Help with Hitachi Ultravision 50vg825

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Sylin

LotR - thanks for the info. Do you have a particular vendor in mind that sells these lamps? After dropping over $100 on the first one, I am not eager to roll the dice on an untrusted source.

Also, while I do appreciate the info, I'm not sure about the solution here. The lamps in these TV's just provide white light, which shines on the optical block. I'm not sure how even the incorrect lamp would produce a yellow tint to the screen. I'm not saying you aren't correct--just that all the research I've done points to the light engine, not the lamp.

Still, for $100 it might be worth it. I spoke with 2 different local Hitachi service centers, and was told the light engine is around $430 to replace, plus labor. That's waaaaaay more than I want to spend--I'll junk it and cut my losses before I do that. Or, ya know, I might just try a different lamp. It's just a tough decision spending another $100 on this and not knowing the outcome. Do lamp vendors offer refunds?

Alright, you might be right, I just share my experience on this in hope that it might get you in the right direction.
As for the lamp itself, I'm in Victoria area in Canada, and just the lamp without the casing is $200 for me (with the casing over $400 ). This world we live in is very sick!
So, I can't really help you there, but ask around, someone knows for sure a trustable place with a decent price. The USA is so big!

If you are convinced it's the light engine, just give up man, it ain't worth it, you can buy a brand new 1080p plasma 50" for $599 or so (perhaps $699 ).
Anyway you know the score...

If only you can find a place that will let you try a new lamp just for testing you know, that'll be the best for now; Googgle around, and see close to where you live or good friendly neighbors with a similar TV.

Good luck (when mine's gone she's real gone!), and say Hi to Dad.

P.S. Now, are they any people familiar with that TV? The Hitachi 50VG825, a rear projection LCD with a native resolution of 720p (1280x720 lines).
Which resolution should I send to it from my Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player?
That would be cool to know from an expert or two.
Thanks.