Lamp on my DLP

[Frankie]

Well the day arrived. The "replace bulb" warning has light has informed me, that it's time. I owned the TV for 4 years so that's not bad.

So I swing by local supply guy and present him with the information.
He disappears for a while and comes back with a price. Are you sitting down?
They want $400 for a bulb

And I reply "buddy I could have bought a new 50" plasma a week a go for that price.

So now I'm thinking, maybe it's time to bail on my Panny DLP. It has a great 720p picture and it hasn't given me a lick of trouble but the new bulb and the age (5 years) is making me think.

The Panny Z800 looks nice

F

[billnye97]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Well the day arrived. The "replace bulb" warning has light has informed me, that it's time. I owned the TV for 4 years so that's not bad.

So I swing by local supply guy and present him with the information.
He disappears for a while and comes back with a price. Are you sitting down?
They want $400 for a bulb

And I reply "buddy I could have bought a new 50" plasma a week a go for that price.

So now I'm thinking, maybe it's time to bail on my Panny DLP. It has a great 720p picture and it hasn't given me a lick of trouble but the new bulb and the age (5 years) is making me think.

The Panny Z800 looks nice

F

I was just in a similar situation. My RCA 61 DLP died on me and it isn't the bulb but I think the ballast and now I'm about to pull the trigger on a new TV instead of keeping the one I've had for 5 years. I was looking at some Panasonic and Sharp models though.
FYI....I googled the Panny z800 and it pulled up phone specs. Is that the correct model?

[dugpa]

You might try looking at the manufacturer's site for the lamp part instead of a local supplier. I know on my display it's cheaper to get the bulp straight than locally. Still a couple hundred dollars, but cheaper at least.

[EM3]

I can't believe you got 4 years out of a bulb. Mine lasted only 2. Look online for a replacement bulb they are cheaper.

[ganthc]

My bulb on my 42A10 has gone lasted 3 years so far. I hope it keeps on ticking.

[Astrakan]

Either you guys use your TVs a lot more than I use mine, or my Toshiba 42H81 is holding up beyond all expectations, because I got that puppy the summer of 2002 and it's still going strong with no signs needing replacement. Knock on wood and all that.

Then again, it is a CRT rear projection... maybe that tech don't need bulb replacements as often?

KM

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

Then again, it is a CRT rear projection... maybe that tech don't need bulb replacements as often?

CRT's have no bulbs to replace. When the CRT's go out, the set is pretty much done. But a good one will last for years. My dad's CRT rear projection set he bought in 1996 is still going strong.

[Astrakan]

Originally Posted by dugpa

CRT's have no bulbs to replace. When the CRT's go out, the set is pretty much done. But a good one will last for years. My dad's CRT rear projection set he bought in 1996 is still going strong.

Huh? I thought CRTs had three bulbs (guns) and the big downside to them was that you'd have to replace all three when one goes, in order to keep the colours balanced.

Or am I getting my terminology mixed up?

KM

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

Huh? I thought CRTs had three bulbs (guns)

Not really the same thing as a bulb used in fixed pixel projectors/displays. True, a cathode ray tube does have a bulb element built into it as a part of the overall unit, but it's not a seperate item, nor even the same type of light source. The "bulb" is a part of the gun. When a gun goes out, yes you pretty much have to replace the entire assembly. But CRT guns have a very long lifespan, especially compared to fixed pixel displays. You might get 20 years out of a good CRT if you take care of it. A DLP or such typically lasts around 2 to 4 years.

[Astrakan]

Originally Posted by dugpa

Not really the same thing as a bulb used in fixed pixel projectors/displays. True, a cathode ray tube does have a bulb element built into it as a part of the overall unit, but it's not a seperate item, nor even the same type of light source. The "bulb" is a part of the gun. When a gun goes out, yes you pretty much have to replace the entire assembly. But CRT guns have a very long lifespan, especially compared to fixed pixel displays. You might get 20 years out of a good CRT if you take care of it. A DLP or such typically lasts around 2 to 4 years.

Gotcha. Well, that makes me happy to hear. Since getting my projector the TV has been relegated to just that, a TV used for TV-originated material. And for that kind of viewing I don't feel the need for the latest and greatest. If this thing is halfway through its life right now I'm a happy camper.

Thanks for the education.

KM

[EM3]

Well to be honest I figured out why my bulb crapped out so fast. The tv was used 4hrs per day except weekends and then it may go 10 or 12 hrs. That's not what killed it I found out that for some reason when the tv's power supply is cut off (you know when you lose power to your house) it reset itself to torch mode and that helped kill it faster more than anything.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by EM3

I can't believe you got 4 years out of a bulb. Mine lasted only 2. Look online for a replacement bulb they are cheaper.

I have the brightness setting really low. I'm sure that why it lasted so long.

Decided to buy the bulb and wait for next years models to arrive.

F