LCD Projection TV replacement bulbs

[StoryDonut]

I've got a Sony KDFE50A10 LCD Projection TV with a bulb that will have to be periodically replaced. Word says that they last two years or so. But I understand the wear and stress on lightbulbs is when they're turned on and off, and not on the actual time they spend burning. Since I tend to watch the set several times daily, I've gotten in the habit of leaving it on between viewings, and turning it off at the very end of the day when I know I'm going to bed.

Does anyone know if I'm really extending the bulb's life or not? Do the Sony's measure bulb life with an "odometer" of sorts, and prematurely "disable" the bulb after so many hours, even if it still may have more life left in it?

[BJ_M]

yes - they disable the bulb based on hours ... also the performance decreases with age and as with all lcd panels - lcd panels also lose transparency the more they are used ...

the standard is -- shut the bulb down at 1/2 the expected max life ..

they do this because if the bulbs blow (they are under very very high pressure) - they could cause damage to the electronics and/or the user... also at the 1/2 life mark (when they are replaced) , the light output is only in the 70% range of a new bulb ..

[Deathwish238]

Generally the bulbs in RP TVs today last about 6000 hours. Your manual should tell you. Guestimate how long that will take you to go through. Also, a new bulb from Sony runs around $300-$400.