I contacted Vizio directly. Sent them photos etc and copy of my receipt. TV was 2.5 years old when this occurred so no warranty and they do not stand behind their products.
They told me it's a "panel defect" and repairs would be "uneconomical." Panel "defect" to me means I purchased the TV with a defective part(s) that wouldn't last.
They saw the purple ring so they knew it was not a board issue that can be fixed for $30. I asked and he said no, it would cost more to fix this issue than buying a new TV.
Vizio is well aware of the 'black screen' issues with their TVs but they DO NOT CARE! I won't even get into the conversation I had with a guy calling himself "Francis" at Vizio because I'm still livid.
I asked him "How long should smart tv's last?" and he REFUSED to answer the question obviously because it would make the company he works for look bad.
So after dealing with this nightmare all I can say is DO NOT EVER, EVER, EVER BUY A VIZIO TV because they don't even last 2.5 years with normal (5-6 hours per day) use. I have read HUNDREDS of stories just like mine. You're watching a show. Everything is good and then BOOM, screen goes black. TV is toast. It doesn't even start to go bad! It just goes. Done.
I own 2 M Class 60" curved Samsung tv's that are phenomenal and I will be buying a 3rd.
Stay away from Vizio! Their tv's are trash, they KNOW FULL WELL they're defective but they don't care. "Francis" from Vizio actually told me that the issue with my TV is "on you maam." THAT is what he said to me! That the "panel defect" issue with my TV is my fault and my problem! Like I said, DON'T buy Vizio. Their TVs are horrible and their customer care/consideration/respect is just as ugly!