Polaroid 4641-TLXB has blank screen, can’t turn TV off.

[bearsfolks]

I have a 15-month old Polaroid 4641-TLXB, which has the following symptoms:

1. TV screen won't turn on (red on/off light will turn blue, but screen is blank)
2. Can't turn off TV with remote or on the set (blue on/off light won't turn red when the screen is blank); I have to unplug TV to turn it off
3. TV also does not turn on when unplugged (even for a long period of time) then plugged back in.

What can be the cause of this problem?  Is this something that I can fix?

I don’t know if this is related, but prior to this complete meltdown, I was also having problems connecting the TV to a desktop computer using VGA, in that the TV would show the computer booting up, but would lose the signal when Windows XP started, at which point the TV would repeatedly turn itself off and on due to “no signal”.  The only way to get the TV to get the signal was to start windows in safe mode, then restart it at the lowest resolution, and change the resolution once windows had been loaded.

Assuming that the TV needs repairs, how do I find a reliable repairman in my area (just outside Philadelphia-zip 19444), given the fact that Polaroid is not a common TV. Polaroid is of no help (other than suggesting replacing the fuse, which I did). They won't recommend anyone. Although the Polaroid warranty has expired, I can get the credit card company to cover at least part of the repair costs, under their warranty extension program.

TIA.