The screen oddity sounds like it's that but why not try that since it's about 80 bucks.
I can't tell if you do your own work or know about the LETHAL voltages inside but I did such a repair on our 1995ish RPTV and eeked out two more years which saved me plenty as the flat screen prices fell.
But let's go with a TV Tech that does this repair.
Trip charge runs about 100.
Shop rate runs another 100 (or more)
Parts looks to be 100 or 200.
So that's 400. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Televisions/zgbs/electronics/172659 shows some sets for less than that.
Bob

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