Odd Inconsistent Black Bar in the Corner of my TV

[GoYanks]

About a week and a half ago, I noticed this 2 inch (width) x 12 inch (length) bar of my display that was glitching. It's hard to describe. The colors would become all frazzled. And sometimes, there would be no color. It would be just blackness in that remote area.

I have two HD receivers (one for Dish and one for Direct). One is connected through my ONKYO 605 receiver to the TV. The other goes directly into the TV. It's occurred on both. So I figured it must be the TV, not the connection.

The problem is that it's inconsistent. There is no logical time that it shows up. It's just there sometimes. And sometimes it isn't.

I have a Panasonic 1080p. It's the TH-50PZ750U from 2007.

First off. Does anyone know what this is? Or have you experienced this before?

Here's the thing. When I bought the TV, I got the 4 year $400 protection plan. I bought it at Best Buy. Does anyone know what the deal is with them? If it is the TV, could I return it for repair? Do they just take it and exchange it with the same TV? Do they give you one that is equal to the value you paid?

Any help is much appreciated. I'm primarily concerned about the problem of the TV. The stuff with Best Buy is secondary.

Thanks.