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General discussion

lcd tv vs. dlp tv lamp lifetime

Dec 29, 2004 1:50AM PST

I am looking in to buying a large hdtv. Either a lcd projection or a dlp. The models i have in mind are the Sony kd-60xs955(60inch grand wega) or the samsung 50inch dlp with stand(or the bigger samsung dlp). My main problem is that this tv will be used ALOT and will be constantly on. I want to know which type of tv will have a longer lasting lamp. I hear that the dlp lamp needs replacments pretty often, but havn't really heard anything about the lcd lamps. can someone please clarify this for me??

thanks

Discussion is locked

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Same time - I was told
Dec 29, 2004 3:57AM PST

When I was comparison shopping between LCD and DLP I was told by more than one salesperson that the average time was the same, about 3-4 years. Of course, that is moderate use. Heavy use will take a greater toll. Try calling Sony or Samsung to see if you can get a better answer.

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anyone else?
Dec 30, 2004 3:24AM PST

anyone else have any other info??

thanks

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lamp life
Jan 3, 2005 12:26AM PST

DON'T FRET! LAMPS ARE LAMPS, you WILL replace it! However, forget what Sony, Samsung or anyone else says in the manual. I have seen anything from 4-10k hours which is totally bogus! You will be lucky to get 2k hours out of your lamp. Ever wonder why the manufactures only warranty the lamp for 90 days to 1 year? The average US household uses there tv 2k hours a year. So read between the lines.

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lamp cost
Jan 10, 2005 8:31AM PST

I'm also looking into buying a large screen HDTV. What is the cost of replacing a rear-projection lamp (I'm currently considering a 60 in. LCD rear-projection TV) and is it relatively simple?

Thanks.

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lamps
Jan 10, 2005 11:23PM PST

Depending on which tv you choose, lamps are anywhere from 150 on the low side to 300 on the high side, get an extended plan that covers the lamp that way you cover your a$%!! It is simple to replace, either in front or on the rear.

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Lamp life
Jan 11, 2005 12:06PM PST

The high intensity lamps are usually damaged by incorrect operation. I suggest that a UPS be installed. Most HDTV units will use less than 450 watts. The lamp requires a cool down time with a fan that runs in the lamp area. There is another fan that runs all the time. Power surges raise cain with these lamps and shorten their life. A power outage will stress the lamp since the cool down period is significantly interrupted. The lamp in the Mits should last 4000 hours. The cost is 200 plus 150 for the old one. You will get a credit of 200 if the old one is returned.

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lamps
Jan 11, 2005 10:42PM PST

Mits covers the lamp for 1 year, there isn't a hourly rating on the Mitsu for 1 reason. There is no way to tell how long the lamp will last. Also, the Mits lamp is 300 buck, you get a SASE on the new one, return the old lamp and you get a 100 credit bringing the total cost to 200. A UPS is a very good option from what gramps said, use it in conjunction with a line conditioner, I would recomend the UPS1000 from Monster, it is built for home theatre systems in mind, don't use a computer grade unit, it will add noise to your system.

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Samsung lcd tv LAMP disaster.
Jan 30, 2005 2:32PM PST

G'day Grandpa, I would dearly love to hang onto my defunkt but belloved Samsung 61" lcd, if only I could resolve the apparent 13 week average lamp life span,
(very bankrupting).can you please explain your remarks re "lamp in the MITS should last 4000 hours" (authority please) also where can I buy a lamp for $150 or $200 with or without trade in rebate. Thanks George Golding
p.s. It's about 107 degrees f in eastern Oz at present. perhaps that has a bearing on lamp sensitivity.??

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Lamp coverage
Jan 31, 2005 1:06AM PST

If you're being told that the Extended Maintenace Plan that you purchase from the dealer (highly recommended) covers the Lamp Bulb, make sure you get that listed IN WRITING.

Within the industry the bulb is viewed as a "consumable" and therefore not covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

Joe

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LCD/DLP Lamp warrenty problems.
Jan 31, 2005 8:04AM PST

Yes Joe,my warrenty on the ill fated Samsung 61" lcd is two years(in Australia), from supply date Feb. 04. the small print however excludes "PROJECTOR LAMPS".Any
extended warrenty or service agreement is usually worded
"same terms as manufacturers warrenty".. In fairness to Samsung,they have come to the party with a replacement TV and in Jan 05 with a new lamp&light engine.However lamps here are up to a thousand bucks(aus). having had 3 failed lamps in 10 months,this may become a major financial burden when I am "on my own". From various chat fora in US & UK,& even Korea, It seems that there could be thousands of LCD/DLP users out there faced with this problem. LET'S HEAR FROM THEM. finally, when the salesmen says "a lamp will last up to four years",ask him for the evidence. This may be a greater scam than ink cartridges costing more than a new Multifunction printer...... George

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lamps lcd tv
Jan 30, 2005 7:33AM PST

G'day Mike, I bought a 50" Samsung lcdtv last march, it failed after 4 weeks.Sent it back and bought their 61". It failed after eight months. Had lamp & light engine replaced under warrenty. Failed after three weeks. I am now waiting for dealer to take it away. In Australia lamp is $650, plus $310 for ballast unit. Suggest having another look at the old crt tv. George Golding
(I live at Nerang, south of Brisbane,Oz. If you send me a phone no. I'll chat you about it.)

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Samsung lcd tv LAMP disaster.
Jan 30, 2005 4:49PM PST

To lilneel 12. Howdie, you may have seen my mails to others on this site re. my problems with samsung short lived lamps,(average life 13 weeks) This is supported by some mails on a difficult to find chat forum, www.gearbits.com/archives/000063.html On these numerous pages are mails from five or six new Samsung lcd users asking for advice about numerous attempts at "firing up" after switching on the tv. From my experience I think this means that their lamps are about to fail.I begin to feel that these projection units should never have been foisted upon the retail public with inadequate resolution of problems with the light scource. "grandpa" suggests that these lamps essentialy need a regulated power scource, then why not build one into the unit ?? Perhaps the answer is that these issues are less important in the Korean "throw away society" than they are in the West. Anyone want an April 04 61" $7000aus Sammy lcd, low mileage, One owner,like new except that it won't light up. Did you buy one?
George Golding (don't cry George)