Panasonic Class Action / PT-50LC13 Lamp gone after 4 months

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 11:45 AM

Heard a popping noise and the screen went dead. Red lamp light is flashing on the front of the set.

I called the number on the sheet that came with the TV. 800-332-5368, it says to call this number if the lamp goes bad in the first year for a replacement. The rep said that is a misprint and I need to call 800 211 7262. I've been on hold now for 45 minutes.

Has anyone had any luck getting a free replacement lamp from Panasonic?

Is it normal for the glass filament to 'explode' when the lamp goes? I pulled out the lamp unit, and the inside of the glass housing is filled with small shards of glass.

NVboy · 07-28-04, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dexter999
Heard a popping noise and the screen went dead. Red lamp light is flashing on the front of the set.

I called the number on the sheet that came with the TV. 800-332-5368, it says to call this number if the lamp goes bad in the first year for a replacement. The rep said that is a misprint and I need to call 800 211 7262. I've been on hold now for 45 minutes.

Has anyone had any luck getting a free replacement lamp from Panasonic?

Is it normal for the glass filament to 'explode' when the lamp goes? I pulled out the lamp unit, and the inside of the glass housing is filled with small shards of glass.

Ouch. So you were merely watching tv and the bulb blew?

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Ouch. So you were merely watching tv and the bulb blew?

Yup.. right smack dab in the middle of Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Panasonic gave me the number of a local service center.. They are ordering the lamp unit and will come out to replace it when it arrives.

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 01:03 PM

The local service guy just called me back.. Apparently, he has been waiting over 2 weeks for the same lamp for another customer. It is back-ordered and there is no ETA.

Do I have any other options? I bought it at Tweeter, you think they might take it back?

Spending 3k on a TV only to have it become a paperweight after 4 months, with no ETA on a repair seems a little ridiculous.

magaggie · 07-28-04, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dexter999
Spending 3k on a TV only to have it become a paperweight after 4 months, with no ETA on a repair seems a little ridiculous.

This is astonishing, this seems to be the mantra of this forum! Search the HLN owners thread, the GWIII owners thread, any of the multiple "my HLP died" threads. If it's not one manufacturers crappy lamps, then it's another manufacturers faulty ballasts or "lamp-drivers". Now Panny's too?

Did older RP-CRT's blow bulbs once a year too?

Solarius · 07-28-04, 01:23 PM

Nope, I'm still on my first bulb after 3+ years of heavy use. This TV was on for a good 5-10 hours a day for the first two years as I lived with roomates who worked ( and some didn't ) different hours than myself.

NVboy · 07-28-04, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dexter999
The local service guy just called me back.. Apparently, he has been waiting over 2 weeks for the same lamp for another customer. It is back-ordered and there is no ETA.

Do I have any other options? I bought it at Tweeter, you think they might take it back?

Spending 3k on a TV only to have it become a paperweight after 4 months, with no ETA on a repair seems a little ridiculous.

You do have other options. Check on Panasonic's site. They list all the certified Panasonic service centers in your area. I'd call all of them and see if one of them, by chance, has a bulb.

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 02:28 PM

15 service centers within 100 miles, none have a lamp.. The best ETA I could get from a rep at Panasonic is August 6th to ship.. (though if I look at their website, it shows back-ordered til August 3rd). Which means at least 2 weeks before I can get it. This is the only TV I have btw. Guess there will be no Red Sox for me.

Beaker1024 · 07-28-04, 02:34 PM

This thread makes me think about the idea of ordering another bulb to have on hand incase this happens.... I wish the price of them would go down. If you wanted to just get another bulb would you only look to Pannasonic to buy one through or does the manual / pannasonic have the specifics of the bulb and you might find another vendor to get one through? (I do not have the manual availbable to me at the moment.).

BTW I also have a PT50LC13 set.

GooglyBear · 07-28-04, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NVboy
You do have other options. Check on Panasonic's site. They list all the certified Panasonic service centers in your area. I'd call all of them and see if one of them, by chance, has a bulb.

this reminds me to check on my lamp usage hours when i get home tonight

hmm.. nvboy, have you noticed anyone with a 50lcx63 whose set needed bulb/lamp replacement already?

I want to see if we've gotten to a point yet where we can start seeing real-world hours on bulb life for our 50lcx63 sets

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 02:46 PM

It's a whole lamp assembly. There doesn't appear to be any way to replace just the bulb. If there was, just from peeking inside it, you'd have to do some soldering & stuff.. The only way to get a new one would be from Panasonic.. The problem is; they don't have any!

Beaker1024 · 07-28-04, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dexter999
It's a whole lamp assembly. There doesn't appear to be any way to replace just the bulb. If there was, just from peeking inside it, you'd have to do some soldering & stuff.. The only way to get a new one would be from Panasonic.. The problem is; they don't have any!

I must have been mistaken then. I was under the impression that the user can change out simply the bulb itself (not any ballast or imagining unit, etc..). I thought I remember a piece of paper that came with the set telling the user how to do the bulb replacement on their own. Either way the obvious major bottleneck / issue is the availability of the bulb (or lamp unit, etc..) themself.

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 03:28 PM

it is easily replacable, but the bulb sits in a plastic/metal housing that pugs into the set. It's not something that you can just replace with an aftermarket bulb. You have to get the whole assembly.. Maybe I'll post a picture in a bit.

NVboy · 07-28-04, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GooglyBear
this reminds me to check on my lamp usage hours when i get home tonight hmm.. nvboy, have you noticed anyone with a 50lcx63 whose set needed bulb/lamp replacement already?

I want to see if we've gotten to a point yet where we can start seeing real-world hours on bulb life for our 50lcx63 sets

GB,

I haven't seen any mention at all of someone who had to replace their bulb yet. Then again, I'm still not sure how many of us are even on the forum. Seems like we can count all the PT-50LCX63 owners on 1 hand.

I'm still not even giving the bulb any kind of thought. If it goes, I'll deal with it then. Having 1 non-functional tv in the house won't kill me. Let me know how many hours you have racked up at this point.

GooglyBear · 07-28-04, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NVboy
GB,

I haven't seen any mention at all of someone who had to replace their bulb yet. Then again, I'm still not sure how many of us are even on the forum. Seems like we can count all the PT-50LCX63 owners on 1 hand.

I'm still not even giving the bulb any kind of thought. If it goes, I'll deal with it then. Having 1 non-functional tv in the house won't kill me. Let me know how many hours you have racked up at this point.

:lol: I guess we can finally end the debate of which is the "best" of the lcd rptv class. I myself am guilty of being so contentedly happy with my set that I've gone awol for a bit. I was only drawn back in by JoePerri with his mod tut

I'll revive that ancient thread on panasonic life lamp hours later when I get home, I've had my set now for about 7 months come August so I'm curious to see where I'm clocking in at.

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 04:13 PM

Pictures:

http://mysite.verizon.net/rew9/panasonic/

The LCX63 uses the same lamp

misterHT · 07-28-04, 04:15 PM

You can find that bulb online. Do a Google search.

dexter999 · 07-28-04, 04:23 PM

Maybe if I want to pay $299 for it.. But it's under warranty so I have to go through Panasonic or an authorized service center..

misterHT · 07-28-04, 04:56 PM

Buy it online and send Panasonic the bill. If they can't replace it in a REASONABLE time, you have the legal right to do it yourself and bill them for your cost.

Are you sure the bulb is covered in the warranty? That doesn't sound like a manufacturer's defect.

Dallas_Jose · 07-28-04, 05:11 PM

I have posted my story here in another thread. Basically 2 weeks and it was good as new.

patpend · 07-28-04, 05:48 PM

My 50LC13 lamp went out on July 12, 2 months after delivery. I have a 4 year warranty from BB. They did not send out the tech for 3 days. I'm still waiting for the lamp.

The Panasonic tsr just told me they expect 250 lamps to arrive by 8/2 for the entire USA. In 2 weeks there will be another 400 delivered and two weeks after that another 600.

Just FYI for those who are looking at a dark screen right now.

My first post after reading AVS Forum for years.

garyrox · 07-28-04, 09:08 PM

My lamp went out a couple of weeks ago over four of July, went out on a thursday while watching CSI Las Vegas. Friday morning I called panasonic since set was 10 months old. i was on hold to panasonic for approx 10 minutes. CSR simply told me to call my local authorized service center, made appointment for the next Wednesday due to Monday and tuesday being holidays for them and I. At the appointment time on Wednesday , service rep called , said he was running late and would order the lamp assy. they called me the next tuesday , said lamp was in, and rep came Wednesday evening, put the lamp in and reset the counter. took them only 6 days to get the lamp, they were surprised also.

arkid · 07-28-04, 11:07 PM

Mine blew after approx. 3 months. The lamp was replaced but it didn't fix anything so they replaced the ballast which again didn't fix anything. I returned the set. A couple of months later I got 2 new bulbs in the mail.

klemsaba · 07-29-04, 11:38 AM

Mine went first of June. Waited and waited because the lamp was on backorder. Finally when the new ballast didn't fix the problem I called Panasonic about ordering the lamp from 'alternate' distributors. The Rep took my name and number and called me back within 30 minutes informing me my lamp was going to be shipped ASAP. I had it 3 days later (weekend got in the way) and was up and running.

Call Panasonic back and ask about getting a lamp from a different distributor.

dexter999 · 07-29-04, 11:43 AM

Arkid,

You have 2 lamps and no longer have the set? Or did you return it for the same set?

If you do have spare lamps, would you sell them?

arkid · 07-29-04, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dexter999
Arkid,

You have 2 lamps and no longer have the set? Or did you return it for the same set?

If you do have spare lamps, would you sell them?

I don't have the set anymore but i'm still interested in getting a new one, I just saw that they have them again at Sears after about 8 months (Sears is where I originally purchased the set). I have to buy from Sears as they offered me a 1K discount on any new set for all the trouble I went through.
I was going to wait until the new Sony's come out and then decide.
I don't feel right about selling them, maybe i'll donate them or something.

Beaker1024 · 07-29-04, 12:07 PM

Arkid,
If your answer is that you do not have the set any more and are willing to selling the bulbs please put me down on the list of possibly interested parties. Thanks.

EDIT: I submitted this post at the same time you posted your response to dexter999.

GooglyBear · 07-29-04, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arkid
I don't have the set anymore but i'm still interested in getting a new one, I just saw that they have them again at Sears after about 8 months (Sears is where I originally purchased the set). I have to buy from Sears as they offered me a 1K discount on any new set for all the trouble I went through.
I was going to wait until the new Sony's come out and then decide.
I don't feel right about selling them, maybe i'll donate them or something.

Don't bother selling them. Donate it to charity. The GooglyBear fund.

dexter999 · 07-29-04, 12:22 PM

the Dexter999 fund needs them more. That poor charity is without television!

NVboy · 07-29-04, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GooglyBear
Don't bother selling them. Donate it to charity. The GooglyBear fund.

Sorry, GB. Dexter's plight saddens me & seems to be a very worthy cause. How could anyone look at his sad picture and not be overcome with grief? The pain and suffering his set must be going through must be horrendous. I shall be praying to the TV gods for you, so hang in there Dex!

07-28-04, 11:45 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	Panasonic Class Action / PT-50LC13 Lamp gone after 4 months Heard a popping noise and the screen went dead. Red lamp light is flashing on the front of the set. I called the number on the sheet that came with the TV. 800-332-5368, it says to call this number if the lamp goes bad in the first year for a replacement. The rep said that is a misprint and I need to call 800 211 7262. I've been on hold now for 45 minutes. Has anyone had any luck getting a free replacement lamp from Panasonic? Is it normal for the glass filament to 'explode' when the lamp goes? I pulled out the lamp unit, and the inside of the glass housing is filled with small shards of glass.

07-28-04, 04:13 PM	#16 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	Pictures: http://mysite.verizon.net/rew9/panasonic/ The LCX63 uses the same lamp Last edited by dexter999; 07-28-04 at 04:19 PM..

07-28-04, 04:15 PM	#17 \| Link
misterHT Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 175	You can find that bulb online. Do a Google search. __________________ My HT Equipment

07-28-04, 04:56 PM	#19 \| Link
misterHT Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 175	Buy it online and send Panasonic the bill. If they can't replace it in a REASONABLE time, you have the legal right to do it yourself and bill them for your cost. Are you sure the bulb is covered in the warranty? That doesn't sound like a manufacturer's defect. __________________ My HT Equipment

07-28-04, 05:11 PM	#20 \| Link
Dallas_Jose Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 889	I have posted my story here in another thread. Basically 2 weeks and it was good as new. __________________ "If you want the ultimate in PQ, use a PC with DVI connection and make sure you do 1x1 pixel mapping." -Arun Panasonic PT-50LC13 Pictures and setup including HTPC click here More pics and Doom 3 pics and Half life 2 pics Interested in HTPC, ffdshow, powerstrip easy to understand guides Panasonic PT-50LC13 on HTPC thread Why do most HTPC owners spend $300 on a case, $300 on a cpu, $300 on ram, exc and then spend $80 on the most important visual component in their systems graphic cards? why?

07-28-04, 01:03 PM	#4 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	The local service guy just called me back.. Apparently, he has been waiting over 2 weeks for the same lamp for another customer. It is back-ordered and there is no ETA. Do I have any other options? I bought it at Tweeter, you think they might take it back? Spending 3k on a TV only to have it become a paperweight after 4 months, with no ETA on a repair seems a little ridiculous.

07-28-04, 01:23 PM	#6 \| Link
Solarius Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Masswhole Posts: 344	Nope, I'm still on my first bulb after 3+ years of heavy use. This TV was on for a good 5-10 hours a day for the first two years as I lived with roomates who worked ( and some didn't ) different hours than myself.

07-28-04, 02:28 PM	#8 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	15 service centers within 100 miles, none have a lamp.. The best ETA I could get from a rep at Panasonic is August 6th to ship.. (though if I look at their website, it shows back-ordered til August 3rd). Which means at least 2 weeks before I can get it. This is the only TV I have btw. Guess there will be no Red Sox for me.

07-28-04, 02:34 PM	#9 \| Link
Beaker1024 Advanced Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: New London County, CT Posts: 885 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	This thread makes me think about the idea of ordering another bulb to have on hand incase this happens.... I wish the price of them would go down. If you wanted to just get another bulb would you only look to Pannasonic to buy one through or does the manual / pannasonic have the specifics of the bulb and you might find another vendor to get one through? (I do not have the manual availbable to me at the moment.). BTW I also have a PT50LC13 set.

07-28-04, 02:46 PM	#11 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	It's a whole lamp assembly. There doesn't appear to be any way to replace just the bulb. If there was, just from peeking inside it, you'd have to do some soldering & stuff.. The only way to get a new one would be from Panasonic.. The problem is; they don't have any!

07-28-04, 03:28 PM	#13 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	it is easily replacable, but the bulb sits in a plastic/metal housing that pugs into the set. It's not something that you can just replace with an aftermarket bulb. You have to get the whole assembly.. Maybe I'll post a picture in a bit.

07-28-04, 04:23 PM	#18 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	Maybe if I want to pay $299 for it.. But it's under warranty so I have to go through Panasonic or an authorized service center..

07-28-04, 05:48 PM	#21 \| Link
patpend Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alexandria VA Posts: 23	My 50LC13 lamp went out on July 12, 2 months after delivery. I have a 4 year warranty from BB. They did not send out the tech for 3 days. I'm still waiting for the lamp. The Panasonic tsr just told me they expect 250 lamps to arrive by 8/2 for the entire USA. In 2 weeks there will be another 400 delivered and two weeks after that another 600. Just FYI for those who are looking at a dark screen right now. My first post after reading AVS Forum for years.

07-28-04, 09:08 PM	#22 \| Link
garyrox Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Henrietta, NY Posts: 20	My lamp went out a couple of weeks ago over four of July, went out on a thursday while watching CSI Las Vegas. Friday morning I called panasonic since set was 10 months old. i was on hold to panasonic for approx 10 minutes. CSR simply told me to call my local authorized service center, made appointment for the next Wednesday due to Monday and tuesday being holidays for them and I. At the appointment time on Wednesday , service rep called , said he was running late and would order the lamp assy. they called me the next tuesday , said lamp was in, and rep came Wednesday evening, put the lamp in and reset the counter. took them only 6 days to get the lamp, they were surprised also.

07-28-04, 11:07 PM	#23 \| Link
arkid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Valencia, CA Posts: 413	Mine blew after approx. 3 months. The lamp was replaced but it didn't fix anything so they replaced the ballast which again didn't fix anything. I returned the set. A couple of months later I got 2 new bulbs in the mail.

07-29-04, 11:38 AM	#24 \| Link
klemsaba Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 529	Mine went first of June. Waited and waited because the lamp was on backorder. Finally when the new ballast didn't fix the problem I called Panasonic about ordering the lamp from 'alternate' distributors. The Rep took my name and number and called me back within 30 minutes informing me my lamp was going to be shipped ASAP. I had it 3 days later (weekend got in the way) and was up and running. Call Panasonic back and ask about getting a lamp from a different distributor.

07-29-04, 11:43 AM	#25 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	Arkid, You have 2 lamps and no longer have the set? Or did you return it for the same set? If you do have spare lamps, would you sell them?

07-29-04, 12:07 PM	#27 \| Link
Beaker1024 Advanced Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: New London County, CT Posts: 885 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Arkid, If your answer is that you do not have the set any more and are willing to selling the bulbs please put me down on the list of possibly interested parties. Thanks. EDIT: I submitted this post at the same time you posted your response to dexter999.

07-29-04, 12:22 PM	#29 \| Link
dexter999 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 77	the Dexter999 fund needs them more. That poor charity is without television! Last edited by dexter999; 07-29-04 at 12:40 PM..