Do even the smaller LCDs have bulbs needing to be changed?

The LCDs that require bulbs to be changed are the rear-projection types, which I assume is what you mean by the "bigger LCDs". Those lamps last around 6,000 hours. Direct view or "flat panel" LCDs have a backlight that is generally rated for 30,000-60,000 hours of use, and is not easily replaceable. They typically don't go out unless it breaks.

All of Sharps LCDs have backlights that are easily replaceable. Even though it is not something that is normally replaced, if the backlight does loose some of its intensity, you basically get a new panel by replacing the backlight.

thx for the input. She said she saw some tv on QVC and almost got it. She's the type of person no way do you tell her what to buy, so I'm not even going to try to explain the different technologies to her. She knows what's best! But at least now I can tell her that there is a bulb in there that could potentially go bad, even on a sub 40 incher.

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Why explain that? It is a very remote possibility. The comments above indicate that rear projection systems have bulbs that need to be replaced. LCD panels have bulbs that generally do NOT need to be replaced.

where's the size split between what's a panel vs rp?

Flat panel LCD goes anywhere from low 10's to 37, 40, 45, 46" on a normal consumer market.

Flat panel plasma goes 37" and up, except for a Hitachi 32" plasma.

Rear projection DLP/LCD goes 42" and up. The depth of the tv usually is around 15" to a little over 2 feet at around 60"

well she'd definitely get less than 37...so i guess she would get one of those super long lasting bulbs

welp I heard that the MIL got a 34 inch phillips but i'm not sure what kind. I'm assuming there is CRT and LCD at that size. We only see her 2-3 x a year so not sure when I'll get out there to check it out.


Does she have to worry about burn in if she boxes the SD programming instead of expanding it? I forget which technology has to worry about burn in.