Mitsubishi HC3 Help!!!

[TvGuy]

Hi everyone, I have been a long time reader of this site. I thoroughly enjoy all the helpful information people have and I am glad to finally be posting and would really appreciate any advice on my dilemma.
My problem is about the Mitsubishi HC3 LCD front projector. I bought it about four months ago, got an incredible deal on it, and was blown away by the picture quality on it. Mind you I am very new to the home theater scene, this was my first big purchase in creating a home theater I can be happy with. However, about a week ago I was watching a movie on it and the picture started to flicker. I paused the movie and checked on the projector, It was warm but not hot and had only been on about an hour, I checked my connection to the DVD player and it was fine. Upon starting the movie again after about five minutes a sound like a gunshot came from my projector and the picture went blank. I don't have any idea what could have caused this. I have a sturdy surge protector that the HC-3 was plugged into. I know its the bulb but why would it go after four months. Any Ideas?

 

[RJB]

If your power is good, like it sounds, it's probably a defective bulb. I would check if your warranty covers the bulb. I would expect, however, that the bulb is only covered for 90 days...

If you're lucky, and you purchased any kind of extended warranty, that may cover the bulb...

 

[TvGuy]

Well I have learned my lesson from this experience thats for sure. It was a defective bulb and my warranty was for 90 days only. I recall buying the projector and being annoyed at the salesman's insistance on extended warranty and my feeling of "nah, I don't need that."
Well I ordered my replacement bulb and hopefully things go well this time.