KDL-40XBR4 bought 1/08. Turns on for 30 seconds with screen staying dark. Then it goes off automatically with the stand-by light blinking 5 times repeatedly. Took it to the shop and he said the LCD panel was bad and it would cost $1300 to fix it. Obviously I can get a new one for less money. Is this tech being straight up with me on how much the repair costs?

KDL- Bravia blink codes (Australian):
2 times-Main power supply voltage error (12V, etc)
3 times-Malfunction of 3.3V line
4 times-Malfunction of 5V line
(Voltage Supply to FE, etc)
5 times-Malfunction of power supply for screen
6 times-Malfunction of inverter or overcurrent, etc
7 times-Abnormal temperature inside unit
8 times-Audio circuit error (amplifier, etc.)
9 times-Fan malfunction
10 times- Digital FE circuit error
11 times-Malfunction of Trident IC or around IC
12 times-BH board error
13 times -Malfunction of balancer
If this is correct the 5 blinks is the power supply having problems, I would much rather change the PS than replace the screen. Also if screen is determine bad, look for class action lawsuit on Sony for defective screen, i am told they know all about this.