SMALL CRACK IN CENTER OF PROTECTIVE SCREEN SHIELD ON TV

Every kind of TV has different steps for proper cleaning. If you are unsure what kind of TV you own, consult your TV user\'s manual to ensure that you are using the right cleaning method.

• Direct-View - Older direct view TV\'s can be cleaned with glass cleaner and a paper towel. Newer tubes that may contain any special coatings, like an anti-glare coating, should be cleaned with a damp cotton cloth. If you are unsure if you have any special coatings, it is best to be safe and use the damp cloth.


• CRT Rear-Projection - Before you can begin cleaning, you need to determine if you do, or do not have a screen shield. A screen shield is a hard plastic cover over the front of the TV screen. If you can\'t tell, give the front of the TV a light tap. Another way to tell is to check for ridges in the screen area. If you can feel ridges on the screen, then you do not have a screen shield. Rear projection TVs without a screen shield require a special kind of cleaner and rag. These are available for purchase at your local TV service center. Those that do have a screen shield should be cleaned with a dry or damp soft cloth. If it\'s extremely dirty, a mild soap may be used. Do not use paper products, such as paper towels, to clean the screen shield. Paper products GA_googleFillSlot("TL-IMU-Article"); can easily scratch the surface of the shield. Screen shields can have a tendency to streak while cleaning. If this happens, use a dry cloth and buff the screen in a small circular motions. GA_googleCreateDomIframe(\'google_ads_div_TL-IMU-Article\' ,\'TL-IMU-Article\');

I hate to bring bad news but it's better cruel truth than sweet lie.
You got so-called "physical damage" of your LCD panel. Surface that you can touch and one that looks intact is just a protective layer. Behind it is fragile class of LCD panel. Sometimes kids tap toy into the screen and parents later guessing what's wrong with TV.
No manufacturer (that covers first 12 months) or extended warranty will cover this repair. Technician will show up for free of charge, take a pictures of the screen and leave you with this problem. Whole LCD panel have to be replaced and part alone could cost up to 80% of cost of new TV.
Unless you can prove that this is shipping damage (I doubt it because it is not that you calling retailer very next day after purchase) - there is nothing that you can do to get out of this situation cheaply.
Still you need to call manufacturer customer service and have technician from authorized service center to show up and inspect it. Maybe we both wrong and you have a case of defective panel. Really hard to determine without seeing pictures of how your LCD looks like.
Sorry again and good luck!
Russ.

Here's a link to order the original Hitachi protective screen for this model (57F59A) from a major parts distributor:

Hitachi 57F59A Replacement Part Protective Screen / Ultra Shield

If you need replacement parts you can enter make and model here.

Give them a call if the part is not available online.

You can find a new OEM replacement protective screen and screen assembly for a model # 57F59A at the following links:

Hitachi 57F59A Replacement Part Protective Screen / Ultra Shield

Hitachi 57F59A Replacement Part Screen Assembly

The only way to completely get rid of the scratches is to replace the screen. If you want to get a new replacement protective screen for this model, here is a link from a major parts distributor:

RCA P61927 Replacement Part Protective Screen / Super Shield

Status Part Number Description Substitute List Price Dealer Price Obsolete KR01227 SCREEN/SHIELD $374.31 $299.45

This model does not use a OEM Protective Screen. However, i found the Lenticular (outer screen) and Fresnal (inner screen) Screens for purchase.

• Direct-View - Older direct view TV's can be cleaned with glass cleaner and a paper towel. Newer tubes that may contain any special coatings, like an anti-glare coating, should be cleaned with a damp cotton cloth. If you are unsure if you have any special coatings, it is best to be safe and use the damp cloth.
   
• CRT Rear-Projection - Before you can begin cleaning, you need to determine if you do, or do not have a screen shield. A screen shield is a hard plastic cover over the front of the TV screen. If you can't tell, give the front of the TV a light tap. Another way to tell is to check for ridges in the screen area. If you can feel ridges on the screen, then you do not have a screen shield. Rear projection TVs without a screen shield require a special kind of cleaner and rag. These are available for purchase at your local TV service center. Those that do have a screen shield should be cleaned with a dry or damp soft cloth. If it's extremely dirty, a mild soap may be used. Do not use paper products, such as paper towels, to clean the screen shield. Paper products can easily scratch the surface of the shield. Screen shields can have a tendency to streak while cleaning. If this happens, use a dry cloth and buff the screen in a small circular motions.
   
• Microdisplay Rear-Projection - All microdisplay TVs have some sort of screen shield on the front. These TVs should be cleaned with a damp cloth. Microdisplays with a shiny screen shield can be cleaned with a mild soap if extremely dirty. Those with a flat screen shield should not be cleaned with any cleaning agents. Do not use paper products to clean the front of the TV because they could scratch the screen surface.
   
• Plasma - Plasma owners should clean the front of the TV with a soft, damp cloth. The use of a mild soap for heavy cleaning is acceptable. The use of heavy cleaning agents could strip the special coatings on the screen, and paper products can scratch the front of the TV.
  
  
• LCD Flat Panel - Be careful with flat panel LCD TVs! Use a slightly damp soft cloth to clean the LCD screen, then immediately dry with a soft cloth. Do not press hard on the screen during cleaning. Doing so could cause severe damage to the display. Do not use any cleaning solvents, such as glass cleaner or soaps, to clean the LCD screen. Paper products could scratch the front of the screen. If you have a pet or child that rubbed something on the screen that you feel could stain or damage it, contact your local TV service center for assistance. 

When dusting the TV cabinets, dust with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner. Paper products can scratch the surface of high-gloss cabinets, so avoid paper products. Heavy cleaners can strip the finish off of TV cabinets over time. When cleaning speaker grilles, dust with a dry cloth. Wet cleaners could stain or damage the grille cloth.

take the broken piece to the hardware store and have a piece of plexiglass cut the same size. thats what we did and it worked really well.