My TV took a shit on me...

[Adamm0621]

I have a 61" rear projection television and as I'm watching it last night, I hear the sound of a lightbulb exploding and my screen promptly goes dark.  I figure hey that sucks, I should take the bulb out and replace it.  Little to my knowledge, this isn't a part that you can just drive to the store and pick up a new one (at least not where I am).

So I go online and search for a new bulb matching the model number of my television and the cheapest one I find is $130!!!  Not only does it suck that the part is so expensive, but the timing is horrible!  I spent another $20 and selected next day air shipping, so hopefully I'll have my TV back before New Year's.

Disgruntled.

[zzilla]

That the Best Buy gremlins trying to get you to buy a flatscreen 

[derby]

yup, bulbs aren't cheap.

when you get the new one, don't touch it with your bare fingers.

[Bun-bun]

Had the same thing happen to my Sony last year.

Does anyone here know; I had the option of an oem(Sony) bulb, or an aftermarket bulb for about $35 less. Is there any difference?
I've noticed that my TV is not as bright as I would like, and wondered if I should get the oem next time.

[superjohn]

That's the main reason I forewent a rear projection TV.  I figured even if I kept a spare, I'd end up losing it or breaking it or something.

[Pip]

Never seen a TV that could poo before.

You should probably shower.

[Autostrada Pilot]

Never seen a TV that could poo before.

You should probably shower.

         


It's the TV god's way of telling you that you should just buy a new TV.

[Adamm0621]

It would be quite difficult to find something reasonably priced to replace a 61" TV, and I refuse to get anything smaller! 

[KnightofNi]

this isn't a problem. it's an opportunity!





hehe, your tv gave you a cleveland steamer.

[He Man]

this isn't a problem. it's an opportunity!





hehe, your tv gave you a cleveland steamer.

why was the tv on your chest?

[il d00d]

In defense of projection TV owners, I have  this 42" Sony LCD projection set.  I like it I chose it over a Samsung and a Sharp of the same dimensions.  It had the most organic colors of the screens I looked at, and in my opinion, Sony handles image scaling better than most.  Input from all different signal sources looks good.  If I had any complaint, it is that it is not as bright as LCDs, and the black are not as dark as plasmas.
That said, I will probably go with a LCD or OLED if they are cheap enough next time I buy.  I can't testify on behalf of Sony on their reliability.  I had the light engine go bad on me donkey punch me - luckily I bought coverage, and I got the $800 part, plus a spare, and a bulb (that I didn't need) for $150 worth of warranty.

[CairnsDuc]

The biggest stress on the Bulbs on these sets it startup and Shutdown, I used to sell the Sony Grand Wega Rear projection TV's (I own one myself) and I advised every customer, If you are going to turn on the set, leave it on, If you are going out to go the the shop for half an hour or so, leave it on, going into another room? again, leave it on.
I used to see people turn TV's on and off all day, it's the quickest way to kill the bulbs (and the power supplies in any other Set)
The tiny amount of extra power used because the TV has been left on is a hell of a lot cheaper than the expense of replacing a blown bulb or having a power supply replaced.

Also make sure the cooling fan in the back of the set is still working (they have a habit of dying, mine did, replaced under warranty) make sure the cooling vents are not obstructed, NEVER turn off the set at the wall when you are finished with the set, when you turn off the TV, the cooling fan runs for about 10mins afterwards to cool the bulb/light engine assembly.

My TV is 5 years old and still on it's original bulb (although it is getting rather dull now, a new one is sitting next to the set for when I get off my lazy ass and change it ) and my Brother in-laws Sony is on it's 2nd bulb (his TV is 4 years old, but has done many more hours)