We have a vertical black stripe about 2 1/2" wide

not knowing the model... i will try to help with this common samsung issue, if i can. / unplug the tv, and wait a few minutes to avoid shocks. / remove back panel. you will see several ribbon connectors, (about an 1" to 1 1/2" wide) usually near the bottom. / carefully remove the ribbon (ONE AT A TIME) and clean the contacts GENTLY with a pencil eraser. (DO NOT use chemicals) / reinsert the ribbons and try the tv. // vertical stripes are almost always the result of poor contact between ribbon and socket. / NOTE!. you can do a quick test before opening the set by [carefully!!!!] twisting the screen and watch to see if the vertical stripes change or disappear. / if the stripes change, bet on it being the ribbon contact problem.//// hope this helps, it has worked on a number of TVs.------Jay

try doing white wash feture in options see if u can get it out this way 1st before having to take aprt cheak cables are using old style sumtimes they do get glitch do factory reset thx for using fix ya . nick

Main power supply regulator board can cause this. If you wish to get some details; check the site linked here. Pull up older posts. Surf the site with patience. http://electronicshelponline.blogspot.com/
Line, faults & possible causes to LCD screen are given with illustrations. You can get an idea about the fault to an extent.

If you let me know in which location of the screen is located I can assist with the possible cause since the vertical line can be caused by different items based on where its located on the Screen such as center of screen, or far right side or midle of the right half side of the screen. Reply to this same post with where the line is located and I will assist you with it.

So long as there are no inpact marks on the screen or cracks there is an issue with the lcd screen and so long as the machine is in manufactures warranty is covered (1 year).
You would need to get in touch with the company you purchased machine from if it is in warranty

It sounds like the black drum unit needs to be replaced.

You screen "LCD" is broken , need new lcd panel. Very expensive

Hi...there,
Well... after 3yrs of used, it's time to retired. You've got a busted panel...

Hi
If there is no picture behind the stripe and the edges are well-defined, then one of the display driver ICs has failed. Philips displays can be made by several manufacturers - usually Samsung. The ICs are bonded to the flexible ribbon in most cases, and replacement is an expensive specialist job - and in many cases is simply not possible.
A shadow on the picture is much better - usually due to interference.
Glyn

Sounds to me that you have a bad connection/wire to the CCFL bulb on that side of the display. Should be an easy fix, do it your selfer thing.