my magnavox rear projection tv is dead.

I have a 54 inch magnavox rear projection tv and befor it dies the colors were all faded, i know it was due to the tubes needing coolant but i also seen the rgb box on the inside of the casing. When i touched the box the tv popped and crackled and the lights started strobing then shut off. The audio is working but when it first turns on the lights stay on for roughly ten seconds then flicker out.  I had heard of a small project where you can put a 12 inch tv inside the case and position it right so it reflects off the back mirror onto the screen. Will that really work or is it just bull hockey? if extra parts are needed what else would i need in order to put a small tv into it?