sony kdp-51ws550 blinking light no sound or pitcher

The model I have is kdp-51ws550. I have read a lot about what appears to be the problem with the A-board, a bad diod. what I need to know is that is it easyer to replace the whole board which seems to be a fair price of about $60 or should I attemp to replace the diod which is about $1 the only problem with that is that I have tried projects like this before and usualy wind up replacing the whole thing when all is said & done.

Also does any one know where I can get a service manual for this tv? that wouldnt cost me $25.? I called a sony suggested tv tech and they wanted to charge me $100 just to look at my tv and possibly give me a solution for the fix, I have been down that road before and I would just rather try to fix it my self. worse case i would  f&^% it up and have to purchase a new one.