So do rear-projection TVs really need their bulbs replaced often?
I would just rather spend $750 on a 52" rear-projection flat screen, than $1,000 on a 42" flat panel.
But then again I dont want to spend $500 on a new light bulb every two years.
Does anyone with a rear-projection tv have this problem? Is it worth the extra money to go for the flat panel?
I've had a rear projection tv for over 4 years now, and it's still workin fine.
So in my experience, no, you don't have to replace the bulbs.
All this stuff about lifespan of tvs and stuff is SO negligible, no matter what kind of tv you have. Assuming you don't leave your tv on all day, every day, you should never have a tv die on you before you reach a time when you wanna buy a new tv anyway.
And trust, my rear-projection tv has spent a LOT of time being on.
The only main problem with rear-projection that I've encountered is the convergence. Red tends to be pretty hard to get perfectly converged. But maybe that's just my tv.
It depends. IIRC, there are models that are notorious for short bulb life, to the point where owners are organizing class action suits. CRT rear-projectors may last longer, with care, since CRTs are very mature technology. Either way, do some research, and seriously consider an extended warranty.
It could be possible to convert to a different style of lamp that is either cheaper to replace or more reliable. I saw a magazine article recently on converting a DLP front projector to use an LED array!
You might also want to consider a front projector. The main drawback is the need for controlling all stray light sources, and any light-colored objects in the room that can potentially reflect or diffuse light from the screen back onto it. Apart from that, the projectors are much smaller than RPTVs, so if it fails, at least you don't need to hire movers to take it in for repair.