Panasonic PT-50LC13 50-Inch TheaterWide HDTV-Ready Projection LCD TV
Svc Contract worked, but bulbs = LEMON set
I guess I got lucky.  I got the BB service contract on my set when I bought it.  I would never buy any tech over $1000 without an extended svc contract, especially new models or 'fragile' tech like HDTV's and laptops.       The bulb ignitor circuit board in my set died during the first year I owned it.  The svc contract covered it so it was just the aggravation of waiting for the parts to be available and arrive.  Later I decided to get rid of a small dot I had noticed on the set in the upper left quadrant.   It had been there all along, I just decided I'd try to get the dot fixed while the svc contract was still going strong.  The svc contractor played process of elimination trying to get rid of the spot.  He ended up replacing the projector/light engine, the screens(twice), and the bulb.  Anyway I got bascially a whole new set other than the housing, and its been going strong for a long time now.  I've owned the set about 2.5 yrs I think.        To me its been a great set but I had the guts replaced almost entirely as it turned out.      I agree with other people who have said to wait until the red flashing light is off before turning the set on again.  When you turn the set off, it goes into a cooldown sequence for the bulb.         update ----       Well my 2nd bulb died much earlier than I had anticipated.  There seems to be validity to the short bulb life issue after all.  I still think the cooldown procedure can hurt the ballast part, but the bulb life itself is ridiculous. I use my computer alot so I don't even have the tv on that much other than watching a few late night shows, and a few times a week watching a few movies.      I'm going to see if my BB contract will cover the bulb at the very least.  I'm going to try to push for a replacement set from BB or a refund of my purchase price from Panasonic if I can.  I've read enough reviews to see that $300 on a bulb every 7 to 10 months is the norm and unacceptable.  I may have to sign up on the lawsuit as well.  I will see what satisfaction I can get.