Hi, sorry if this is a really dumb question but my knowledge of
electronics is pretty poor and here seemed like a decent place to ask
the question....

My TV started turn itself off after half an hour or so. This time
period slowly came down to 15 mins, 5 mins, ... 1 second, no seconds.
If I leave it plugged in for a week this time period goes up.

The repair shop owner (who lives near me) came and collected it and
when I explaind the problem said it was the probably transistor, like a
capacitor that wasn't hold it's charge, but would charge up over a
period of time. Although my knowledge of electronics is very poor this
seemed pretty plausible.

Next day he phones my wife and says it's actually the "tube" (i guess
he means the cathode ray tube) that's gone and the cost of repair is
£100. He quickly follows this up with the good news that he's got
another TV (same make) which is better that he could sell us for £135.

My wife was a bit suspicious and said she would have to speak to me
first.

So my question is, does this all make sense?
If the tube had gone how come a picture was visible?
Does his offer to sell us another TV hint that he's trying it on?

Any help, advice would be welcome.

Thanks

Charlie