging" techniques you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Again thanks,

Bob