HD-61Z585- Bulb Replacement From Discount Merchant

[DC1]

My intent is not to rip on the board sponsor but to point out a problem with their policy. I bought a backup bulb as has been suggested by some on this board. I ordered it a year ago and finally put it in this week. It has remained in the original box, unopened this entire time. This is probably by third replacement so I have the change down pat. After replacing the bulb the TV developed a darker area over the middle of the screen around the bottom. Since I just replaced the bulb I can only assume it was from the bulb since the problem just started. I called Discount Merchants to explain what happened and they said since it's a year old they can't do anything even if it's been in the box. I'm not sure how you warranty something that hasn't been used but my suggestion would be to only buy a bulb close to the time to when you are ready to replace and never buy two as they suggest on their site. The customer service guy I can only hope was new because he really provided no help at all. I bought from them based on this being a quality bulb but so far I have no reason to believe it is. I know they're a sponsor but I'm not happy.

[videobruce]

1. It's a 'lamp', not bulb.
2. This is not unreasonable. The seller has no way of you proving the lamp was not out of the box or installed. It's too easy to 'scam' the seller. Thats' way, I would never do this. If you buy any item just to have on hand, test it first!

What i did was to install the replacement and keep the original on hand as a backup. ;)

[tierneyj]