Firstmate

I have monitored this Forum for 4 years I have gained a lot of insight into the world of HDTV. I have just now joined in order to post this.

I've had this TV for 2 years and with the exception of the OTA tuner have been very satisfied with it. Four weeks ago I started seeing the blooming effect described in this and other forums. I contacted Fry’s' electronics, the vendor and warranty provider, who then put me in touch it the repair service. They verified the problem over the phone, ordered the light engine, and proceeded to replace the unit two days after their receipt of the component. With the addition of a self installed new lamp (3000 hrs.+) also purchased from Fry’s', my TV is now just as bright and clear as day one.

I would like to add a cautionary note about a lamp I purchased initially from an internet vendor in March of this year. The lamp, though the correct type and wattage, wouldn't fit in the Mitsubishi housing because of a small flange around the reflector ventilation port, which the OEM lamp didn't have. This prevented the cover from being replaced on the housing. I have attempted to contact the vendor by phone and email and have had no response so far. Further research on this part on other vendor sites shows the lamps to have the same flange. One site had the entire assembly for sale, pictured without the cover. Beware.