I'm having a weird issue with my Mitsubishi WD-65733. The past few weeks the screen seems to be flickering at random times. It's especially noticeable on lighter scenes when it's occurring. I'm not sure I'm describing it properly but at first I thought it might my ceiling fan reflecting on the picture (no such luck though, it still appears with the fan off). Do this sound like a flicker that might indicate the lamp is going out? I've had the TV 2 years and it's used pretty heavily, so I assume its about time. Is there any real indicator, like an LED warning light or counter on the TV I could check? Finally, assuming it is the lamp, is it end user replaceable? Thanks in advance!

Yes, they are easy to replace. Yes, after 2 years of heavy use you should try replacing it to solve this problem.

I just checked my hour usage and it's just over 4500 hours. Is this the life time of a typical bulb? I'm concerned after reading some issues with the WD-65733 having some bloom problems and other things that the bulb isn't really the issue. Does what I'm experiencing with the random light flickering sound like a bulb issue?

With 4500hrs you are gonna need a lamp sooner, rather than later. Now is as good a time as any to buy one, especially with flickering.

I have a 65833 and I have noticed this flickering too which started about two weeks ago for me. It seems to start doing it after the set has been on for a couple of hours. I've got about 2000 hours on my bulb and will probably order one soon. I thought it might be overheating and checked and cleaned the filter that is on the bulb box. Now I just have to find a good vendor for the bulb I need ( 915P061010 ).

That's the same model I need as well. I found a place that sells just the lamp (not the complete unit) [/URL] for $129.00 but I'm not sure if the vendor is reliable.

Edit, guess it wont let me insert the link but the website is [url]www.bulbtogo.com (http://www.bulbtogo.com/rear-projector-tv-/-rptv/lamp-for-mitsubishi-wd-c657-rear-projection-tv/prod_7804.html)

That's the same model I need as well. I found a place that sells just the lamp (not the complete unit) [/URL] for $129.00 but I'm not sure if the vendor is reliable.

Edit, guess it wont let me insert the link but the website is [url]www.bulbtogo.com (http://www.bulbtogo.com/rear-projector-tv-/-rptv/lamp-for-mitsubishi-wd-c657-rear-projection-tv/prod_7804.html)

Yes. It was either BulbToGo or Pureland Supply. Since they are both in PA, I just went ahead and ordered from BulbToGo although they don't say whether they are Osram bulbs and are modified to fit the housing without shaving the plastic.

I guess I'll post here when I get the bulb.

I actually have a 3-year warranty through OneCall that covers bulb replacement, but I need a backup bulb anyway. If the replacement bulb solves my problem, then I will just call for warranty service and tell them I need a new bulb and possibly get the entire housing.

the slight flashing is the symptoms I encountered on my 65733 then last Friday, powered on TV... heard some sounds like it was trying to come on then would power down. I knew it was the lamp since I was getting audio.

Bought the TV new in Aug 2007 and as of Friday, had 8475 hours on it.

I ordered the bulb from Pureland Supply and got it in today. I replaced it in around 15 minutes and the TV now looks brand new.

A couple of things to pass on:
1. wear gloves when changing to prevent oils from fingers getting onto the bulb.
2. order the one that they ensure fits into the case. These bulbs are trimmed around the corners to fit into the case. If you order just any bulb, you may have to trim it yourself.
3. Make sure the electrical cables are not touching the lamp to avoid melting them. I have one of the newer lamp housings where the cables are snapped into a holder on the case.

Overall very easy to do and cheaper then getting the complete housing assembly. I paid $184 for bulb and $18 for second day air as opposed to 350 to 500 for the complete housing.

If I get another 8400 hours out of this one I will be happy.

Good luck.

Dumb question with I am sure easy answer. How do you check bulb hours?

on my wd-65733 it is MENU 2470. This is a service item and not in any manuals. Do not press any other buttons because I don't know what it will do. You will see superimposed text over the picture and the numbers in the bottom left hand corner are the hours.

Yes. It was either BulbToGo or Pureland Supply. Since they are both in PA, I just went ahead and ordered from BulbToGo although they don't say whether they are Osram bulbs and are modified to fit the housing without shaving the plastic.

I guess I'll post here when I get the bulb.

I actually have a 3-year warranty through OneCall that covers bulb replacement, but I need a backup bulb anyway. If the replacement bulb solves my problem, then I will just call for warranty service and tell them I need a new bulb and possibly get the entire housing.

I wanted to address the comment about the shaving the plastic. It is not that simple since it is actually around 1/4 inch thick glass on the corner that needs to be shaved to fit the housing. That is why I paid a bit more to get the ones that will fit the housing. I think it would be very easy to ruin a few bulbs before getting it right.