Believe it or not, it's a Samsung tube in this set.. No Trinitron sadly, I wish, but it's pretty good when focussed properly. Here's a side by side of the Sony this set is a clone of:
http://i.imgur.com/Yw91dsh.png
I tried with a universal remote that properly sends the correct codes, but it wouldn't work. It's responding to the button properly when held down (not like how I've seen cheap remotes which just send the command rapidly, it's properly sending it as held down).
But yea sad but true, this is precisely around when I stopped seeing parts being available. Even for VCR's, you couldn't even find a video drum if needed for anything newer than 2001.
What IS funny though regarding this set, it does have a Sony IC in it on a daughter card towards the left of the set. I have the schematics to the TV and might be able to determine what it is. It's not the jungle IC that's for certain, it's a CXA part, maybe for NTSC decoding. (EDIT: Note: "US Audio Multiplexing Decoder")
The issue is so minor however, I might just ignore it, it's not like my Samsung 80's set is without issue on it's own (tired tube, not very bright).