Just a fun little thread to find out how many hours you have on the bulb in your Panasonic PT-50LC13.

For those that don't know how:

With the TV powered off (make sure it's off for a few minutes before trying this, or you'll wait for the customary cooldown period before anything happens if you turn the set off and try this stuff immediately), press and hold both the "VOLUME Down" button on the TV itself and the TV/VIDEO key on the remote control simultaneously for about 7 seconds. The TV will be turned on and it will have a screen of status data atop an active TV channel. To get out of this mode TURN OFF your TV.

This initial "SERVICE MODE 1/3" screen shows -

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL :
CURRENT LAMP:
OSD DISPLAY :
LON COUNT :

I'll post times in the next post.

Here are my LAMP usage and LAMP on readings -

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 1757h
CURRENT LAMP: 1757h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 339


Wow...I got it around the end of Last August, and at 1757 hours, that puts mine at a little over 351 hours a month = a little over 4212 hours in a year. Mine has also been turned on a total of 339 times, which = approximately 68 times a month, or a tad over twice a day.

I guess I'll definitely get my money's worth out of the 5 year Sears warranty if the usage trend continues. :D

Got mine in mid Aug.

1368 hrs

turned on 219

Feels like it should be more :)

newmie

Got mine in md Aug as well


552 hrs

turned on 685 times

got mine in sep




LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 649h
CURRENT LAMP: 649h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 474

463 hrs
93 power ons
since dec 1

:) youngin

rob

Since mid September:

Bulb Hours: 1398
LON Count: 153

since Dec. 25, 2003

Lamp Hours total 299h
LON count 47

Since early November:

Lamp Operation: 1547 hrs.
LON: 200

Still looking great!

Mid October
Total: 691
On Count: 143

Since September 27th to last night

495 hours

178 power on's

From 12/18/03 to 1/23/04:

215 hours

177 power-ons

Cruiser,

351 a month?? Thats almost 12 hours a day. NICE!

8/24/03

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 2211h
CURRENT LAMP: 2211h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 264

Originally posted by gcbrowni
8/24/03

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 2211h
CURRENT LAMP: 2211h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 264

OMG! I can't believe someone had more hours than me :D

And I thought my wife and kids kept the set on a long time...

i'll play the game :) would be a good time to measure since i just finished my 2nd week with the set, another weekend of heavy usage so i know i racked up my lamp hours

Total 1416
current 1416
osd on
count 342

Got it in early September

Cool

Panasonic PT-50LCX63 :) Received almost exactly a month ago

Lamp Operation Time
Total: 241h
Current Lamp: 241h
osd display: on
LON count: 70

..I'm only clocking in at whaaa, 8 hours a day? o_O

got my panny at andersons tv in nor cal bay area 60lc13 open box special paid $2,700 for the set $300 for 4yr ext war bought 3-13-04 lot-263hrs,lon57 times. love this set

Panasonic PT-50LCX63

Purchased around Christmas '03(5 1/2 months usage)

Total: 257
current: 257

I just saw a new thread on bad lamps, so I thought I'd post an update:

Delivered 8/24/03

Total: 3746
Current: 3746
LON:499

Sears Extended Warrenty Coving the bulb seems like a good idea to me. :)

I have had my set as of 8/14/03 bulb blew out 5/14/04 with 2967 hours.Service man fix it today no charge.He tells me hitachi,sony and panny all have bulb problems and hitachi only has a 30 day warranty.I hope new bulbs last a little longer.If i buy a back up it will be out of warranty by the time i use it. Now i know why i got a great price on my set i have to replace the $300 bulb every 8 mouths.

gyaahh, had to dig deep to find this thread -.- this time I'm subscribing

50LCX63 update since my last time
Total: 999h - up from 241
Current lamp: 999h - up from 241
LON Count: 253 - up from 70

Have had my set for about 6-7 months now :D yikes, I can't believe I'm at the 1,000 mark right now! feh, simple math means 2,000 hours for real-time usage and I'm a good sample since I work full-time and it's not like I keep the set on non-stop 24/7. So let's see.. 2k in 1 year, 4k in 2 years? yikes.. I hope it goes past 6k so I only change bulbs once per 3 years.

*knocks on wood, literally* :eek:

I had 1100 something hours when my pt-50lc13 lamp died

Just checked the stats on mine. I'm currently at my 8th month of ownership.

total hours: 473
LON: 279

Any idea what LON is anyway?

Originally posted by NVboy
Just checked the stats on mine. I'm currently at my 8th month of ownership.

total hours: 473
LON: 279

Any idea what LON is anyway?

sheesh! only 473?! for 8 months?!?! :eek: why so little? :D mine is usually on from 8pm-midnight/1am so that's like 4-5 hours a day not counting weekends which i thought was pretty light

lon = # of times you turn your set on and off :p I turn mine on/off less than you do, which probably accounts for the hours since once the set is on, it's the entertainment center until lights out

Originally posted by GooglyBear
sheesh! only 473?! for 8 months?!?! :eek: why so little? :D mine is usually on from 8pm-midnight/1am so that's like 4-5 hours a day not counting weekends which i thought was pretty light

lon = # of times you turn your set on and off :p I turn mine on/off less than you do, which probably accounts for the hours since once the set is on, it's the entertainment center until lights out
I figured out what LON had to mean after I posted last night, but was just too lazy to edit my message.

That LON number is a result of having techs(fan issue) out so many times(I can't even remember the exact number of times they've been here), plus 2 solid days of Comcast trying to get the cablecard to work. I would estimate a few hundred on/off's by these guys. Seems to be an industry standard. If something doesn't work, turn it off, then turn it back on. I'm assuming one of these times they are out, my bulb will explode.

I just honestly don't watch much tv. If they can ever resolve my cablecard problem, then I will probably watch more, but only the HD stuff.

I saw a note today on LCD bulb lifes, so I thought I'd update this thread.

Delivered 8/24/03

Total: 6131
Current: 6131
LON:890

As of 8/23/04:

HRS 734
LON 628

Delivered 3/1/04. Bulb blew two days ago. :(

Originally posted by gcbrowni
I saw a note today on LCD bulb lifes, so I thought I'd update this thread.

Delivered 8/24/03

Total: 6131
Current: 6131
LON:890

for an lc13? wow that's pretty good.. that's more than I expected since I expect around 5k hours though the manufacturers claim 10,000 it's more realistically 8,000 and I negatively cut it down to 5,000 :)

6k hours and still going strong? wow! you just made me smile :D

Yeah, i think it's time to start digging out my extended warrenty, I see a bulb replacement around Christmas/January.

I've seen lots of threads about premature bulb burnout, but none about "normal" burn out. Has anyone had a bulb go out at 6000 or 7000+?

Originally posted by gcbrowni
I've seen lots of threads about premature bulb burnout, but none about "normal" burn out. Has anyone had a bulb go out at 6000 or 7000+?

Great question.... but if you left the set on 24/7 for a year (52 weeks) that is 8736 hours. When was this model first available? I am guessing Summer '03 or Spring '03. I got mine almost exactly a year ago (roughly this month).

Seeing that 12 hrs a day 7 days a week, 52 weeks = 4368 hours it is unlikely anyone has enough hours on their set / original bulb to have a "normal" burnout.

Just a guess that a daily average of 8 hrs is possible with weekends that's 2,912 hours per year. At that rate it'll be about 3.4 years to reach 10,000 hours or 2.75 years to reach 8,000 hours.

I've had mine about 13 months.

Total: 2437
Current: 2437
LON: 685

Originally posted by hibricc
As of 8/23/04:

HRS 734
LON 628

Delivered 3/1/04. Bulb blew two days ago. :(

Tweeter tech came and swapped out the bulb yesterday... under warranty. :)

He mentioned that we should expect to see the price of these bulbs drop dramatically in the next year or two.

Which extended warranties cover bulb burnout?

Originally posted by hibricc
He mentioned that we should expect to see the price of these bulbs drop dramatically in the next year or two.

Hopefully :D I myself expect the bulbs to drop around $100 or so within 1-2 years maybe just in time for when my set finally needs a new one

but so far so good, hmm... I think I'll go check the lamp hours when I get home tonight.. maybe :)

Originally posted by wjr
Which extended warranties cover bulb burnout?

Well the manufacturer's warranty covers the bulb for a year from purchase. I can only speak to Tweeter's extended warranty, which seems to cover the bulb up to 4,000 hours - although my tech yesterday (who's probably reading this) implied that that number was, shall we say, "flexible". ;)

Id like to chk but my bulb died about 2 wks ago. I've had it about 14 months. sears is supposed to come 11/15. thank goodness for the warranty.

It would be a good idea to "sticky" a source for replacement bulbs.

Originally posted by snb3
It would be a good idea to "sticky" a source for replacement bulbs. If anyone has found a source other than directly from Panasonic, I'd love to hear about it.

Delivered 5/04
875 hours
166 lon

And, I thought I watched way too much tv. Seeing other's numbers makes me feel better.

Question?..

Are there better bulbs to buy other than what came stock? What
IS the stock bulb in these mutha's?

Friend of mine has a gw3 and had the humming issue so he had a tech come out and replace it, he said the tech replaced his bulb with a higher rated bulb than what he had, hmm..watts? Brighter pic?

Anyhoo, any info on what uber bulb to get when this stock one goes bye bye?

There is a thread for the GW3 and they talked alot about the 2 different bulbs. The "uber" bulb was more expensive. I think another factor was the company that made the bulb not only the specs.

Somthing about a German company having really good bulbs.... Anyways it's been many months since I read that thread. Do a complete search and you should be able to bring it up. Good luck.

PS As far as I remember this was only a Sony GW thing.

Figured i'd chime in on this brought home on Aug. 13, 2004

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 4513h
CURRENT LAMP: 4513h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 623

Originally posted by mike_n03
Figured i'd chime in on this brought home on Aug. 13, 2004

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 4513h
CURRENT LAMP: 4513h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 623

Did you buy this new? If so, you are going to go through lamps once a year.

Four months, 30 days a month , 24 hours a day is only about 2600 hours.

That's a floor model or returned set?

Yes your right I forgot to mention that it was a floor model.

Well my set is 11 months and 2 days old and I've got 2300 hours with 805 on times. I figure I should get 2 more years or about 3 years to a bulb being very conservative. I wonder what the price of the bulbs will be then?

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 2589h
CURRENT LAMP: 2589h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 691

received set 9/03

Just a quick post
Total 4033 hours

Originally posted by Dallas_Jose
Just a quick post
Total 4033 hours

Geez, when are you 2 going to be married?;)

5 months old:-

638 hours on the bulb
180 ons

Just started my 14th month.

637 hours
308 LON

2040 hours.....

Just bought from a private seller use.

Glad to see there are a few posts over 4000 hours.

PT-50LC-14

1159 Hrs
243 LON

Delivered 11/30/04

:D

It's been a while, just figured I'd update my time here.

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 7112h
CURRENT LAMP: 7112h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 1590

I've had it since the end of August 2003. Rough estimates put the usage at 10.75 hours a day. I'll have to say we are still extremely pleased with the set.

It's been a while, just figured I'd update my time here.

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 7112h
CURRENT LAMP: 7112h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 1590

I've had it since the end of August 2003. Rough estimates put the usage at 10.75 hours a day. I'll have to say we are still extremely pleased with the set.

Is that with the original lamp?

Is that with the original lamp?

Yes. :)

Yes. :)


Thats great ! i hope i have such luck :)

Yes. :)

Fantastic! I'd say you are easily #1 in terms of longevity for a Panny LCD. It's nice to hear good lamp news for a change.

i know this is probably a stupid question but my lamp went out today can i still check how many hours without the lamp. i'm just curious how long it lasted?

Lamp Operation Time
Total :1906
Current Lamp: 1906
Osd Display : 0
Lon Count : 2245

Sep 2003

i know this is probably a stupid question but my lamp went out today can i still check how many hours without the lamp. i'm just curious how long it lasted?

In short, no. But, when you replace the lamp, you are also supposed to go into the service menu & reset the counter to zero. You should be able to put the new lamp in & then pull up the menu. It should tell you how many hours you had on the set, unless it gets reset.

does the replacement lamp come with directions on how to reset the counter? if not, how do you do so?

thanks
greg

Yes it does. But I don't remember it.

Remember to check your hours before pressing the reset sequence ... there is no confirmation on the reset, it just does it.

I didn't check mine, so I really don't know exactly how many hours I had. I figured I'd get a nice dialog box telling me how many hours I had and asking if I really wanted to reset. Nope.

2 days ago i got a single blue dot stuck in the middle left side of the screen ....

Any thing i can do to make it go away ? :eek:

Update on mine, after 1 year and 11 months of use:

Hours: 6091
LON: 1002

Update on mine, after 1 year and 11 months of use:

Hours: 6091
LON: 1002

Original bulb, I assume? Glad to hear the 6000+ hours.

Original bulb, I assume? Glad to hear the 6000+ hours.



I'm wondering those with 6k hours and up ... any change in brightness?

Update on mine, after 1 year and 11 months of use:

Hours: 6091
LON: 1002
Wow, your TV is on 6 hours at a shot? After my first bulb went, I unsoldered the power button micro switch from the circuit board to keep my 2 year old from being able to turn the set on and off (which he enjoyed immensely). I didn't know that the lamp on cycles were such a big factor. Unfortunately I am on my third bulb - only about 1500 to 2000 hours on each and about 1000 lamp ons each. Never noticed any dimming until a day or two before the event.

Original bulb, I assume? Glad to hear the 6000+ hours.
Yes, still on the original bulb. Not sure if I'm just fortunate or if the power conditioner / UPS has helped.

lowspeed - Haven't noticed any dimming at all. To me the picture looks as good as the day I first fired it up.

sawdustmaker -- I know what you mean. Had a "training" session for the family to discuss proper use of the TV. I think we've settled in to a reasonable way to use it (for the first 3 months or so it was on 12 hours are day, now we're slowly bringing the average down :) )

Wow, your TV is on 6 hours at a shot? After my first bulb went, I unsoldered the power button micro switch from the circuit board to keep my 2 year old from being able to turn the set on and off (which he enjoyed immensely). I didn't know that the lamp on cycles were such a big factor. Unfortunately I am on my third bulb - only about 1500 to 2000 hours on each and about 1000 lamp ons each. Never noticed any dimming until a day or two before the event.

Have you contacted Panasonic directly about your bulb situation?

I'm thinking they'd consider replacing the ballast in your situation.

Have you contacted Panasonic directly about your bulb situation?

I'm thinking they'd consider replacing the ballast in your situation.


Is there a filter that should be cleaned periodiclly ?

I opened the back and i couldnt find any filter.


I did look at the fan and it looked pretty clean. didnt notice any dust inside.


Had the tv for a little over a year.

Is there a filter that should be cleaned periodiclly ?

I opened the back and i couldnt find any filter.


I did look at the fan and it looked pretty clean. didnt notice any dust inside.


Had the tv for a little over a year.

On the right side of the bulb compartment is the filter compartment. Open it from the front and you will see the filter.

On the right side of the bulb compartment is the filter compartment. Open it from the front and you will see the filter.


Do u happen to have a darwing or picture of what to open ?

there's a lot of stuff there !

I'm also insterested in knowing if it is worth the time and possible issues to take the filter out and clean it. If it is worth it, what do you use to clean it? Water/soap, rinse and let air dry? (not using TV without filter of course) If you can not really clean it then is it replaceable with another filter (home made). If it's home made what to make it out of....

There's 5 back and forth posts worth of questions in one very annoying post. Sorry about that. It's been an odd day. Cheers.

Just like bulb compartment, there is only one screw to unscrew and nothing except a filter is in there. I'm talking about PT-50LC13. Other models may have different layout. The filter in mine (bought 8/03) is very clean. Does not need to be cleaned. If it is not dirty enough, I suggest you leave it alone. There are a lot of horror stories about badly designed filter in LC12 series TV.

BTW, don't open the back. Both bulb and filter are designed to be easily accessed from front after you removed a strip of plastic.

Foxbat121,

Thanks for the information. I have a PT-50LC13 from (~10/03). Great TV!

Second one I had delivered but still great. First had fan noise issues and second set had better PQ to boot! I love the 30 day return policies.

BTW I had the back open once on my 1st set to have a tech take a look at the large fan which was pretty loud.

Just like bulb compartment, there is only one screw to unscrew and nothing except a filter is in there. I'm talking about PT-50LC13. Other models may have different layout. The filter in mine (bought 8/03) is very clean. Does not need to be cleaned. If it is not dirty enough, I suggest you leave it alone. There are a lot of horror stories about badly designed filter in LC12 series TV.

BTW, don't open the back. Both bulb and filter are designed to be easily accessed from front after you removed a strip of plastic.


Oh ? what strip on the front ? anyone have pdf instructions ?

There is ONLY ONE BIG removable silver panel in bottom portion of the TV. You won't miss it. It's the one with letters "HDTV" and "BBE" painted on it.

Have you contacted Panasonic directly about your bulb situation?

I'm thinking they'd consider replacing the ballast in your situation.

I'll second that. Tweeter just replaced my ballast (with Panasonic's OK) after I had two bulbs blow inside of two years.

Just like bulb compartment, there is only one screw to unscrew and nothing except a filter is in there. I'm talking about PT-50LC13. Other models may have different layout. The filter in mine (bought 8/03) is very clean. Does not need to be cleaned. If it is not dirty enough, I suggest you leave it alone. There are a lot of horror stories about badly designed filter in LC12 series TV.

BTW, don't open the back. Both bulb and filter are designed to be easily accessed from front after you removed a strip of plastic.

ok so the filter is under a cover with 2 screws?

It doesnt look like it pullable.... and u cant tell if its dirty because you're seeing the clean part of it.... the other side should be dirty.

Bulb exploded after 13 months ... i would guess 1500-1800 hours.


Any one can tell me whats the cheapest place to get these bulbs? or price.



:mad: :( :eek: :mad: :confused: :(

Original bulb still

Hours: 2087
LON: 620

Oct. 2003

Still on my first bulb.

Total=9802
Current=9802
LON=1672

8/24/03.

:) My Tv RoX! :)

I've been trying to search an consensus answer to this, but let me just ask now. My Sears extended warranty is up for renewal next month with my PT50LC. Its a replacements set from Sears that is now about a year old. Will the bulb be covered? They want to charge me $299.99 for 1yr; $539.98 for 2yrs; or $776.66 for 3 yrs. Seems high. Is it worth it?

Thanks!

I have an extended warrenty through Sears also, but your prices are A LOT higher than what I paid. I did the math and knew I would need 2 bulbs inside of 5 years, and that the price I paid on the warrenty would therefore save me $100. I think you'll have to do the math for yourself, based on how many hours you expect your Tv to be on and how many bulbs you expect to go through.

I've been trying to search an consensus answer to this, but let me just ask now. My Sears extended warranty is up for renewal next month with my PT50LC. Its a replacements set from Sears that is now about a year old. Will the bulb be covered? They want to charge me $299.99 for 1yr; $539.98 for 2yrs; or $776.66 for 3 yrs. Seems high. Is it worth it?

Thanks!

That is very high & a rip-off. Have you received anything from Panasonic yet? They sent me a few letters asking if I want to buy extended coverage for my set when the first year was almost up, but I already had a 4 year extended warranty (which only cost me $300).

gcbrowni, you are definitely the king here. I keep wanting to bow down and repeat "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy." Those are very impressive numbers, and I'm sure it will be as encouraging for others to see as it was for myself.

NVBoy,

Really? Panny will also try to sell me another extended warranty? I hope I'm somehow registered with Panny, but I'm not sure how I would be. My original set was the old style 42" and it was deemed a lemon by Sears, so they let me replace it after almost 2 yrs with the PT 50", which we LOVE; no problems. We had bought a 3yr ext warranty with the original 42" and sears let us apply the remaining time to the replacement 50" set. That EW expires this October and the prices Sears is quoting us (see my post above) would be for a 4th, 5th, or 6th year, which is actually for years 2,3, and 4 for the new and current set. I agree, the cost is too high, and I guess I'll take my chances. Did Panny offer you a better deal than your vendor of purchase?

Here are my bulb readings after 10 months, anyone care to estimate the time-to-blowout?


current lamp= 2047 h
osd display=ON
LON Count=675

NVBoy,

Really? Panny will also try to sell me another extended warranty? I hope I'm somehow registered with Panny, but I'm not sure how I would be. My original set was the old style 42" and it was deemed a lemon by Sears, so they let me replace it after almost 2 yrs with the PT 50", which we LOVE; no problems. We had bought a 3yr ext warranty with the original 42" and sears let us apply the remaining time to the replacement 50" set. That EW expires this October and the prices Sears is quoting us (see my post above) would be for a 4th, 5th, or 6th year, which is actually for years 2,3, and 4 for the new and current set. I agree, the cost is too high, and I guess I'll take my chances. Did Panny offer you a better deal than your vendor of purchase?

Here are my bulb readings after 10 months, anyone care to estimate the time-to-blowout?


current lamp= 2047 h
osd display=ON
LON Count=675

Okay, you are in a bit of a different situation. Still, Sears should not charge you that much for the EW. You may want to simply call Panasonic & ask them about extended coverage through Panasonic itself. I never really payed attention to the cost of the EW they offered as I already had one. Maybe Sears will work with you a bit. At the very most/worst, just pay for 1 year for that added piece of mind. Almost $800 for 3 years is an outright slap in the face.

I've had a bulb go out the first two years I've had this Panasonic. Basically, 1 bulb per year, almost exactly the same time. My latest bulb went out last week.

I bought the TV + Sears warranty like a month before they really jacked up their prices on extended warranties. I was told they did this due to how frequent the bulbs went out in these sets.

I believe I paid near $500 for 6 yrs. $800 for 3 yrs is crazy but considering it's close to 1yr per bulb for me so far. Thats still $100 off if you have the same luck as myself. :(

gcbrowni, any chance you could post a snapshot of your service menu when your bulb hits 10,000+? I like to refer people to this thread because there is such a large range of lifespans.

Just to update my situation, I called Panny. If Sears sold me the first Maintenance Plan, then Panny is not allowed to sell me a plan. I guess I'm going to get one more preventative maintenance house call before this plan expires in Oct, then I'll self-insure. I know I may regret it, but $776 for 3 more years is too much risk over potential reward.

Also, when folks post these high number of hours, shouldn't they mention the Picture mode they use (Vivid, Cinema, Normal)? I use Vivid, the brightest. I'd think that would reduce my hours.

Today is Sunday. I passed 10,000 hours on Saturday. When i turn the Tv on it now tells me to change the bulb and reset the counter. I'll be calling Sears for the x warrenty bulb replacement on Tuesday.

10012 hours
1760 LON

GFbrowni, Let me ask you a few questions: Does that message to change the bulb stay on as a nag? if so, for how long? Theoretically, do you think you could get more life out of that bulb? Is there any degradation in lumens that you notice? How long have you used that bulb (years-months). Cool!

The TV was delivered 8/24/03. Strangly enough, I predicted I would need a need a new bulb every 2 years, which is why I bought the 5 years extended warrenty.

The message appears every time you turn on the Tv. You have to hit "recall" on the remote to get rid of it.

The picture still looks great to me; if the bulb is dimmer then I can't notice it.

Can I get more life out it? Sure; It hasn't blown out yet! :)

Now for 2 observations from the 10k club:
1) Widespread early bulb failure is a myth.

2) Light-bulb Tvs are the 'correct' set to purchase for most consumers. They are the most similiar to an 'ordinary' old Tv and make the transition to a high-end set easier for the general public.

Great! and I bet if you reset the counter, the set would think you've replaced the bulb and you could go on with the old bulb for some time longer, too. I also agree with your observations.

Now for 2 observations from the 10k club:


That's a very exclusive club. If it were me, I'd get the replacement lamp, but not install it until the current lamp dies (counter reset). Thanks again for the encouraging post.

Congrats to the 10K hours members. I bought a 1 yr extended warranty from CC that expires on 10/16, so I was thinking about buying a new lamp. Here's my particulars:

Purchased: 09/25/03
Hours: 8450 (original lamp)
LON: 1350

The monitor is still looking good, no stuck or dead pixels. I know YMMV, but I have no complaints.

Dave

I think my bulb blew out last evening. No warning or anything. Was watching TV and the screen went black thenthe red flshing power light till it turned off. I never got the warning message the lamp was about to go out, nor the red flashing lamp light. Now, when I try to trun it on, the red lamp warning light kinda flickers on and off a little, periodic clicking from the area of where the bulb is located, and nothing else.

Do I get the service guy in to check it out? My EW does not cover the bulb. I'm thinking, because I didn't get the warning, and the life was only half the expected life per Panasonic literature, I've got a case to argue. Will they try to stiff me for the service call and labour to change the bulb, or just the cost of the bulb? My set is 1 year , 9 months old and probably has about 4500 hours on it. I'll check before resetting the counter for sure. I don't want to go buy and replace the bulb myself incase the ballast or something is faulty and blow a brand new bulb. What do I do?

69Wayne, if you bought your set at Sears, those EWs now do cover the bulbs, even if you bought the EW when bulbs weren't covered. I'd just call your EW source and say that my set stopped working.

If this ends up with you having to pay for service call, please post an update.

Wayne, not knowing all the particulars of your EW, I think I'd call and tell them the tv won't turn on. Act dumb so to speak. Best case they find the ballast bad and replace both it and the lamp. Worst case they find just the lamp is bad and don't replace it. One way or the other you'll know what the problem is. I would be surprised if it cost you anything.

I've read on other boards that Panasonic covers some lamps for up to 18 months. It can't hurt to ask them to replace it under warranty.

Dave

First of all, my EW is with the company where I bought the TV here in Canada. They specifically stated the bulb is not covered. That seems to be pretty much the standard here in Canada. So I have to decide whether to just suck up the cost ($400CDN) and buy a new bulb, or feel out the service contractor to their experience with these sets, let him know I know it's a common problem the hours are closer to less then half what Panny suggests, etc..., etc. I'm just afraid the ballst change might prolong the life of the next bulb, which if is the same as this one, will be out of EW warranty. Hmmmm, decisions! Any more advice?

I've had a lamp blow just after 1 year, had ballast and lamp replaced under American Express extended warranty. Repair shop said Panny had a "ballast repair kit" that they used. No problems since then w/the bulb, hoping I won't have more.

In case you haven't seen it, there is a thread on this in the eCoustics forum:

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/2/162314.html

Follow the link above, but then click on the "Archive through August 02, 2005" link just above the messages in the thread on that page. That part of the thread has the best info...

One quote from that thread (posted 5/05):

"Some good news everyone. I received a letter back from Panasonic's Customer Affairs Division. They are aware of the problem. What they are doing about is extending any lamp problems (lc13 series) to 18 months from invoice! Here is there letter:

"Thank you for your undated (oops) letter postmarked April 23, 2005. We at Panasonic appreciate your having contacted us. We are committed to assuring that our cutomers experience extreme satisfaction with the Panapsonic products that they purchase.

Having said that, we are aware that a number of people who purchased Panasonic projections TVs are not currently happy because of their experience with the lamps used in those TVs and we lok forward to satisfying you and other valued customers.

To put the prolem into some context, while projection TV lamps are expensive, they are light bulbs. Light bulbs blow out from time to time and need to be replaced. You should also know that based upon the best information that we have, the vast majority of people who have purchased Panasonic projection TVs have not experienced the kinds of premature burnout you and others have seen.

We recognize that this broader perspective does not help you and does not make you a satisfied Panasonic customer, but maybe it will help us find a common ground to a solution.

Based on the best information we have at the present time, we believe that if the lamp in one of our projection TVs does not fail within the first 12months of use, the TV owner is not likely to experience the kind of continuing problems about which you have expressed conscern. If the lamp fail within that period, it is possible that the cause is a defective lamp, but it is also possible that the cause may bea defective ballast or other component.

So here's what we are doing to address the problem. If you purchased a Panasonic LC13 series TV and experienced the burnout of a lamp anytime within 18 months of purchase, call us at (800)211-PANA. We will be happy to provide you with a replacement lamp and, if you have experienced repeated lamp failures, or otherwise suspect theat there may be a defect in your TV causing the lamp failures, we will arrange for an in-home inspection and , if necessary, repair of your TV. If you have already purchased replacement lamps for your TV and provide us with proof of purchase of the replacement lamps, we will refund the purchase cost of the lamp or lamps to you.

Just so you know, we are extending the limited waranty on lamps sold with the newer models to 18 months from the date of purchase and all replacement lamps will carry a one year, rathere then a 90 day, warranty.

We are truly sorry that you experienced dissatisfaction with your Panasonic projection TV and appreciate the oppertunity to turn you into a loyal Panasonic customer.

Very truly yours,
(signed)
Michael Marino Jr.
Manager, Consumer Affairs Division"

Sorry for any typos, I just typed away. We'll I guess that is better then nothing and it looks like most of us have had problems well within the first 18 months. I hope this has helped everyone! Good luck with your TVs as I'm calling to get my $300 bucks back!!

Michael "

I bought my set Apr 28/04. Bulb exploded yesterday, 10/7/05. I ran this thing about 12 hours every day, mostly as entertainment for my bird. I heard it's better to leave it on all day than to constantly switch it on and off.

Purchased: 4/28/04
Lamp time: 6864 (original)
LON count: 689

I guess this is reasonable considering the amount of problems people have with this bulb. I was panicking, seeing as how it's the long weekend and every store is closed, but I found a dealer that had a bulb in stock. $450 including tax!!! I could have bought a new TV for this price. Ouch.

After replacing the bulb, I could see right away that the new bulb is MUCH brighter. On the old bulb, I had been cranking up the brightness and picture settings to about 80% and 90% to get a viewable picture in daylight, but with this new bulb, I put brightness back to 50% and picture to about 70%. This indicates that these bulbs do get dimmer as they age. I didn't really notice it that much while I was watching. Only when I turned on the set with the new bulb could I see it. I was like "Wow. Did my eyesight just improve?" Let's see how long it takes this time before I have to crank up the brightness settings again.


While I was in the store, I looked at the new SXRD Sony 50", and was very impressed. Too bad they have decided to put those stupid speakers on the side that can't even be removed. This is my only problem with the set so far. Seriously, anyone who spends $5000 on a TV has their own audio system and doesn't need TV speakers. I can't understand this design decision.

As for that letter concering the 18 month warranty on the bulb, I thank you for posting it. Everyone I talk to has not heard of this extended plan. I hope it's for real. That number you left is constantly busy. I will check again on Tuesday and try to get Panasonic to pay for my bulb replacement, since I've had the set for just over 17 months. I guess I should be glad it blew now instead of next month!

Still on my first bulb on my PT50LC13. *knocks on wood*

Total 5656 H
Current Lamp 5656 H
LON 2223

I suppose I turn mine off/on a lot more than most people. It's connected to a computer so I tend to turn it on when I need to look something up really quick. :D

Finally got the readings on mine that I purchased in Jan 04. 6593 hours - did not write down the on off number. I got my set from Tweeter and got the extended Warranty ($350)which was told that they would replace bulb at the end of 5 years which I found out is a 1/2 truth - I pay for bulb they install for zip. I went back to Tweeter cause the picture was getting dark and I had to crank up the briteness and sales rep told me to turn it back down because I would end lamp life real quick and the set needed a cleaning and briteness would return after doing so. They are coming out next week to clean and check it out. Last check at Pannys site bulb was $299 still. LA1000 bulb. After reading this threat I can picture them coming in and "Hey Buddy ante up $400 and you'll watch TV again!"

...I went back to Tweeter cause the picture was getting dark and I had to crank up the briteness and sales rep told me to turn it back down because I would end lamp life real quick ...
I don't believe that's true. These bulbs do not have variable output AFAIK.

I ran this thing about 12 hours every day, mostly as entertainment for my bird.

I'm still laughing at this statement. My cats really enjoy my set, but I haven't gotten to the point that I turn it on just for them. Maybe if they emptied their own litter box, cleaned the house, made me breakfast in the morning...


Purchased: 4/28/04
Lamp time: 6864 (original)
LON count: 689


I'd say that's a pretty good number. It's so heartening to hear of people with some decent hours on their lamps.


While I was in the store, I looked at the new SXRD Sony 50", and was very impressed. Too bad they have decided to put those stupid speakers on the side that can't even be removed. This is my only problem with the set so far. Seriously, anyone who spends $5000 on a TV has their own audio system and doesn't need TV speakers. I can't understand this design decision.

Because these TV's are supposed to replace the TV's that people currently have, which all have speakers built-in. I don't use my audio system when watching CNN, the local news, etc. Usually just an hour here or there and whenever I have a flick in the DVD player.

I called panasonic about the extended 18 month warranty on the original bulb. After being on hold for more than a half hour, I was told to call the Canada number. Great. Thanks for telling me. Shouldn't 'which country I'm calling from' been sorted out when I first called and put in my area code?

so I finally get a hold of Panasonic Canada. This woman tells me she knows knowing about this 18 month warranty, and that it's only a year. I tell her about the letter that was posted here by consumer affairs, Panasonic. She hasn't got a clue and continues to tell me I'm not covered. I ask

"Why would Canadians be excluded while the US enjoys an 18 month warranty? We pay $2000 more for the same set and we get a worse warranty. Not acceptable. Who do I talk to that knows about this warranty?"

I finally get someone else on the line. She is more sympathetic and asks that I send in the receipt for the bulb, the TV, and a copy of the 'letter' posted on these forums, from the Panasonic consumer division.

For any Canadians who are within 18 months on their Panny sets. Don't back down when asking about a bulb refund. Push and ye will be rewarded. It may be that they have different warranties in the US than Canada when it comes to bulb life, but when I pay almost $5000 for a TV, and the bulb goes out at 6800 hours, I think they should be replacing it free of charge.

I'll be back to let you all know what my refund is exactly. She was saying "I'll see what I can do." It's not definite yet.

I hope it works out for you. It's only right for them to take care of you guys up north too.

By the way, when my bulb blew someone at Panasonic support verbally confirmed to me that the bulb warranty would cover it for 1.5 years, just as the letter I quoted here indicated. I had a PT-60LCX63, and she indicated that they would cover the bulb replacement. It ended up being faster and easier to use Amex extended warranty to cover it, but Panasonic would have taken care of it if I had wanted them to. Canada should fall under the same coverage, but companies do have the liberty to behave differently in different markets/countries.

Just curious about other sets bulb life or cost of replacement bulb. I know 2 people that have recently bought Samsung DLP sets and say they were told bulb replacement would be a yearly thing and accept it as no big deal. Got no idea if they themselves can do a replacement. The opinion I'm getting from this thread is that the first sets really had inferior bulbs and possably Panny has now corrected by getting a better quality bulb now. Do the newer sets have TY-LA1000 bulbs or have they changed the bulb entirely. I do not fall under the 18 month replacement group but actually would like to have some idea of how long my replacement bulb will last after it is installed.

Grumps, there is an undisclosed issue with the LCx3 series. This is why they have extended the bulb warranty on these units. If the set blows 2+ bulbs in less than the warranty period(s), then supposedly Panasonic evaluates replacing the ballast. They haven't said one way or the other, AFAIK, that it is a bulb issue or a ballast issue.

I have not heard anything about unusually short life with the LCx4 units or beyond. I'm not sure what warranty coverage Pan. provides on those bulbs.

AccuraCL- For me at this point I am one confused, actually worried, that I'll end up painting a mural on the screen and use the set for decoration. Mine is not a horror story like others have but for me it started by stopping in at where I had bought it asking about loss of picture quality and being told that the set needed a good cleaning and when the bulb goes it just goes kaput. And by the way your coverage does not include the bulb cost but the labor to replace it. I've searched searched & searched some more trying to forsee that a simple bulb replacement will solve my situation. Or a combination of a bad ballast and bulb also(I'll know shortly though) I have not found out that a cleaning (or if they ever need cleaning) corrects a dull picture condition. I don't like paying my retirement stipend for a bulb and then finding out I have bigger problems. This thread has gotten me to the point that they just don't make things to last no matter what you are told by a sales rep or manufacurers advertisement. I really liked my Panny and hope it's only a bulb tuneup to bring it back to where it was when I first got it. Tweeter service in the past has been very efficent, timely and given great service when needed with other components I had trouble with (some were caused by my ignorence)and hope the same happens again. Guess I gotta have some faith in Panny also. Does anyone know how long they guarantee the replacement bulb? Again thanks for the info.

I would try not to stress out over it. I too got my set from Tweeter with the same warranty. My bulb blew at 3600 hours, but I went straight to Panasonic after reading about the new warranty policy on a thread here.

I think it's very possible that your bulb is just gradually losing brightness as its lifetime passes. This has been described in other threads. Really, your 6500+ hours ain't bad at all. The cleaning may help ... let us know if it makes a difference for you.

If you haven't blown a bulb yet, it seems really unlikely you have a ballast (OR bulb) issue.

I had a PT-60LCX63

had??

Dana, did you sell it?

Got a call this PM that Tweeter could fit me in today instead of scheduled 20th date. I was worried that something outside of the bulb was wrong because briteness had gotten better but picture was inferior to before. Well new bulb was put in and it's like brand new - terrific service - no outragous costs - and saw the tech clean the set - He took off the back lower cowling which is a one piece job.(vents are located on bottom of each corner of the set) He stated that the fan can get dirty and should be cleaned fairly often. Fan natch is behind the bulb and gotten to from the back. I was under the opinion that everything else was sealed by what he had said. His opinion was that the increased brightness I suddenly got was that the bulb was probably going to finally go kaput. Did not feel that I got ripped off with 6,602 hours (not the 10,000 as Panny advertised) on my bulb and would not hesitate going to Tweeter again. Service tech was a nice guy - knew his stuff - and treated my wife and myself very well. Did not make us feel uncomfortable at all. Bulb is good for 5,000 hours. Will have to see how long it lasts.

I got a call back yesterday from Panasonic regarding the receipts I sent in for the TV and the bulb. They have agreed to refund me the entire $456 I paid for the new bulb. I'm told it will take 4-6 weeks.

Next thing I'll do is see if I can clean the fans.

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL :3844
CURRENT LAMP:3844
OSD DISPLAY :ON
LON COUNT :1524

The set will be 2 years old at Thanksgiving. So basically 37 hours a week or a little over 5 hours per day. Turned on 14.65 times per week or 2.09 times per day.

I found this thread looking for information if the light dims as it ages. From reading through here it does not seem to. But I can tell you the picture is not nearly as bright as my new DLP in the MBR which is what got me thinking about maybe the bulb needing replaced.

Still running strong on the original bulb here, update now:

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 8879h
CURRENT LAMP: 8879h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 1895

In one year and 10 months since I started this thread, that's an extra 7122 hours, which = 323.72 hours a month, which = 10-11 hours a day. I think the key is leaving the TV on most of the day ? My lamp on count averages about 2-3 cycles per day.

Wow. Awesome.

had??

Dana, did you sell it?

Hey, NVboy...nice to "see" you again.

I actually returned it to Costco, as the tuner started to die...they refunded my money cheerfully.

I replaced it w/the new HP md6580n 1080p DLP (yes, went to the dark side). :)

Beautiful TV...both in terms of looks and PQ. Liked my Panny a lot, but just too many problems with my set.

Hey, NVboy...nice to "see" you again.

I actually returned it to Costco, as the tuner started to die...they refunded my money cheerfully.

I replaced it w/the new HP md6580n 1080p DLP (yes, went to the dark side). :)

Beautiful TV...both in terms of looks and PQ. Liked my Panny a lot, but just too many problems with my set.

Yeah, I read another posting somewhere where you talked about returning it. Is the HP superior in terms of PQ between the two? I'm still going to hold off a while before I sell mine, but I'll probably have it for a while. I still need to replace the bedroom tv with something, but the 50" would be a bit much. Oh well, I start smiling every Sunday when I see how low the prices are in all the ads. It can only get better, especially if all the mfrs. really want market/household penetration.

1080p DLP (yes, went to the dark side). :)
Dark side nothing. My Samsung DLP blows the Panny away in terms of PQ. It even rivals my Hitachi CRT RPTV.

I for one will not own another LCD RPTV although this one has not give me any problems. The PQ is just not that good.

Dark side nothing. My Samsung DLP blows the Panny away in terms of PQ. It even rivals my Hitachi CRT RPTV.

I for one will not own another LCD RPTV although this one has not give me any problems. The PQ is just not that good.


PQ is totally relative,your eyes do not see what my eyes see.. period. Never forget this ;=)

Why do you think theres so many purchase options? Personally,the panni (as consumers reports reviewed) is one of the best for PQ but none of them were very good if they aren't tuned and setup properly..this rarely happens out of the box and a good place to start if your not getting top notch PQ.

FWIW and back to the OP thread..my ty-la1000 lamp died yesterday..only 2400 hours though. Anyone know how to reset the hour metre?

I'm a couple of weeks shy of 2 years, but here's mine:

total hours: 840
LON count: 688

lazy sunday and before the nfl games begin i figured my set's off, might as well check the lamplife :p

Total: 1725h
lifetime: 1725h
LON - 488

not too shabby! :X but 1725h?! ....and I didn't even think I watched that much tv.. hmm, anyhows my 2 yr anniv (hah!) is coming up next Feb or so, hope it's still goin strong :D

edit: reading back on this thread and seeing some of the hours approach 9-10k I'm re-assured I don't watch that much tv to begin with ;)

edit: reading back on this thread and seeing some of the hours approach 9-10k I'm re-assured I don't watch that much tv to begin with ;)

You watch 2x as much as me :)

Wow...a lot more than I thought:

Total: 5145h
Current Lamp: 3460h
LON Count: 2389

I use mine primarily as a PC monitor...but watch movies, Tivo, XBox, etc...with all this it gets quite a bit of use by the family.

I should probably get an extra bulb just in case to have it on hand.

How much do they run anyhow? Hard to replace myself...or should I bring it into the shop. Maybe I should plan on bringing it in once a year for service anyhow?

What think the group?

Checked mine for first time since purchase 13 months ago.

3299 hours
LON: 1110

We've cut down use of this set to one turn on at 4-5PM and one turn off at 11PM, except for weekends when sports have to be watched. We're not watching SD on it anymore.

While we have a spare lamp I don't want this thing crapping out in the middle of the Super Bowl or something.

Do DLP's have this lamp problem?

How much do they run anyhow? Hard to replace myself...or should I bring it into the shop. Maybe I should plan on bringing it in once a year for service anyhow?

What think the group?

Not sure about the price, but last I heard, it was in the $250-300 range. They are very easy to replace yourself.

Yes, VERY easy. Pop the panel off, remove a screw for the access door, remove a screw holding the lamp ass'y in. They even provide the correct screwdriver with the lamp.

...They even provide the correct screwdriver with the lamp.They should, for $300!

I just paid $288 plus shipping. Can you get the TY-LA1000 any cheaper?

Thanks for the replies all..guess I ought to get an extra. I wonder what the average hours is anyhow?

Hours: 6723
LON: 1009

I just replaced this lamp. It didn’t actually burn out, but within the last month I had started to notice a flicker, much like you would see from a dying fluorescent bulb. I was a little afraid it was actually a problem with the set, so I went ahead and ordered a replacement lamp just to be sure. Now with the new lamp installed, the flicker is gone and, somewhat to my surprise, I had to re-tweak the brightness, as apparently the previous lamp had grown rather dim in comparison.

I’ve had the set since Oct 9, 2003. I was working out of a home office for much of the past two years so the hours built up quickly. I’m pleased with how long the lamp lasted, though I did honestly expect closer to 8000, given that everything was going so well. Granted the old lamp may yet have a decent number of hours left in it, but the flicker came on rather suddenly and was getting worse and more bothersome at a fairly noticeable pace.

I've had two blow and never noticed any flicker beforehand (just that odd way the bulb has of starting up).

Just sitting there watching and bink! picture gone.

Purchased set in March '04.
Original bulb burst in November '04. Replaced.
Bulb #2 burst in June '05. Bulb and ballast replaced.
Bulb #3 burst today. Tweeter to ship replacement overnight (arriving tomorrow, I hope, or it'll be a looooong 3-day weekend in my house).

What was I thinking in buying this lemon? My extended warranty purchase looks smarter every six months.

You seem to be having really bad luck with these lamps. How many times a day are you turning your set on and off and how many hours did you get with each lamp?

You seem to be having really bad luck with these lamps. How many times a day are you turning your set on and off and how many hours did you get with each lamp?

I wish I could tell you the hours, but the Tweeter tech didn't reset the counter on the first two replacements, and of course, I can't tell you right now what's on it.

This is our main, everyday TV, with maybe 3-4 LONs and 6-8 hrs per day... not outrageous usage IMO.

Just a quick follow-up... the folks at Tweeter service came through, the new lamp arrived yesterday morning via UPS, less than 24 hours after the old one blew. Easy to install, all is well... though I'm still not happy about being on bulb#4 inside of two years.

I'm having a problem with my TV and it might be bulb related, so I'm posting here hoping someone might have some advice.

Yesterday, my TV lost it's picture. When I turn it on, the fan comes on and the power light blinks green (as usual during warm-up). But the picture never appears, the power light never stops blinking. After about 15 seconds, the power light stars blinking red (as usual during cool-down), but never stops. The fan never stops either.

I took out the bulb, but it looks fine. The last time the bulb burned out it looked it-- there was no doubt it was gone.

My set is still under warranty, and I have a service call in, but the earliest appointment I could get was Jan-17. I tried calling tech help at Panasonic, but they were clueless.

Anyone have an ideas what might be wrong?

I'm having a problem with my TV and it might be bulb related, so I'm posting here hoping someone might have some advice.

Yesterday, my TV lost it's picture. When I turn it on, the fan comes on and the power light blinks green (as usual during warm-up). But the picture never appears, the power light never stops blinking. After about 15 seconds, the power light stars blinking red (as usual during cool-down), but never stops. The fan never stops either.

I took out the bulb, but it looks fine. The last time the bulb burned out it looked it-- there was no doubt it was gone.

My set is still under warranty, and I have a service call in, but the earliest appointment I could get was Jan-17. I tried calling tech help at Panasonic, but they were clueless.

Anyone have an ideas what might be wrong?

Which model do you have? What is the flashing sequence? Such as once every 5 seconds, once every 2 seconds, etc. Lots of error codes in the service manual to look at, but just need a bit more detail.

Did you call a tech directly? Or did you call Panasonic & arrange it through them? More than likely, you will have more than one tech to choose from in your area.

Which model do you have?
Same as thread title: PT-50LC13

What is the flashing sequence? Such as once every 5 seconds, once every 2 seconds, etc. Lots of error codes in the service manual to look at, but just need a bit more detail.
OK, I timed everything:

After turning on the set, the green power light flashes about every second for 90 seconds. After 90 seconds, the power light flashes red every second. And it will keep flashing like that (with the fan on) for as long as I have power supplied to the unit.

I did notice that the lamp indicator light also is flashing when the red power light is flashing, but when I unplug the unit, and plug it back in, both lights stop flashing.

I actually have a spare lamp, but I hesitate to put it in since the old one looks fine, and I was afraid something else might be wrong with the set (maybe the fan) and it might ruin the new lamp. Do you think it's the lamp?


Did you call a tech directly? Or did you call Panasonic & arrange it through them? More than likely, you will have more than one tech to choose from in your area.
I called Panasonic directly ask for advice (I don't know how to call a tech directly).

But the service contract is thru Circuit City, and they're the ones who are arranging an in-home service call.

After having read thru the eariler parts of this thread, I wonder if it would be worthwhile to ask them to change the ballast on my set. Anyone know how expensive the replacement is and how difficult it is to swap out?

Well my 50LC13 died for the third time this year. Best Buy decided they had enough and gave me a credit for a new TV. I ended up getting the Sony KDF-E50A10.

I enjoyed this TV when it worked, but the new Sony is really nice. Good luck everyone with their sets. If you haven't already, I highly recommend the Neutral Density Filter mod for this TV.

With respect to the problem in my earlier posts, I went ahead and put a new lamp in, but the same thing happens. I openned another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6833074#post6833074) so as not to hijack this one on what might not be a lamp problem.

With respect to the problem in my earlier posts, I went ahead and put a new lamp in, but the same thing happens. I openned another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6833074#post6833074) so as not to hijack this one on what might not be a lamp problem.

I just posted some info in your other thread. You say the set is still under warranty? Meaning the 1 year Panasonic warranty or the EW from CC? If Panasonic, I'd call them and ask for a local service tech you can call for an appointment. In my experience, CC & BB have always been way too slow with their service & support.

Update on mine.


LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 9871h
CURRENT LAMP: 9871h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2068


This is still on the original bulb. I was thinking I would have had to use my Sears 5yr Extended Warranty by now. I also got 2 other people to buy one of these sets within a week or two of me, and they are still on their original bulbs. We got our sets around the end of August, 2003.

Update on mine.


LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 9871h
CURRENT LAMP: 9871h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2068


This is still on the original bulb. I was thinking I would have had to use my Sears 5yr Extended Warranty by now. I also got 2 other people to buy one of these sets within a week or two of me, and they are still on their original bulbs. We got our sets around the end of August, 2003.

Fantastic news! Thanks for posting your info. You are very close to the 10,000 hour club, which is very exclusive for those who are on their original lamps.

Hit the magic 10,000 sometime yesterday evidently. When I turned on the set this morning, I got a "Lamp Needs Replaced and Lamp Timer Reset" message. I called Sears to schedule a warranty repair. They are just shipping me a bulb instead of sending a service guy out. They asked me to call them back when I receive the bulb and they will walk me through it. No hassles at all, took less than 5 mins on the phone with them and my new bulb is on the way.

Hit the magic 10,000 sometime yesterday evidently. When I turned on the set this morning, I got a "Lamp Needs Replaced and Lamp Timer Reset" message. I called Sears to schedule a warranty repair. They are just shipping me a bulb instead of sending a service guy out. They asked me to call them back when I receive the bulb and they will walk me through it. No hassles at all, took less than 5 mins on the phone with them and my new bulb is on the way.

I'm impressed, both with the 10,000 hour mark & the fact that you've had your set on for that many hours. Great news. Here's to another 10,000 problem-free hours!

Hit the magic 10,000 sometime yesterday evidently. When I turned on the set this morning, I got a "Lamp Needs Replaced and Lamp Timer Reset" message. I called Sears to schedule a warranty repair. They are just shipping me a bulb instead of sending a service guy out. They asked me to call them back when I receive the bulb and they will walk me through it. No hassles at all, took less than 5 mins on the phone with them and my new bulb is on the way.so your changing the lamp and it still works, i would keep it. sounds like they blew it and made a good one :eek:

so your changing the lamp and it still works, i would keep it. sounds like they blew it and made a good one :eek:

If they don't make me send the original bulb in, I'm going to keep using it and see how long it will last. :cool:

my lamp blew 2 years and 5 months i have a circuit city warranty and should have a new one in 3 days. I wanted to keep the old lamp so could get another before the warranty runs out in 1 1/2 years but they want it back. what a racket i bet it wont cost them anything for the bulb. anybody wishing they had a plasma instead. i will find out how many hours i had on the bulb when i have it fixd and post.

my lamp blew 2 years and 5 months i have a circuit city warranty and should have a new one in 3 days. I wanted to keep the old lamp so could get another before the warranty runs out in 1 1/2 years but they want it back. what a racket i bet it wont cost them anything for the bulb. anybody wishing they had a plasma instead. i will find out how many hours i had on the bulb when i have it fixd and post.2 years and 5 months is pretty good compared to what some people have experienced, and it's even covered under your extended warranty (mine doesn't cover lamps). I wouldn't complain too much. <g> And nah, I for one don't wish for a plasma. If I had one of those I'd probably have burn-in by now the way I use the set, and that's a lot harder to fix than a lamp.

2 years and 5 months is pretty good compared to what some people have experienced, and it's even covered under your extended warranty (mine doesn't cover lamps). I wouldn't complain too much. <g> And nah, I for one don't wish for a plasma. If I had one of those I'd probably have burn-in by now the way I use the set, and that's a lot harder to fix than a lamp.
yeah i run my pc on the pany and that alone would have burnd a plasma in no time

my lamp blew 2 years and 5 months i have a circuit city warranty and should have a new one in 3 days. I wanted to keep the old lamp so could get another before the warranty runs out in 1 1/2 years but they want it back. what a racket i bet it wont cost them anything for the bulb. anybody wishing they had a plasma instead. i will find out how many hours i had on the bulb when i have it fixd and post.ok got my new lamp by ups in 2 days.
my hours on the old lamp was 8678 hrs lon count was 1632

8678. I wish.

I've popped 2 so far, neither more than 3500 hours ...

Maybe this one is a good one.

8678. I wish.

You have to admit it's a bit encouraging (for those of us still on our original lamp) to hear about high hours on their lamps.

I've popped 2 so far, neither more than 3500 hours ...

Maybe this one is a good one.

I've officially started putting a bit of money aside for the next purchase. I have no idea when that will be, but I'm hoping for some sort of 1080p & LED combo. I don't think SED will be at a low enough price for many years. Who knows? At least in your case, 3rd time's a charm.

I reached the 10K hour mark about a week ago. Like others I get the "Replace bulb and reset hours" msg. I bought my set in Oct or Nov of '03.

The set still works great, other than I have 1 stuck green pixel that comes and goes.

I have the CC extended warranty. Does anyone know if the fact that I get the replace lamp message will get me a new lamp through the extended warranty?

Thanks,
Dave

Only one way to find out. I'd call and ask.

I finally got my replacement lamp in. I followed the instructions and reset my lamp timer and left the old lamp in. My lamp timer read 10051 hours before I reset it. I'm going to see just how long my original lamp will last.

looks like the lamp goes out shortly after you notice a flickering of the screen brightness

I'm still on my original Lamp, ballast, everything from a ~Sep 03 PT-50LC13 and have likely just over 3,000 hours (was at 2,9xx maybe 4-6 months ago when I checked).

Anyways, my point is that I did a quick settings checkup on the TV when I saw the set was closing in on 3k hours. I had used DVE after the first couple hundred hours on the set and did the same exact calibrations again at ~3k hours.

Every parameter held true except for the Brightness, I had to increase the TV's brightness setting by 2 clicks.

My question is: Has anyone else done a calibration checkup after a few years or few thousand hours and what needed adjustment?

Is there any correlation on the need to increase brightness and the bulb going?

Note: I am not talking about a flickering of the sets brightness, just a slow deminished output (after extended usage) that needs a setting increase (not even close to maxed out).

Thanks in advance.

Is there any correlation on the need to increase brightness and the bulb going?

Note: I am not talking about a flickering of the sets brightness, just a slow deminished output (after extended usage) that needs a setting increase (not even close to maxed out).

Thanks in advance.

I've seen this, and others have reported it as well. A few weeks before my last bulb blew (#3!), I noticed it was significantly dimmer, so much so that I actually boosted the Brightness. Not long after, POP!

I've seen this, and others have reported it as well. A few weeks before my last bulb blew (#3!), I noticed it was significantly dimmer, so much so that I actually boosted the Brightness. Not long after, POP!
same with me it was dimmer on my pc

Yeah, mine's been noticeably dimmer for many months now, but that alone does not seem to be an indicator of imminent failure. I had roughly 6000 hours on it last time I checked.

Yeah, mine's been noticeably dimmer for many months now, but that alone does not seem to be an indicator of imminent failure. I had roughly 6000 hours on it last time I checked.
mine was dim for a long time could have been months but i saw a flicker no more than three or four times and it popped the bulb, i think its a progression but when the flicker shows up it's done

My question is: Has anyone else done a calibration checkup after a few years or few thousand hours and what needed adjustment?


I calibrated it 3 times. The first to get rid of the red push, the second after replacing the entire projection assembly & third after installing the filter mod. I've wanted to do it again, but I guess I'm just getting too lazy. I haven't noticed any drop in brightness though. Actually, I had to turn down the brightness a notch or two last month because it seemed too bright.

You all remember me from my post back in Oct. Original bulb blew after 6800 hours. Panasonic replaced it for free as I had the set for about 17 months. I had purchased the replacement bulb from a TV shop, and Panasonic just sent me a check for $450 to cover it.

Guess what? I installed that 2nd bulb on Oct 8/2005 and it blew last night! I've run it about 14 hours a day since Oct last year, (same pattern as original bulb) making it around 2000 total. Set is turned on once per day, and left on all day, as I also do computer work on it. The last few weeks I did notice the dimming effect, and I had to crank up the brightness a few notches. Last night, the bulb just went, no warning on the screen. However, there was no loud explosion as with the original bulb.

I'm really fed up. I'm not absolutely sure, but I seem to remember the store telling me that they had a 3 month warranty on this bulb, and that is just ridiculous. If they don't replace it, I'm going to have to go through Panasonic again to take care of this.

Does anyone know what type of TV has the longest bulb life, and is the cheapest bulb to replace? I got 5 months out of this bulb. That equals $90 a month to run this TV! I know I've only had the set for 20 months but I'm already tempted to get a new one.

Your 2nd lamp should still be covered by Panasonic. None of the lamp based RPTV's seem to be any better or worse, likewise with lamp replacement costs. But, LED based sets are on the near horizon & that could make a huge difference-20,000 hours life, virtually instant on, etc.

Ugh...some unpleasent experiences with Pansonic and the store where I bought the bulb from.

If anyone in Vancouver is thinking about purchasing anything from CGM electronics at 1285 Marine Drive, I highly recommend you avoid that place like the plague. I've never experienced crap service like this. I purchased the bulb there 5 months ago. They refused to give me a new one. I had to pay another $468 for a bulb. I asked the 'manager' if he thought that 1800 hours on a bulb was normal. He says "yes."
When I told him that Panasonic told me the bulb replacment warranty was one year, he said "No, it isn't.", even though I was told that by Jennifer Fee (Panasonic Canada), just that morning. Not only did this guy not care about contacting Panasonic to confirm, he asked me for the phone numbers!!! They are a Pan dealer and he asks the customer for a number? He then suggested I talk to the store where I bought the TV (London drugs). I said, "What have they got to do with the bulb? I bought the bulb from you. It's your bulb that blew up." I finally got fed up and said, "Okay, I'm buying the bulb, and I'll try to get Panasonic to give me a refund. If they send me another one, can I bring this one back?" He says, "I don't want it back."
"But I will be giving you one that is brand new, that hasn't been used. You don't give refunds on new items?"
"How do I know that you haven't used it? I also have this bulb, I don't need more."

Unfricking believable. And I was stupid enough to give them another $468.

I had gone through an inordinate amount of time and effort to contact Panasonic and find out what was going on with the warranty, above and beyond what a customer should have to do, and his whole attitude was "This is your problem. You deal with it. Buy my bulb, and leave." And anytime I tried to tell him what Panasonic told me on the phone, his favorite line was 'I don't want to argue with you." Basically threw the reciept at me and walked to the back of the store. I asked for the manager. He tells me he's co owner of the store. I guess that gives you license to be a total prick.

Next, I contact Panasonic to find out who deals with their dealerships and handling customer complaints about service. After talking to various depts, and getting about 3 wrong numbers to dead lines, I talked to someone again in customer service named Barbara and she tells me that there is no longer any customer service outlet in Vancouver, B.C, meaning no way to complain about crap service from their dealerships. She also tells me that the BULB WARRANTY IS 3 MONTHS! And that whoever told me it was one year warranty for bulb replacement, is wrong. I also mentioned that the original warranty on the TV is now 18 months in the US. She says, "That's not the warranty in Canada." If this bulb was $100 for 5 months use, okay, I could live with it, but $500 for five months is insane. I can expect this bulb to blow in early August, and then I'm going to drive this TV off a cliff and buy something else.

Is this for real? Can anyone confirm this? I find it hard to believe that a $500 bulb has a 3 month warranty. I've gone through 2 bulbs in 21 months. This set is a dud. I paid $5000 for it in 2004. And what's worse, is that the picture stays nice and bright for a couple weeks, then goes back to dull, and I have to start cranking the brightness/picture up.

I'm so sick of their service, and their dealerships, I'm quite sure I'll never buy a Panasonic product again.

I just had my 2nd Bulb go out after less than 5 months (estimated hours were about 2200 ) 9/21/05 to 3/4/06. The bulb was purchased from partstore.com for $299. They told me the warranty was through Panasonic and it was a 1 year warranty.

It took me over an hour this morning to get through the phone/automated question maze (6 reps, only 2 of which actually helped me). And then a fax with a guaranteed "We will call you back". I faxed over the paperwork and of course no call back..

Because I have so little faith in Panasonic Customer service getting back to me in any reasonable time frame I ordered an extra bulb from epressrepaircenter.com for $273.89

I have a stuck red pixel on this TV, otherwise it has been pretty good (with the exception of the bulb issues). Customer Support has been horrible and the extended warranty was a complete waste of $500 (5 year warranty which doesn't cover the bulb).


Personally I am anxiously awaiting the 1080P LED based sets.(From AKIA and Samsung) Even if they aren't any brighter the fact that they would get 20,000+ hours means that I need to factor in about $900 in bulb replacment cost savings vs my curent TV. (My original Bulb lasted almost 10,000 hours, but I would be very suprised if this replacment makes it to the end of 2006 as my 2nd clocked in at a whopping 2200 hours)

I just had my bulb replaced. When I talked to someone at the Panasonic repair dept. they said that is was important that I check the PCP circuit board on the TV. They would do it for a $50 assessment call, then tell me if it needs to be replaced. They said that when a bulb explodes, it's important to make sure the PCP board is working okay, and that a short life on the bulb can be attributed to something wrong with the PCP board.

anyone heard of this? No one ever mentioned this to me when I bought the TV, or started buying replacement bulbs. The dealer where I bought the bulb says, if the TV is working after you put the bulb in, there is nothing wrong with the PCP board, and I should just leave it alone.

The PCP boards is at least $250 to replace. Should I have someone come out and take a good look at the TV? I mean, it works fine now. The first bulb gave me 6800 hours, the second about 1900. Is it possible the pcp board was damaged after the first bulb blew out?

I just had my bulb replaced. When I talked to someone at the Panasonic repair dept. they said that is was important that I check the PCP circuit board on the TV. They would do it for a $50 assessment call, then tell me if it needs to be replaced. They said that when a bulb explodes, it's important to make sure the PCP board is working okay, and that a short life on the bulb can be attributed to something wrong with the PCP board.

anyone heard of this? No one ever mentioned this to me when I bought the TV, or started buying replacement bulbs. The dealer where I bought the bulb says, if the TV is working after you put the bulb in, there is nothing wrong with the PCP board, and I should just leave it alone.

The PCP boards is at least $250 to replace. Should I have someone come out and take a good look at the TV? I mean, it works fine now. The first bulb gave me 6800 hours, the second about 1900. Is it possible the pcp board was damaged after the first bulb blew out?So, they wan't $50 just to check it, and then I bet it's gonna need replacement for $250..... Isn't the "PCP Board" somewhere near the flux capacitor? No, I think I'd listen to your dealer and leave it alone.

So, they wan't $50 just to check it, and then I bet it's gonna need replacement for $250..... Isn't the "PCP Board" somewhere near the flux capacitor? No, I think I'd listen to your dealer and leave it alone.It's somewhere near the meth board.

FWIW, here's my experience, and I'm in Ottawa, Canada. When I bought the replacement bulb at a local TV repair shop listed as a Panasonic approved repair depot, ($429 + tax) it had a slip of paper inside the box with the serial # of the new bulb on it and it states "Panasonic Canada warrants this bulb for 12 months from the date of purchase with the sales receipt". I bought it in September 05 and I am contemplating making this bulb blow this August just before the warranty is up. I'm pretty sure a bunch of multiple on/off's will do the job. Just mark it on your calendar every 11 months. If Panasonic can't make a bulb that lasts as long as they "suggest" (10,000 hours) with the sales brochure, then they deserve this. That's the way I see it.

How do you know the bulb you're forcing to blow wouldn't last 10k hours? There have been users around here who have gotten past that, others who have gotten very close.

I can't argue that Panasonic doesn't deserve that... the warranty on these bulbs should still be a lot better considering the ridiculous cost. But I'd be afraid I wouldn't be able to force it to blow on demand; just weaken it enough to fail as soon as the warranty expired. That or cause some other failure in the set from so many repeated power cycles. And remember, the set does keep track of that.

I can't argue that Panasonic doesn't deserve that... the warranty on these bulbs should still be a lot better considering the ridiculous cost. But I'd be afraid I wouldn't be able to force it to blow on demand; just weaken it enough to fail as soon as the warranty expired. That or cause some other failure in the set from so many repeated power cycles. And remember, the set does keep track of that.

No kidding! What if the lamp in question is a "good" lamp? Trying to make it blow might cause other harm than just to the lamp. I can think of a number of ways to make it blow, but the lamp assembly would have to be removed first. I'll leave it at that.

I bought my 50LC13 on Jan 2004 from Circuit City with a 4 year warrenty. Something happened (still unknown) on Sept 2004, at which point, a tech came over to diagnose the problem. He swapped the lamp, then tried the ballast repair kit, and tried swapping the whole ballast when it did not work. All these took about 3 month, since each part had to be ordered separately. These so called manufacture autherized techs don't carry parts.... Also, Circuit City's customer service proved 100% incapable to actually serve their customers. They NEVER called back within 24 hours when they said they would, and when I called them back, the rep I'm talking to does not understand my situation because it is not logged on to a centralized system. Every call is back to square one. Anyways, replacing the ballast failed, I made Circuit City honor the no-lemon policy to get me a brand new set. That was Jan of 2005.

Last month, mid Feb 2006, my 2nd 50LC13 died again when my girlfriend was using it. She says she heard a "pop", so I'm guessing it's the lamp. I understand lamps have limited life, but let's do the math. We watch 3-4hrs of TV at MOST every day. That's about 1500 in a year, at most. From reading the posts here, how in the world can Panasonic claim 10,000 hours?

As much as I enjoy my 50LC13 (when it is working), I do not want to go through another 3 month cycle of parts swapping and waiting, not to mention leaving work early in the middle of workday to meet up with the service tech. Even if this new problem is indeed just a dead lamp, there is no way I can be comfortable with the thought of a part dying so soon. (1500hrs!?).

I'm currently in the process of yet another replacement with Circuit City. The sales manager is luckly very understanding of my situation, but again, even he is having some major issue with communication through the corporate office. I just don't understand why a sale manager of a store is actually having to stay on hold for 1 hour to talk to their own freak'in corporate customer service center.

I'd love to say I have 6000+, 3000+ or even 2000+ on my lamp. All I can say is I will never buy Panasonic again.

If I know I have to get the extended warranty on something these days, which is extremely rare (especially if I can't just buy it at Costco), the last place I will buy from is CC or BB. I've dealt with their horrible service departments many times before, many years ago.

As to the lamps, there are a few threads floating around that discuss the lamp issue at great length. Not only in the Panasonic sets, but all the lamp based sets. I haven't experienced one blowing yet, but fully expect it to happen. But, I was also very aware of the lamp replacement issue when I first purchased my set. I didn't want CRT RPTV & couldn't stand the claymation issues with the DLP's at that time, so it was down to the Sony LCD, Hitachi LCD & Panasonic LCD.

I know this won't help, but just to be clear, Panasonic states that their lamps can last up to a maximum of 10,000 hours. No manufacturer has any kind of explicit warranty stating a lamp will last X number of hours. I'm too lazy to pull up the threads, but do a search for all the various "bulb" and "lamp" problem threads.

my PT-60LC13 stopped working/wont turn on at just over 18 mo. ( which is the bulb/lamp warranty) after calling panasonic whose # was busy the first 10 tried till finally getting through at which point they had me look at the bulb and describe it and the guy told me what it would look like if it was done and it didn't seem like it. He thought it wasn't the bulb.

He gave me a name and number of local repair service and thats it. After reading some other posts it seems like it may be the ballast.

I turn on the set and the green light starts blinking like normal to turn on the set. The picture never comes on however and then light reverts to blinking red like it is shutting down and the Lamp led blinks every 5 sec. or so which is why i initially thought it was the lamp.

Either way it is going to cost something and I heard of ppl waiting 3 mo. for lamp and ballast part replacements. So in the meantime i got another tv to be delivered in a day. I think my best bet at this point is to try to sell it back to the local dealer I bought it from if they will even give me anything for it. But considering they initially sold me what was supposed to be a new 50lc13 but had something like 8,000 hrs on the lamp (called selling used goods as new and considered fraud) and other dirt I have them through the proceedings of that ordeal maybe they will do the right thing and buy back the set from for some reasonable price at which point they can get it fixed themselves and resell it as a refurbed tv or whatever they want.

I think I read it somewhere but I can't find it...

Can someone tell me how to reset the counter? I put the 2nd bulb in, and it did not reset automatically.

My 1st bulb only lasted 1700 hours, btw. :(

Thanks in advance,

It's in the service menu, although I don't know if it's the same one you pull up to get the bulb count, or the real service menu. I think there is probably a post in this thread about it.

just to follow up on my previous post. It was in fact the ballast that went. Just so everyone knows, supposedly they do not make this part anymore to replace but they do repair your existing ballast. Many techs will have to send it out to Panasonic to have it repaired but luckily my local panasonic authorized repair guy had both a new lamp which he tried first just to see if it might still be that and it wasn't and the ballast repair kit and knows how repair it.

He used a visor with magnifying lense on it and sodering and desodering tools and the ballast repair kit contains a few diodes and other small parts on the ballast that he basically replaces.

I have 1759 hrs on the lamp. So I guess I did ok so far but have heard that they really only last up to 2000 hours so I should expect that to go next but again luckily my local shop has them in stock but will have to see how much if it is worth getting instead of just a new tv. The ballast repair kit was only $30 but they charge $200 just to come out for the labor, so if the bulb is 200-300 that is not going to be worth it on top of the $200 for another visit.

Also, a quick question. What is the LON count on the service mode 1/3 screen that shows hours on the lamp? Mine says 766.

As far as resetting the lamp that is a good question and I will figure that out when i replace but it might be in one of these other menus.

To enter "Service Mode": With TV OFF, press and hold "VOLUME DOWN" on
the front of the TV AND "TV/VIDEO" key on the remote for 5 seconds or
more, TV will turn on in Service Mode.
(This is the mode we know about and where you see the hours on the lamp. below is 2 other modes which be where you can reset the lamp counter)

To enter "Work Mode": With TV ON, press and hold "VOLUME DOWN" on the
front of the TV AND "RECALL" key on the remote for 5 seconds or more, TV
will go into Work Mode.

Once in Work Mode, press and hold "VOLUME DOWN" on the front of the TV
AND "MOVE" key on the remote for 5 seconds or more, TV will go into
Factory Adjust Mode. This is the "money mode", where you can do lots of
things. The only thing I have been brave enough to mess with is horiz.
position, moved image to the left about 5 clicks.

Once in, "ACTION" key to select a menu item, "RECALL" key to return to
previous menu.

The ballast repair kit was only $30 but they charge $200 just to come out for the labor, so if the bulb is 200-300 that is not going to be worth it on top of the $200 for another visit.

A new lamp will be somewhere between $250-300. Interesting news about them not supplying new ballasts.

Also, a quick question. What is the LON count on the service mode 1/3 screen that shows hours on the lamp? Mine says 766.

That's the number of times you have powered on your set.

oh thats what the LON count is, ok. thanks.

yeah supposedly Panasonic doesn't make the ballast for the LC13 anymore and just repairs it. guess its the same for the 50 and 60lc13 not sure about the lc14. I guess once the ballast is unrepairable thats it your done. time for new tv.

I'll start with the ugly
I logged just over 1300 hours when my bulb bit the dust.

The bad
Panasonic states they will warranty the original bulb for 18 months from date of purchase (up from 90 days as stated in original warranty).

the good
After talking with my 3rd party extended warranty (purchses from Ultimate electronics), i learned that they received some sort of notification last October 05 from panasonic stating a defective part or recall on that bulb. they had me then work directly with panny as my warranty didn't cover bulbs.

After reading all the various threads about the way way below published life of these bulbs, and the terrible customer help form panny, i called them expecting to have to yell and scream to get something done.

to my surprise, they shipped me a new bulb (overnighted actually) within 5 minutes of calling.

when talking to the person, I was careful to reference all the talk on the forums about bulbs blowing way to early, and mentioned this 'recall' my warranty company received. the guy all but admitted they had some issues with original bulb. he told me it was because the bulbs may have been off center. anyway, i thought i would share this info that panasonic is handling it case by case, and they will send you a new bulb (which they warranty for a year), even if your outside the 18 months. If this next one blows after a year is up, I will just start demanding a tech to come out and tear the thing apart as it's something other than the bulb that's causing this.

hm, well I've been meaning to call them to follow up the ballast repair I had done but the actualy ballast repair kit was only $30 and the labor charge just for the guy to come out was $200 but in this case he did actually do some work but its that much just for them to come even change the bulb which hopefully I can do myself when it happens.

I wonder If I should just call Panny myself and get them to send me a bulb ahead of time because I'm sure its going to go any day now as its over 1700 hours and i thought 2000 was like the high end to expect.

Last time I called though they wanted to see my receipt and I couldn't find it anywhere. Being that my receipt will show the 50" I originally bought and not the 60" the retailer exchanged it for to me for free since they got caught selling a used unit with something like over 800 hrs on it as new which was fraud.

So do you think panny can send me a replacement bulb ahead of time before it goes based on the serial # of my 60lc13 i i give them and # of hours on my bulb? Last time I called they said I was past the 18mo warranty and that was it.

I wonder If I should just call Panny myself and get them to send me a bulb ahead of time because I'm sure its going to go any day now as its over 1700 hours and i thought 2000 was like the high end to expect.


That's not going to happen. You have to send them back the bad lamp. Otherwise, everyone & their brother would call and just ask for a new lamp whenever they wanted to.

when talking to the person, I was careful to reference all the talk on the forums about bulbs blowing way to early, and mentioned this 'recall' my warranty company received. the guy all but admitted they had some issues with original bulb. he told me it was because the bulbs may have been off center.


Did you happen to get his full name? I've spoken to Panny support many times, and each time ended up with a different rep. It would be nice to call one who is easy to deal with, as far as replacement lamps go.

Latest update, original bulb. :eek:

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 10697h
CURRENT LAMP: 636h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2208

When I hit 10,000 hours I got a new bulb through warranty, and reset my bulb timer. Before I reset the timer I pulled the old bulb out, and cleaned inside the compartment, and stuck it back in. I know I'm probably living on borrowed time but I'll take what I can get. At least I've got a new bulb here waiting to slide in if the old one gives out on me.

Is picture quality of a high level or just so so. My bulb never blew but pic quality was poor before I replaced it.

My picture quality is just fine. Believe it or not, I set it up right after I got it, and haven't adjusted the brightness or picture in any way since then. That was almost 3 years ago.

You should change your handle to LuckySOB. Hope this is things to look forward to our replacement bulbs doing the same as your original. Maybe if you buy a new snowblower you won't have snow for 3 years also. Thanks for sharing

You know the odd thing about this whole deal is that when I bought my set, my parents bought one, and so did my best friend, all within a month of me getting mine. They are still on their original bulbs as well. :confused:

Latest update, original bulb. :eek:

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 10697h
CURRENT LAMP: 636h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2208

When I hit 10,000 hours I got a new bulb through warranty, and reset my bulb timer. Before I reset the timer I pulled the old bulb out, and cleaned inside the compartment, and stuck it back in. I know I'm probably living on borrowed time but I'll take what I can get. At least I've got a new bulb here waiting to slide in if the old one gives out on me.

how did you get a new bulb without sending in old one?

I'm worried mine could go any day and about the down time in getting a new one so I was hoping to have a new one ready. Also I'm worried about having to deal with Panny in getting a new bulb free via extended warranty they inititated as i'm past 18mo.

so when it goes I have to call them and see if they will honor that extended lamp warranty? what are the terms of that? then i have to send them my dead bulb before they will send me a new one.

sounds like it will be easier to just have local repairman who has them in stock come out except they charge $200 just to come out and then for the lamp as well which is what another 200 or more? already had them come out to repair the ballast. the ballast repair kit was only $30 but $200 just to come do it which wa at least a little more worth it since it was more invovled.

never got a chance to deal with panny on that and figured it wasn't worth it as the most they'd reimburse is the $30 part being the ballast repair kit.

maybe for the bulb i can just pick it up at local authorized repair shop and do it myself saving the $200 visit.

That was using the Sears warranty. I called them up when my "Replace Lamp and Reset Lamp Timer" message came up, and they shipped me a new bulb. They didn't say anything about shipping the old one back so I kept it.

Help. I've got a 2.5 year old Panny PT-50LC13 and I'm experiencing what appears to be the infamous ballast issue. The set will not turn on and the lamp light blinks red every 5 seconds. I've checked the lamp and it does not appear to be burnt out. Research on this forum and others appears to point to the ballast.

The set is out of warranty, so I'm trying to figure out what to do. Has anyone had any exprience replacing this on their own? I've got the back of the TV off and can see the power supply, but am not sure exactly what I'm looking for. Can anyone point me to what the ballast looks like exactly (photo would be wonderful). Is this something I can replace myself as a service part from Panasonic? I've also read that some have fixed this issue by just replacing a simple fuse. Again, I"m not sure where this fuse might be and how I can tell if its blown.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Dave Z.

Is this something I can replace myself as a service part from Panasonic? I've also read that some have fixed this issue by just replacing a simple fuse. Again, I"m not sure where this fuse might be and how I can tell if its blown.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Dave Z.

I'm not sure Panasonic will sell this part to a consumer. All you can do is give them a call and see what they say. I'm betting that the only parts available to us would be the lamp & remote.

That was using the Sears warranty. I called them up when my "Replace Lamp and Reset Lamp Timer" message came up, and they shipped me a new bulb. They didn't say anything about shipping the old one back so I kept it.

Maybe we need to look at other explanations as to the longevity of your lamp. Are there any daily rituals you perform? What about your thermostat setting, humidity levels, etc? 10k+ is pretty amazing.

Checking in again... it's good to see that some are doing very well on bulb life, but disturbing to see others having problems.

On my set, purchased Sep 2003 --

Lamp Operation Time: 7282
LON Count: 1434

Still on the original bulb, with no picture degradation that my eyes can discern.

Help. I've got a 2.5 year old Panny PT-50LC13 and I'm experiencing what appears to be the infamous ballast issue. The set will not turn on and the lamp light blinks red every 5 seconds. I've checked the lamp and it does not appear to be burnt out. Research on this forum and others appears to point to the ballast.

The set is out of warranty, so I'm trying to figure out what to do. Has anyone had any exprience replacing this on their own? I've got the back of the TV off and can see the power supply, but am not sure exactly what I'm looking for. Can anyone point me to what the ballast looks like exactly (photo would be wonderful). Is this something I can replace myself as a service part from Panasonic? I've also read that some have fixed this issue by just replacing a simple fuse. Again, I"m not sure where this fuse might be and how I can tell if its blown.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Dave Z.

I had this problem on my 60-lc13 and after seeing what repair man did I wouldn't suggest doing it on your own. He used a magnifying visor and sodering and desodering tools and it was many little diodes and fuses on a small mother board looking thing which supposedly is the ballast.

I dont think even he knew exactly which diodes went dead/bad but there is a standard ballast repair kit which only costs about $30 and includes replacments of all the neccesary parts so basically I guess he just does them all which is good so another one doesnt' go later.

I called panasonic, they gave me closest local panny authorized repair shop and then set up appt. my local guy has bulbs on hand and ballast repair kit. Charge $200 just to come out and do the labor though even it was bulb change, while still not worth 200 at least what he did was more time consuming and expertise needed to do so yeah. But for the bulb I will try to get it myself and change myself when that goes.

the repair guy did say not all techs now how to repair the ballast and most just send it to panny to have it repairsd which obviously could be some to get it back and in and he said that Panansonic no longer makes the ballast for these tvs so it can only be repaired not replaced.

hope this helps.

I didn't know this thread was still active so i'll update my statistics, and it was a floor model when I bought it.
Aug. 13, 2004

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 10619h
CURRENT LAMP: 10619h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 1950
Still on the original blub

Found this thread after reaching the frustration point with the PT-50. Purchased mine in 2/04 and just replaced my second bulb. Here are my numbers:

Total: 2818
current: 1999
OSD: ON
LON: 766

This means my first bulb lasted 819 hours, replaced 9/04, and my current one went out at 1999. Soooo, I am done with this POS, If a bulb fails within a year, I'll let Panasonic replace it under the bulb warranty, but as a year from now approaches, the set will be replaced.

Mike

Being on my first bulb at 27 months and counting, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. But now it sounds like some may be luckier if they've had 3 or more burnouts. I gather you've all seen the Panasonic Class Action Lawsuit Settlement threads? [oops, can't insert URL until 5 posts!] Just received my letter yesterday.

Anyway, as of 1+ months ago:
TOTAL : 3082h
LON COUNT : 1286

Probably 3300 hrs now and still on the original bulb.

I'd like to know that thread about the law suit, because when I Google it I just see rumors about it. Can someone post the official site? Thanks.

I'd like to know that thread about the law suit, because when I Google it I just see rumors about it. Can someone post the official site? Thanks.


www.tvlampsettlement.com

4572 hours after 19 months with LON of 1337. No problems yet.

i have a panasonic dlp model pt-56dlx25. how do y'all panasonic owners get into the menu that shows the hours for the lamps? i hope it's the same on my set at this set. thanks.

anyone else gotten the a letter proposed settlement of the class action lawsuit i will post a copy as soon as i can.

got my letter about the class action and though I guess i should check that url instead and whatever particular threads are about the settlement itself the main thing I am worried about now is that I not eligible for it because my bulb didn't go before May 31st or something. Shouldn't it be if it goes in a certain # of hours not just by a certain date?

Also, like in my case and others what if the ballast went and not the actual lamp/bulb? That is just as bad and should be included. Or does there have to be another case about the ballast.

To me the best option seemed to be the option to get $1,000 towards a new Panny tv of 1500 or more which your still spending extra money on but if your ready for a new tv anyway a 1,000 towards would be great especially if you can buy anywhere including online and therefore get a good deal on top of your 1000 off but I was planning on buying a Samsung dlp next.

Usually class actions suck for the consumers who gets like .03 cents while the lawyers make out big time but I was recently a class member for a settlement agains a cell phone on verizon the v710 and it worked out surprisingly well for the consumer who got a full refund for their phone and waived etf fee or full refund of what you paid if you had receipt 200 without towards a new phone on vzw. Also, as long as it took it was supposedly quick for a class action.

So this one could take a long time and not be that great for the consumer. it seems almost as good as the other one and similiar with a few options to choose from but i just think it will exclude too many ppl including myself and be more trouble then its worth to follow up on. As well, for some reason i dont think i could find my 60lc13 receipt last i checked as i think i only had a receipt for a 50lc13 which was upgraded for free without new receipt by the local merchant who did so to make up for getting sued for fraud of selling me used goods as new on the 50" so thats how they handled it once i caught them and they were nasty about it too as if it was my fault that I wasn't dumb and caught them so i can't get receipt from them if they even have record of it which i doubt so i'm prob out of luck.

Just going to move it to the basement in teh fall and get a new tv anyway and like i said prob not a panny so the 1,000 off a new panny tv would do me no good.

Maybe we need to look at other explanations as to the longevity of your lamp. Are there any daily rituals you perform? What about your thermostat setting, humidity levels, etc? 10k+ is pretty amazing.

I think one thing that may have been preserving my bulb is that I have the TV connected to a true UPS system, which filters the AC voltage, and supplies enough power to run the set for several minutes in case of a power outage.

Oh yeah, bulb update...


LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 11196h
CURRENT LAMP: 1135h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2349

Still on the original bulb. The current lamp time is of course when I reset my timer to get rid of the nag screen that says replace bulb and reset timer.

Oh yeah, bulb update...


LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 11196h
CURRENT LAMP: 1135h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2349

Still on the original bulb. The current lamp time is of course when I reset my timer to get rid of the nag screen that says replace bulb and reset timer.

That's still awesome! You should start a new thread entitled "most hours on a lamp" or something, just so that people can see something positive posted about lamps for a change.

OK, I just lost my second bulb within 6 months. The kicker is after I lost the bulb the first time, I moved the set down to the playroom, so the new bulb can't have 100 hours on it.

With that said, my daughter noticed the TV would not come on yesterday, so last night I pulled the bulb and it was trashed. We had had some violent storms recently, but the TV was not on during the storms.

So is it possible for the bulb to get damaged by a surge when the TV is off? I know the TV is not actually off as there is still power going to it, but the bulb is off.

I have a surge protector on the TV and whole house surge protectors as well.

Any ideas. Thanks.

Any ideas. Thanks.

Have you ever had your ballast replaced? If you still have some kind of extended warranty, it might be worth it to have someone come out and have a look.

Have you ever had your ballast replaced?
No I haven't. I take it that is not a user replaceable part. No warranty.

No I haven't. I take it that is not a user replaceable part. No warranty.

From what I've been told (and heard on this forum), only a tech can get the parts & do the replacement. There were a number of posts concerning this on other threads which discussed having x number of bulbs blow in x amount of time, finally having the ballast replaced & no more problems.

Then again, it may not be the ballast. But, you should call a few Panasonic authorized service centers and at least get a quote to come out and have a look at the set. Having them check your TV should cost less than a replacement lamp, so it may be worth it. Especially if it improves the longevity of your lamp life.

is there another thread about the class action on the lc13's?

I'd really like to follow what is going on with that and see if I am eligible

is there another thread about the class action on the lc13's?

I'd really like to follow what is going on with that and see if I am eligible

Go to the website that was posted earlier - http://www.tvlampsettlement.com/

any discussion of it on this thread or other? I know with a similiar case to this but for a cell phone, the thread about it helped many share info and answer questions.

My concerns are for one I don't think I have my receipt anymore for this tv and though I guess the small local audio/video store I got it from may have record of it I am not positive of that plus do not want to deal with them after they sold me a used a 50lc13 with 800 some hours on the lamp as new which is fraud and then exchanged it for a 60lc13 to make up for it when caught so I wouldn't report it.

So my receipt is going to show a 50lc13 while I have a 60lc13 if I can even find or obtain one.

Also, my lamp hasn't gone yet but my ballast has. I see no mention of the ballast repair/replace cost which seems unfair as many had that go before the lamp and much sooner then it should on any tv. Should they have to make a separate case for the ballast?

The only remedy of much interest to me would be for the $1000 towards a new tv but it has to be Panasonic and I most likely wasn't going to get a Panasonic next. Also that remedy requires 3 or more lamp failuers

one remedy is reimbursement for cost of replacment lamp but again nothing for the ballast which was as much or more to replace/repair.

So it seems that all I or many may be eligible for is the extended warranty until May 31 , 2007 which isn't that great and I may not even be able to get that without receipt.

crappy case and terms. The one for my cell phone was much better and myself and many others got full refund of what we paid for the phone after 2 years of use or more and were able to use it to get any new phone we wanted not just same brand and also had the option to switch carrier.

This case is not offering full refund for the tv and only allowing you to get a replacment tv which i'm assuming is another of the same model or $1000 towards another Panasonic model.

bleh.

Does anyone know if that extended warranty only covers the lamp or the rest of the unit also?
My pt-50lc13 was dropped off at repair shop today, I believe it's the ballast , the bulb was changed in Feb. Anyway concacted Panasonic 2 weeks ago with same question,their customer service sucks,at first they said it only covers the lamp but I continued to point out thats not the way it reads,it just says "extended warranty remedy"it is the only remedy that does not specify lamp issues. They asked for fax of purchase reciept and lamp receipt, I faxed 3 different times and they say thay never recieved it. I guess they finaly got them and now I've called back 3 different times and told rep assigned will be "contacting me soon" of course I haven't heard anything. It's just making me wonder if maybe I could be right and panny is just ignoring me? The tv was purchased in Feb. 04.
Thanks Clearman
PS i dont post I read However you people are a wealth of information! THANKS!!

Does anyone know if that extended warranty only covers the lamp or the rest of the unit also?
My pt-50lc13 was dropped off at repair shop today, I believe it's the ballast , the bulb was changed in Feb. Anyway concacted Panasonic 2 weeks ago with same question,their customer service sucks,at first they said it only covers the lamp but I continued to point out thats not the way it reads,it just says "extended warranty remedy"it is the only remedy that does not specify lamp issues. They asked for fax of purchase reciept and lamp receipt, I faxed 3 different times and they say thay never recieved it. I guess they finaly got them and now I've called back 3 different times and told rep assigned will be "contacting me soon" of course I haven't heard anything. It's just making me wonder if maybe I could be right and panny is just ignoring me? The tv was purchased in Feb. 04.
Thanks Clearman
PS i dont post I read However you people are a wealth of information! THANKS!!My letter reads as an extended warranty, and not on just the lamp, i purchased an extended warranty for my set and it goes out nov of 07, at least i can deal with circuit city, they are not bad for lamps got mine in 2 days.

Received check for full price I paid for a cellphone 2 years ago that is now worth only a fraction of what I paid. Regardless I and others received full refund for the phone after using it 2 years.

That was a rare good class action suit.

There should be an option here to get full refund. There isn't even anything close and those like myself whose ballasts went before the bulb have no relief.

So forget it, just like they hope, i'm prob not going to the trouble for this one and just wont get a panny next time. They could at least reimburse me for the ballast.

Still on the original bulb. The current lamp time is of course when I reset my timer to get rid of the nag screen that says replace bulb and reset timer.

How do you reset the timer? I just had my bulb unit thingy replaced but the technician didn't do anything to reset the timer.

How do you reset the timer? I just had my bulb unit thingy replaced but the technician didn't do anything to reset the timer.

You do that from the service menu. I can't remember the exact button combination to get into it off the top of my head, but it should be posted in the early stages of this thread. If not, do a search for Panasonic, PT-50LC13, or black levels. There are a number of threads floating around that beat this to death.

so anyone taking advantage of the class action. I'm thinking i'm in eligible, but I know others in the same situation as me that had to have the ballast replaced were complaining the class action didn't include anything about that.

I would think Panny would at least reimburse me for that cost but problem is I couldn't find receipt for the tv last i checked and probably only have a receipt for the 50" if anything as the local merchant gave me the 60" for free in fear of being sued for fraud (selling used goods as new) after I discovered hours on the bulb of the 50 which was supposed to be new.

I think it was just a year when the ballast went or less and should have been covered. i just can't be bothered. Hopefully getting a new tv soon and the class action at the best relief which you were only eligible for if you had multiple bulb failures rewarded you with $1000 towards a new panny tv and i'm not getting a panny next time so its useless to me.

bleh, its been a fine tv though and no problems after ballast repaired. the class action seems a little weak and panny got off easy though.

hopefully my bulb wont go before the normal amount of hours and by then it will be a basement tv and I'll either replace it or i guess maybe just get another bulb as long as its in the normal amount of hours of suggested bulb life.

Oh yeah, bulb update...


LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 11196h
CURRENT LAMP: 1135h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2349

Still on the original bulb. The current lamp time is of course when I reset my timer to get rid of the nag screen that says replace bulb and reset timer.


So Cruiser, I congratulate you! I just reached that magic 10,000 number and was wondering...Are the horror stories I've been reading about the bulbs limited to the LC13s only? I have a PT-50LC14 that reaches its 2nd birthday tomorrow. My #'s are as follows:
LAMP OPERATION TIME
CURRENT LAMP: 10045h
OSD DISPLAY: ON
LON: 1298

Since the warning is coming on due to the 10045, should I just enter the work mode and reset it like I have a new lamp and see what happens, or replace the lamp now? Does anyone know if the suit involves the LC14's or not?

Holy ....

10000 hrs in 2 years! A bit of quick math indicates your TV has been on 57% of the time!! How'd you manage to still turn it on and off 1300 times :)

Look at the link about 10 posts above. As far as I know and have read, the settlement is only for LC13's and LC63's.

I have replaced 2 bulbs and ballast on first bulb blow out :mad: When I called for this bulb replacement last week CS was more receptive to exchange the lamp bulb. One more blow out and I either get a new TV or the certificate.

Jim

Bulb one 3125 Hrs
Bulb two 2859 Hrs

Bought mine in August, 2003. First bulb blew in May, 2006. The tv is on about 5 hours/day. I changed the bulb myself. It's incredibly easy.

Fortunately, I had purchased the extended 5 year warranty from Sears and it covers the bulb.

LAMP OPERATION TIME
CURRENT LAMP: 4980h
OSD DISPLAY: ON
LON: 1777

Original Bulb, set purchased 9/03

anyone cashing in on the class action? doesn't seem that great and I and others are still mad it doesnt' include the ballast.

still on first bulb and approaching the suggested life of it, so i guess it diddn't or wont be going early but the ballast did, regardless i htink this makes me in eligible for the class action.

LAMP OPERATION TIME
CURRENT LAMP: 5481h
OSD DISPLAY: ON
LON: 2180

Original Bulb, set purchased 7/04

This bulb shattered last week. I've been following recent discussions here about the class action suit, so I called Panasonic to see how they would handle a replacement. The CR asked a lot of questions, had me remove the bulb and read a number stamped on the housing, then sent out a replacement bulb at no charge.

The bulb is in, the set is working and I must say Panasonic was responsive and easy to deal with. The bulb has a 12 month warranty, but since I am on the May 2007 clock for other "performance issues", here's to hoping for two more real soon - or none at all.

Jcrofts-

Our PT50LC13 (TY-LA1000 lamp) shattered today. After reading your post, we called Panny and they told us that they would replace the lamp at no charge. They did, however also want to know the ser no. from the lamp housing. We merely have to send back the old lamp by return ship. They supply the return ship charge.

Also, they said that they are replacing ALL TY-LA1000 lamp requests due to the CA lawsuit. This should be a relief to many.

regards,

river

I am at 6400+ hours on original bulb purchased in July/Aug of 2004.

Is there a way using the hidden menus to adjust the overscan?

Am I the first to exceed 12,000 hours on the original bulb? :D

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 12031h
CURRENT LAMP: 1970h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2490

My set is a little over 3 years old now, got it the end of August 2003.

Am I the first to exceed 12,000 hours on the original bulb? :D

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 12031h
CURRENT LAMP: 1970h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2490

My set is a little over 3 years old now, got it the end of August 2003.
Wow so they can make a bulb that will go at least 10,000 hrs :)

how do we check our bulb to see if it is that type you mentioned that they are replacing?

I think it might be better not to mess with mine/ take it out if it isn't working but would like to maybe get a replacement bulb before it goes to avoid down time.
actually repairman took it out and looked at it when he repaired ballast and said bulb wasfine, so that shouldn't be a big deal.

will they send a new bulb if you have that type and call but say its still working? maybe itherwise you could say it went but then I guess they want the old bulb shipped back to them.

I mean I guess that's fine why continue using abulb type that have know prblem but I'd rather just use it till it goes and have new lamp on hand.

what is the main best # to reach panny at regarding the lamp?

last i checked wich was a month ago and the tv was only a month old it was exactly 400 hours.

some days it gets about 18 hours of use some days about 4 only. usually on the weekends it gets less but if my girl doesnt work then she wakes up early and turns it on and stays on till around this time.

but i dont hae a panosonic is a kdf-55sx955

Am I the first to exceed 12,000 hours on the original bulb? :D

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 12031h
CURRENT LAMP: 1970h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2490

My set is a little over 3 years old now, got it the end of August 2003.

well your post made me curious on mine so :P haven't checked in a while
LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 1954h
CURRENT LAMP: 1954h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 592

wow.. so low :X Well this makes sense.. in a way.. because I really only use my home theatre to either watch DVD's or watch HDTV-events I'm interested in.. most of my real-time watching was done on my old SDTV :p btw.. you mentioned yours is on the original lamp? Shouldn't your TOTAL and CURRENT be the same then? how come it says 1970h current out of 12k total?

anyhows I myself am going on about 3 years now on my custom-modified 50LCX63 ^^ :lol: at this rate, it will last me over 10 years considering I replaced my bedroom tv with a new 40"HDTV which I know for a fact now most of my viewing will take place on.. so definitely the 50" is there for party-type events and whatnot, definitely a worthy investment even through all these years and still performs exceptionally

Any news on the lawsuit against Panasonic? I know the case was due to be settled in SF last Friday. Nothing on the TVlampsettlement site. I emailed them, no reply. Thanks.

Hey Cruiser, I'm gettin close to you. Just checked and I'm past the 12,000 mark

LAMP OPERATION TIME
TOTAL : 12027h
CURRENT LAMP: 12027h
OSD DISPLAY : ON
LON COUNT : 2034

I purchased my unit in Sept, '03.

My CC warranty expires in less than 2 months. I can't believe the lamp is still going strong.


Dave

Well, it finally happened -- after flawless performance since September '03, the TV won't turn on. I just get the dreaded blinking green light.

The last time I checked usage was back in April, so I'm estimating current stats at:

CURRENT LAMP: 8725
LON COUNT : 1718

Now I'll find out if the Circuit City extended warranty was worth the money.

Well, it finally happened -- after flawless performance since September '03, the TV won't turn on. I just get the dreaded blinking green light.

The last time I checked usage was back in April, so I'm estimating current stats at:

CURRENT LAMP: 8725
LON COUNT : 1718

Now I'll find out if the Circuit City extended warranty was worth the money.
I used the circuity city warranty, I suggest you pull the bulb yourself and see if its blown before calling, when you tell them they ship you a new one within 2 days I was impressed. otherwise you wait forever for the repair guy they told me 1 week :rolleyes:

I'm two years on the original lamp expecting mine to go at any time. I have a spare and also a CC warranty.

Does CC require you return the blown lamp? No problem with that. Just curious.

I used the circuity city warranty, I suggest you pull the bulb yourself and see if its blown before calling, when you tell them they ship you a new one within 2 days....

Thanks for the info... will probably try to pull it and have a look.

I'm two years on the original lamp expecting mine to go at any time. I have a spare and also a CC warranty.

Does CC require you return the blown lamp? No problem with that. Just curious.
Yes they have you return it to panasonic, they provide shipping label.