On Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:47:11 -0400, Ron Weston wrote:
Thanks for the replies so far. My friend is a senior citizen and lives
alone, so no children have been near the TV. There have been lightning
storms so that may be what caused her TV problem.

I have a bulk tape eraser. When I visit again first I'll try my
degaussing coil on the side of the TV as well as the front, and if
that doesn't work I'll try the eraser.

With the eraser, turn it on and off at least 5' away from the TV.
Walk slowly to the tv waving it around then back off. Be careful; the
things are very powerful and you might be able to damage the shadow
mask if you get closer than needed.