I've got a Samsung HL-P5063W, and when turn the power on the lamp light will blink like its turning on, but it never will turn on and display a picture. It then "clicks" and then starts over again attempting to turn on. This happens a few times, then all three lights on the front start blinking.

If I power it off, then on again, eventually it finally does turn fully on and display a picture, after several tries of this. This doesn't happen all the time though, most of the time it turns on as normal. Is this a lamp problem, or something else? Its out of warranty, so I'm hoping its something simple.

If you do get a picture, I doubt it's the bulb. IMO, you need to call for service or replace (IMO, one should get an EW for all microdisplays).

how old is the tv? could be the lamp. The blinking 3 lights sounds like it.. unscrew the housing cover and open the panel. Then close it again and screw it back on. There is a sensor that will not turn on the tv if the cover is not secure, that may be the problem too...
here is info on changing it
http://www.jangro.com/a/2006/08/03/how-to-change-your-samsung-dlp-lamp-in-5-minutes/

I got the TV right around when it was first released, so its close to 3 years old. Yes, I made the mistake of not getting the extended warranty. I wont make that mistake again if I ever get a new TV.

To answer Bobcel: I'm really not sure its the lamp, which is why I had asked here...but it could be. Would a lamp only sometimes display a picture? It will go anywhere between a week or a month of turning on and displaying a picture just fine, before exhibiting this behavior. The thing is, it always eventually comes on and displays a picture (knock on wood).

I will call for service, but wanted to check whether anyone knew offhand if it was something I could fix by replacing a part (since the service call would come out of my pocket due to no warranty any longer). Replacing the lamp looks easy, if it comes to that.

Well I have heard that the set could try resetting itself when a lamp starts going. Since you are exhibiting the triple light message and your set is 3 years old it most likely is the lamp. Has it looked dimmer at all that you could tell lately? I'm sure Samsung can shine a light on the issue.....no pun intended. Let us know what they say.....I have a HLS 7178 so somewhere along the line I'm sure my lamp will go too.... I did buy an ex warr on mine though....