Hey Guy,
Very interesting, I have HP Pavilion DV9334 (17", $1300), and I started having same problem just 4 days ago. I have this laptop for about 16 months.
I talk to HP Customer Support, I went through 4 people over 1hour period. Only thing is they want more money.
I found this link which indicates nVidia chip has a problem:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13554_3-10020782-33.html
Also, HP is aware about some problems with some model and giving free repair. However, my laptop and maybe yours, are not a part of this free service, yet. But if more people needs to report in order to recognise this problem. I am noticing more and more people are having this problems.
As for solution, HP Support just wants more money. I am disappointed in their support and they are asking for $400 for repair, it is absurd considering for $600, I can buy a brand new laptop.
I can offer you one solution to ponder, just yesterday on one of the forum I came across the name of this guy (Daniel Ferch,
dferch@yahoo.com, 805-732-3996), he says he can fix it for $95. I called him and I did talk to him.
For your Information, I have not made a move yet as far as fixing my laptop.