HL50A650 Lamp, Ballast, or Color Wheel?

[BNGSR]

I bought this unit before Christmas of 2008. It is heavily used and works great but the first part of October the lamp went out. A little surprised I didn't get more time out of the lamp but not shocked due to the usage. Bought a lamp with the housing and replaced it. Worked great again but a couple of nights ago the picture went out and I got the 3 flashing lights. My initial reaction was the lamp. I called the place I got the lamp and they will be sending me a new lamp. I am surprised I only got 3 months out of the lamp though. I have been reading all the posts about brightness, ballast, color wheels, dust, resetting timers and now I am wondering if maybe I have something else going on. I have had no other issues such as loud noises. Or, maybe I just got a bad lamp? Thanks.

[Jason1976]

what kind of lamp did you buy? osram, phillips?

Many sellers are substituting inferior generic lamps (marketed as OEM compatible, 100% Compatible Replacement, or compatible replacement lamp)

Just watch out. The cheap ones dont last as long. phillips last the longest.