TV ruined by magnet.
 

My son was in awe of the effect that a powerful magnet had on the television -- distorting people's faces and making things look funny. Unfortunately, it seems he may have permanently altered the tv. Now there is a "dead" spot in the middle of the tube where everything is green.

Any ideas? Is this effect reversable?

They used to sell degaussing coils, maybe at Radio Shack. I don't know if current TVs have this built in to degauss every time the TV is turned on or not. If so, this might clear over time.

I have a magnetic tape (VHS, 8mm) eraser from Radio Shack, it might be powerful enough to fix your problem. Try turning TV on, off several times with about 20 min interval so the power on degauss can be effective. If that doesn't work, try the gadge from Radio Shack.

Most likely the Radio Shack degausser will not be powerful enough.
A TV repairman should have a good one.

If you can borrow a 100 watt soldering iron, it might work.

To degauss, apply power to the electro-magnet, at least three feet from the CRT.
Move right up to the screen while making a continoues vertical circle with the "thing".
Then move away still making the circle. Then remove power from the degausser.
The idea is to gradually increase the alternating magnetic field and then gradually decrease it.

I looks like after a week of regular use, the power on degaussing has corrected the problem. Thanks everyone for the advise.

My son is really too young to understand that he could damage the television -- so I will just have to write this down and punish him when he gets older.

Here is a very fast and unique way to correct the problem.

If you still have areas that aren't 'right' try this.
Just don't push on the drill! ;)

http://www.woil.ws/fixmonitor/