Sony DCR-TRV17 Mini DV Camcorder question?

My SONY has been working for 2 years, but in it's 3rd year the touch screen went blank and I can't see anything as it just turned black. It turns on, but the screen is blank just like when I view it through the lens.

However, the touch options are still there like how to adjust lighting ( although nothing is actually adjusted when I press the +/- since its just all black)

I don't think my lens is bad because occasionally, after the camcorder is up for a long time, the black screen on the touch panel clears and I can see and record again.

What should I do to fix this problem? Should I go to a nearby best buy? They said to fix it would cost almost as much as what it's worth and its better to just buy a new one, but I really like my camcorder and spent 650 dollars on it. Was there some sort of bug that I can just send back to sony for them to fix? THANKS!