I turned on my television and there is either a really big shadow or a 2" strip that is very light. Didnt know if this was a bulb issuse or something more. Any help would be appreciated. Tv is 2-3 years old hl-r5078w. thanks

The strip is on the far left of the screen and comes to a point at the top.

Check the left side shadow thread, look at the last few pages, seems like the shadow can appear as you describe:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=758625

My shadow seems to be all over except about 3" on the left side. Not sure what it is or how it happened.

Sounds like it could be the dreaded light tunnel failure. Check the thread that mes444 put up there.

Cary