Marantz VP8600 'lamp error 1' problem + bulb replacement instructions

My VP8600 will turn on but the bulb isn't firing. The Power/Lamp light is blinking blue x5 red x1, which according to the manual is 'lamp error 1'. Anyone know what that means?

I'd assume the lamp is out but I've only put about 500 hours on the thing.

I pulled the cover and looking at the lamp during the start up sequence I can see the lamp itself flashing a dim blue but it doesn't light.

If it is the lamp, where is the best place to buy them?

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Edit - It was the lamp. Marantz replaced it under warranty and the projector is working great now.

If anyone else has one of these and needs to replace the bulb it's very simple. You can hurt yourself and your projector if you don't know what you are doing. I take no responsibility for anything bad that might happen from following these directions.

Make sure it's unplugged and has cooled off for at least a few hours before opening.

1. There is one screw on the back by the inputs, remove it.
2. The cover slides forward and then up and off.
3. There is a black cover over the lamp with one screw, remove that screw.
4. Pull the cover up on the side closest to the side of the projector. It is 'hinged' on the other side.
5. There are two screws on the top of the lamp assembly body. They unscrew and stay with the lamp. Unscrew them
6. Pull up the lamp with the handle, being careful with the connector at the back.

You should never power the projector with the cover off. There is a safety switch on the top of one of the sides that will prevent the projector from powering on with the cover off.

I got mine new from a different online vendor. There should have been zero hours on it.

Well I called Marantz support at (800) 654-6633 and got a helpful person who ran the problem by one of their techs. The over the phone diagnosis was lamp or ballast, but they weren't sure without seeing it. Lamp warranty is 90 days and the rest is warrantied for 3 years.