DO NOT buy a Sony SXRD TV!!!

[zschu97]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support, I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?

Thanks!

[GlocksRock]

The manufacturer isn't the only place to get a replacement lamp. You can usually find them for cheap on ebay, and sometimes you can get just the bulb as you don't need the whole lamp assembly, and it's easy to replace. Just google the part number and you will find some other places to purchase it.

[Seth=L]

It should be given that this will occur. No offense to the OP but you should have researched more about this type of television. There's a good reason those LCD and DLP projection models are cheaper than LCD and Plasma sets for the size. With a DLP or LCD projection television it's not a matter of will the bulb burn out, it's when. Find out how many hours a bulb is rated for in a particular TV, find out what the cost is to replace it. If you want to save money on your initial purchase by going with a DLP or LCD projection you will end up paying for it later with issues like these.

It pays to do your research. You can't blame this all on Sony, at least not logically. With that said I would follow GlocksRock's advise here and look for an OEM bulb on ebay or some other etailer. I wouldn't want to buy a new one from Sony either, that's silly.:D

[Midcow2]

Sony isn't phony you just got a back duck! How much did you use it during 1 1/2 years ? $4000

If you want cheaper look a Vizio VX52LF - 52" LCD FHDTV $2000

=========

You asked about DLP TV (Digital Light Processing) TVs. You don't see many around, nor do you see many OLED or Plasma anymore especailly since LCD has improved so much and become more cost effective.

Of the DLP vendors Panasonic would be my choice, Panasonic 56" DLP Projection TV - PT-56DLX76. But if you think a replacement bulb costs a lot, wait until your rotating mirror color wheel fails on a DLP.

======
Why not just bite the bullet and go with a Pioneer PRO-150FD

[obscbyclouds]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support, I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?

Thanks!

To add to what the others have said, if you're planning on buying a DLP, it will also require a new bulb a few years down the road.

Oh, and don't worry, we all make purchases we aren't happy with, or didn't research well enough, it's all part of the game.

[j_garcia]

I think it is also fairly common knowledge that the bulbs are not cheap either. This isn't something that is new and unexpected, so I'm sorry if I don't have sympathy here. Yes, we all make bad purchases sometimes, but don't try to blame a company for something that is already well known to occur and not as a defect. It is sort of like brakes - they wear out and you don't get to complain when they do (normal lifespan).

[jonnythan]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support, I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?

Thanks!

How much do you think a bulb for a DLP costs from the manufacturer?

This post can't be serious.

[Exit]

I have a Samsung DLP and the bulb for it is about $220 or so. I am on about my third year with no problems yet.

[Hi Ho]

You asked about DLP TV (Digital Light Processing) TVs. You don't see many around, nor do you see many OLED or Plasma anymore especailly since LCD has improved so much and become more cost effective.

Of the DLP vendors Panasonic would be my choice, Panasonic 56" DLP Projection TV - PT-56DLX76. But if you think a replacement bulb costs a lot, wait until your rotating mirror color wheel fails on a DLP.

Huh? OLED sets are still in their infancy. The only one you can buy right now is the first one ever released for sale. It's a Sony 11" OLED for $2,500.

There are still many DLP and plasma sets available. LCD certainly hasn't come far enough to push them out of the market and it will be a while before it even gets close. LCD is far from being cost effective in larger screen sizes compared to DLP or plasma. Sony's 70" XBR LCD costs $30,000. :eek:

As for that Panasonic DLP, I'm not aware of them currently producing one and cannot even find any info about that TV on their website.

Mitsubishi and Samsung are the big players in DLP technology. They still use lamps though and you will still have to replace them periodically for $200+.

zschu97, I hope you're not junking that SXRD simply because the lamp went bad. You have to realize that this is NORMAL for that type of set and it is considered regular maintainence and is not covered under the warranty. The same goes for any rear projection set that uses a high pressure mercury lamp. Mitsubishi is releasing laser based DLP sets later this year but they won't be cheap.

[20Glove]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support, I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?

Thanks!

I agree with everyone else on here that you have to do research before you buy. I checked the price of the bulb and the rating on the bulb b4 purchasing and talked my local retailer down a few hundred dollars.

I did that and purchased the extended warranty for 5 yrs which cover the bulb 100%. I purchased the warranty for $99. I feel that is fair since the bulbs did cost a lot. The best part is that even if the bulb does not go out ... and they do not do warranty work on the set in 5 yrs... I get the bulb replaced. How could I pass this deal up.

The bulbs on the SXRD's are rated at between 5000 and 8000 hours. Now that being said... that rating is at standard mode... if you use modes like Cinema or have it calibrated... I assume you get more hours... and same is true if you use vivid color... hours would decrease since it is much brighter.

So to everyone, when buying a rear projection with a bulb expect it to go out. Look at the extended warranty... it usually covers the bulb.

I feel for the price that I got my 55" SXRD for and if I keep it past my 5 year warranty period it is much better of a deal than LCD or Plasma. I got it for $1800 less than a 52" Sony LCD (XBR5), $1500 less than the 50" Panasonic Plasma (Th777PXU-I think model #), and what $3300 less than a 50" Pioneer Kuro Plasma. So even if I had to pay for bulbs ... in comparison I could replace quite a few bulbs b4 reaching those prices.

I do not think I will ever reach the 60,000 hours or 80,000 hours mark on any TV like the Plasma's and LCD's are rated at. So with the 5 yr warranty and maybe 1-2 bulb replacements I can probably go 10 yrs with paying way less than I would for Plasma and LCD at the same quality level and with the same set of features.

So do not junk your SXRD due to a replacement bulb... go with the bulb.

[BMXTRIX]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support...
What poor customer support are you referring to? The type that tells you "Sorry sir, the warranty is expired on your lamp so you must buy a new one."? Did you do any research on RPTV digital displays before purchasing? Are you completely unaware that all rear projection displays which include DLP, LCD (rear projection), and LCoS (SXRD) require lamps which run about $200-$300 on average?

For that matter, all front projectors use these types of lamps as well, and these lamps can burn out rather quickly anywhere over 1,000 hours - sometime a fair bit less.

I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.
Not sure where you live, but I'll be happy to take it off your hands - you won't even need to drive to a junkyard.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.
Extended warranties don't cover wear and tear items such as lamps. You must buy a lamp warranty, which most retail outlets don't offer.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?
From one unknowledgable purchase to another?

DLP uses projection lamps identical in technology to the ones you were JUST complaining about from Sony. It's like you're a glutton for punishment! Pick a DLP, any company will happily sell you one, then when the lamp blows out - say in a year in a half, they will happily sell you a replacement lamp for $250... heck, maybe even $300.

If you don't want to deal with any of these headaches, get plasma - except you would probably burn it in, so it's best to go with a LCD display and just not worry about things.

[supervij]

Well, I did my research, and still ended up buying an SXRD. The picture quality is phenomenal for the price, so no regrets there. The bulb issue . . . well, here in Canada (I don't know about the States), while there's no warranty on the bulb, Sony Canada will replace the bulb if it blows within the first two years of purchase. So that made me feel good about buying RP.

In my case, the bulb did go, and there was also an issue with a faulty lamp driver. Although my SXRD was one month out of warranty (I didn't buy any extended warranty), Sony provided 100% of the cost for the replacement bulb and lamp driver -- a $750 CND value!

So I give Sony thumbs up for its customer service! :)

cheers,
supervij

[Seth=L]

I see the OP gets no sympathy from anyone, good job AH.:D

[alexsound]

After a lamp blow out and horrible customer support, I am junking my 1.5 year old Sony SXRD KDS-50A2000 50 inch tv. Sony want's $250 plus shipping for a new lamp which is shear lunacy.

So buyer beware with this model or any other SXRD for that matter, either purchase the extended warranty or put a few hundred bucks aside for good measure when purchasing a "Phony" SXRD.

Does anyone have any advice on a 50 inch 1080p DPL technology tv?

Thanks!

Believe it or not, 250 is cheap for a replacement bulb for an DLP/LCOS RPTV.
Some of the bulbs can go as high as 700.00 or more for other models out there from Mitsubishi, Samsung, etc. I did do the research on this and know the bulb for my older Mits will cost me close to 300, but for the price I paid for a 62" with a stand, It will be worth it, once the bulb goes.

[Thunder18]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Samsung's LED DLP's. LED should be a lot more reliable and long enduring light source. Granted you still have to worry about the mechanical color wheel mechanism.

[darien87]

He'll get a little sympathy from me, but that's mainly because I HATE Sony as a company in general. :D

When I was looking at TV's, I looked at an SXRD and I didn't think its picture was near as good as the Samsung LCD I ended up going with.

[EJ1]

If you're in NC, I'd love to take it off your hands.

[jonnythan]

If you're in NC, I'd love to take it off your hands.

Hell, if he's east of the Continental Divide I'll take it off his hands.

[annunaki]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Samsung's LED DLP's. LED should be a lot more reliable and long enduring light source. Granted you still have to worry about the mechanical color wheel mechanism.

It's too bad the contrast ratio SUCKS on those sets for the money. Don't get me wrong, they are decent, but much better can be had for the money, TH-50PZ85U comes to mind.

The life expectancy from Samsung on the LED sets is about 12,500 hrs. At 6 hrs. a day, everyday, that is only 5.7 yrs. Estimated cost to replace the LED system is $750.00

[mtrycrafts]

Even Toyotas and Hondas have some vehicles that fail prematurely, or require more care than others. Unfortunately, that is life in this error prone universe:D

[yettitheman]

zschu97, you have convinced me to never buy a Sony again.

















:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Seth=L]

zschu97, you have convinced me to never buy a Sony again.

















:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Hey, that's not funny!


































:D

[bandphan]

I see the OP gets no sympathy from anyone, good job AH.:D

an excellent statement. This thread reminds me of a burn in thread on a plasma that went multiple pages:cool:

My bulb whent out on my dlp about a month and a half ago(fairly soon), so i replaced it and then i replaced the tv 2 weeks later, so i guess the only thing i was bitter about was having to reprogram the remote for the new tv:p btw the dlp looks fantastic with the new bulb.

[Midcow2]

Huh? OLED sets are still in their infancy. The only one you can buy right now is the first one ever released for sale. It's a Sony 11" OLED for $2,500.


My point is they were/are new technology that has not progressed very fast or very far to the consumer. you gotta admit, no one would buy an 11" for $2,500. They are still in the reasearch and testing and if and when they continue the price poijnt is not where close to being a competitor.




There are still many DLP and plasma sets available. LCD certainly hasn't come far enough to push them out of the market and it will be a while before it even gets close. LCD is far from being cost effective in larger screen sizes compared to DLP or plasma. Sony's 70" XBR LCD costs $30,000. :eek:

Weell LCDs are good in the 52" or 54" size. The Sony KDL-70XBR3 actually retails for $32,9999.99 It is analogous to Ford GT-40 at $150,000 it shows off technology, but is not meant for sales to the masses, but not many Ford buyers are in the market for the GT40 either.

I will give up that in the range 60-72+ inches LCD does not currently fit in an DLP and other projection systems come into play. There are trade-offs on all technologies, but as you get larger and larger you tend to lose sharpness and color saturation. LCDs have better color saturation and better sharpness than DLP at a given resolution and the DLP picture does not appear rich and vibrant.

The persistance of LCDs has been improved so that fast motion is not longer a problem. However, they are still not as good at deeper blacks as Plama. According to one blog about 2008 CES, Plasma is giving way to LCD.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=948


But if you want really really big get a Panasonic TH46PXZ850.

[jonnythan]

This is a bit like buying a Civic and getting pissed that you need to put new tires on in 3 years.

Then claiming you're tossing the Civic because Honda sucks ***. And you're buying a Cobalt instead.

[billy p]

I can't beleive all you guy's are attacking the OP? He apparently expressed some displeasure with Sony's customer service and you guy's are burying him. We have all experienced some form of poor customer and I for one can understand that.;)

[jonnythan]

I can't beleive all you guy's are attacking the OP? He apparently expressed some displeasure with Sony's customer service and you guy's are burying him. We have all experienced some form of poor customer and I for one can understand that.;)

The "poor customer service" is Sony not replacing (free of charge) a consumable lamp on a rear projection TV 1.5 years after purchase.

[ParadigmDawg]

I have a pair of Nike shoes that wore-out so next time I will buy New Balance, Nike wont even return my calls.

[billy p]

I have a pair of Nike shoes that wore-out so next time I will buy New Balance, Nike wont even return my calls.

I like the comparison of Nike to Sony!! Good one. :D

[ParkerAudio]

These lamps ought to run longer than 1.5 years, when you buy these things they tell you three years, and then the companies are surprised when you call up complaining. Manufacturers also shouldn't try to screw people on the price, that being said though, $250 is not a bad price. It wouldn't make me happy, but if this is just a dud of a bulb, you could be far worse off. You could be one of the many consumers who spent more on a LCD or Plasma and are starting to have much more expensive problems, or problems that can only be resolved by pitching it in the trash.

[Martiad3]

Yeah, they say three years based on a certain usage per day/week/whatever. Use it more than that, and you'll replace it sooner. I always thought that was fairly common knowledge.

[ParkerAudio]

I think that is common knowledge, but I am betting this guy didn't get the average life out of his bulb. 1.5 years versus 3, that is a big difference, especially since these bulbs are supposed to last 8000 hours, that would be 14 hours a day and then some.

If I had time, I would start saving receipts on these extra long light bulbs I buy at my office. In big print on the box it says last 2 years or like 2400 hours guaranteed. Never happens.

[Midcow2]

I have a pair of Nike shoes that wore-out so next time I will buy New Balance, Nike wont even return my calls.

...your running shoes would last longer!! :D

Hey sticking up for OP. Yes, DLP lamps burn out and they need to be replaced! And amybe Op didn't realize thewhat the cost would be ...But maybe, just maybe, the Customer Support person at Sony did not handle the inquiry with most finesse or polish.

[darien87]

Well, Sony's done away with the SXRD line, so there's not much chance of too many people buying one anymore.

[billy p]

...your running shoes would last longer!! :D

Hey sticking up for OP. Yes, DLP lamps burn out and they need to be replaced! And amybe Op didn't realize thewhat the cost would be ...But maybe, just maybe, the Customer Support person at Sony did not handle the inquiry with most finesse or polish.

Exactly and once his frustration subsided I am pretty sure he realized replacing the bulb would be a much more cost effective than replacing the tv.:)

[Seth=L]

These lamps ought to run longer than 1.5 years, when you buy these things they tell you three years, and then the companies are surprised when you call up complaining. Manufacturers also shouldn't try to screw people on the price, that being said though, $250 is not a bad price. It wouldn't make me happy, but if this is just a dud of a bulb, you could be far worse off. You could be one of the many consumers who spent more on a LCD or Plasma and are starting to have much more expensive problems, or problems that can only be resolved by pitching it in the trash.
The longevity (relative to time in ownership) is relative to the usage and settings of the TV. Good grief, this is ridiculous. RESEARCH! I can't say it enough. Sorry for the seemingly negative attitude, but maybe this will jar the OP into doing a little more of the "R" word next time they decide to get a new TV. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just unbelievable how unreasonable people are at times, especially when it's something that's been brought to consumers' attention on numerous accounts.

[MDS]

I'm not trying to be mean, it's just unbelievable how unreasonable people are at times, especially when it's something that's been brought to consumers' attention on numerous accounts.

Like for example how burn-in is still very much a real possibility and in fact somewhat probable with plasma and yet 'LCD vs Plasma' type threads go on and on with the plasma fans dismissing every potential negative because of good 'picture quality'?

No amount of 'research' will convince you until you own and live with something for awhile. It's like everything else, once you actually buy something and personally experience the potential negative (in this case a short-lived lamp) you will shout from the rafters how much it sucks even though your case may be an isolated incident. I know one person that has replaced his bulb every single year and another that is going on five years with the original. You just can't tell what your experience may bring. You should always do 'worst case' analysis and determine what you can live with should the worst case come true.

[billy p]

The longevity (relative to time in ownership) is relative to the usage and settings of the TV. Good grief, this is ridiculous. RESEARCH! I can't say it enough. Sorry for the seemingly negative attitude, but maybe this will jar the OP into doing a little more of the "R" word next time they decide to get a new TV. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just unbelievable how unreasonable people are at times, especially when it's something that's been brought to consumers' attention on numerous accounts.

Like you RESEARCHED everything you buy? I think in certain cases some may purchased products in relation to cost. I have a question:)? All of you guys who have posted here burying the OP can honestly say have never taken isssue with something you've bought and warned a friend about it!:confused:

[Seth=L]

Like you RESEARCHED everything you buy? I think in certain cases some may purchased products in relation to cost. I have a question:)? All of you guys who have posted here burying the OP can honestly say have never taken isssue with something you've bought and warned a friend about it!:confused:
Most things I buy I have some understanding of it's value before I buy it. I can't recal the last time I was stuck with bum piece of equipment. For example, the Monitor Audio speakers I just purchased. I knew at first glance they where worth more than the $70 I was about to pay for them. I knew the Insignia receiver I own was made by Sherwood before I bought it, I knew the Teac was a high grade product before I purchased it.

The biggest dud I ever bought was the Sunfire TrueSub. I bought it having heard it in another setup (and it sounded awesome) and having read reviews that where glowing for it. It never worked in my setup, maybe I just never got the placement right.

I have spent countless hours looking at all kinds of speakers and I am quite familier with brands and how they stack up to one another. Truth be told, one can only do so much research on speakers, you have to listen for yourself.

So for the most part I do research most everything I buy.;) If I am going to make a big purchase on something as expensive as the OPs TV, you bet your *** I am going to be doing a ton of research. There would be no question about that, I wouldn't make an impulse purchase on something that much.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Like for example how burn-in is still very much a real possibility and in fact somewhat probable with plasma and yet 'LCD vs Plasma' type threads go on and on with the plasma fans dismissing every potential negative because of good 'picture quality'?

No amount of 'research' will convince you until you own and live with something for awhile. It's like everything else, once you actually buy something and personally experience the potential negative (in this case a short-lived lamp) you will shout from the rafters how much it sucks even though your case may be an isolated incident. I know one person that has replaced his bulb every single year and another that is going on five years with the original. You just can't tell what your experience may bring. You should always do 'worst case' analysis and determine what you can live with should the worst case come true.

I know you are a knowledgeable guy, but I think you might need to do some personal-hands on at home research on this one with current displays.
I would have to try pretty darn hard to get IR let alone burn-in on my Pioneer Elite 1150.
The Samsung 5084 plasma I owned before was fairly easy to get IR with but not burn-in.

[bandphan]

As to the life of the bulb lasting an average of three years, as stated, that is based on an average hours per day viewing, but the bulb can go sooner due to but not limited to, poor circulation of air if in a cabniet, pets, and one of the biggest, surges that shut the tv off without the fan comming on to cool the bulb down. All of these factors could contribute to bulb failure. The bulb is a replaceable part, with a limited life. I agree that sony has no liability in the issue. As for the cost of the bulb while seming to be high, check out the cost of this HPS light http://www.specialty-lights.com/4405.html $175 for 150 watts and large, so 150watts in a small specialty bulb for $200 doesnt seem out of line.:rolleyes:

[ParkerAudio]

The longevity (relative to time in ownership) is relative to the usage and settings of the TV. Good grief, this is ridiculous. RESEARCH! I can't say it enough. Sorry for the seemingly negative attitude, but maybe this will jar the OP into doing a little more of the "R" word next time they decide to get a new TV. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just unbelievable how unreasonable people are at times, especially when it's something that's been brought to consumers' attention on numerous accounts.

I think if you look at the math in my prior post no one should assume that the op ran his TV for 14 hours a day, that is crazy. 1.5 years is way below the average. Why is everyone assuming that this poster had his TV on all the time and his settings cranked. It is more likely that he was using it below the average amount, then whiting out his display.
I think more than likely this guy got a dud of a bulb, and that sometimes we take a hit on products that don't live up to expectations. Has nothing to do with researching an item. Perhaps he did research the item, and found that the bulb should last longer than 1.5 years. I don't necessarily see a lot of posts or information pointing to bulbs burning out in that amount of time, more likely the inverse is true.
If you calculate the cost of a new bulb in, which on the AVERAGE should last much longer than his first bulb, will be getting a great picture for a fairly low price for years to come.

[billy p]

IMHO there was no need for some of the feedback which was directed at the OP. Obviously he felt likewise! All the research I had done before making my decision to buy a DLP lead me to believe that the average life span of the bulb was approx 8000hrs. I am now going on 2.5 yrs with an average usage of 20-25 hrs per week without issue. Even worst case scenario with usage that would double my 20-25 hrs/week the bulb should of lasted 3yrs!! Then again if my bulb blew before its time I should be happy right because it is only $300.00 to replace and the money would be burning a hole in my pocket, anyways!! ;)

[bandphan]

Again, how does anyone here no exacty what happened, if it was a surge that caused it, would we be talking about bulb hours:cool:

[jonnythan]

Does it matter how many hours it lasted? The OP was clearly totally unaware that these TVs have light bulbs that need replacing every now and then - much less that the bulbs cost a couple hundred bucks.

[ParkerAudio]

I think if the bulb would have lasted 8 years, the OP would have been happy with the bulb.

[bandphan]

Also just read that sets with "dynamic" setting in use will cause the bulb to burn out on average 3000hr sooner. More food for thought for the next uniformed buyer looking to be informed first.

[supervij]

More food for thought for the next uniformed buyer looking to be informed first.
Don't sweat it, OP, you don't need to wear a uniform when doing research on or buying HDTVs. I wear plaid pants and bowling shirts and I do fine. :p

cheers,
supervij

[cccsdad]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Samsung's LED DLP's. LED should be a lot more reliable and long enduring light source. Granted you still have to worry about the mechanical color wheel mechanism.

The Samsung LED-DLP, doesn't use a color wheel. It uses 3 LED chips, Red, Blue and Green. It has a really nice picture but a horrible viewing angle. If you have a long narrow room, where everyone can site at 45 degrees of center and in, it's nice. Oh, and your eye level needs to be dead center with the screen, or very close.

[Joewee]

Guys,

You need to do more checking on replacement bulbs,
here is a link for one for $82

Sorry can't post a link yet I am new here. Msg me if you want the
link.

You don't need the housing just the bulb and you save a lot
of money.

Don't worry be happy!

[gus6464]

$250 for a replacement from Sony is actually pretty cheap. DLP bulbs usually run in the $400 range. Also did you guys know that XBR SXRD Sony's actually come with a replacement bulb in the box? I was going to buy a 60" XBR SXRD before getting my plasma and the sales guy at the Home Theater Store was telling me about this. I was also contemplating getting their service plan for $250 for 4 years which covered 2 bulbs as well. So in 4 years you could technically go through 4 bulbs at no added cost other than the out the door one.

[Soundman]

$250 for a replacement from Sony is actually pretty cheap. DLP bulbs usually run in the $400 range. Also did you guys know that XBR SXRD Sony's actually come with a replacement bulb in the box? I was going to buy a 60" XBR SXRD before getting my plasma and the sales guy at the Home Theater Store was telling me about this. I was also contemplating getting their service plan for $250 for 4 years which covered 2 bulbs as well. So in 4 years you could technically go through 4 bulbs at no added cost other than the out the door one.

Very good point. I was going to mention this myself. It does make the buyer feel better knowing they already have a replacement bulb included with the set. Also, the a3000 has about the best PQ you can get with a rear projection TV. I campared it with the Mits.'s and Samsungs and it was hands down the best picture, more accurate colors, looked a tad sharper too. The problem is that now that Sony has gotten out of RPTV's, it would be difficult to find this set. So, I think the OP did a decent job researching b/c these sets do produce a very nice picture.

[S.R. Johnson]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Samsung's LED DLP's. LED should be a lot more reliable and long enduring light source. Granted you still have to worry about the mechanical color wheel mechanism.

there is no color wheel in the samsung led dlp sets

[Sheep]

So you know this guy was a troll right?

SheepStar

[GlocksRock]

Yup, I figured as much... usually someone is when their first and only post is bashing a product like that.