Samsung SP43J6HD 43" inch Rear Projection Fault

[DejaVu]

This TV has only 1 bulb inside it and I have opened up the back, removed the front, cleaned the mirror, wiped the dust off the bulb and wiped the inside of the screen. The problem is the image, although perfect, is very dull. The brightness & contrast only go up so far, but doesnt get high enough.

I've attempted to get into the Service menu using Mute > 1 > 8 > 3 but it doesnt do anything.

Is it worth getting into the service menu on this TV (I mean can it change anything for the better) if so, how might I do it?

1 other thing I've noticed is there is a 'Picture' LED on the front panel which is green and a 'Lamp' LED which is red. This saysto me that the Bulb may be on it's way out perhaps? I always thought, with bulbs, either the worked, or they dont? Obviously, I'm incorrect in that assumption!

I would hate to think it does need a new lamp as this one still develops a picture and a £300 bulb is way out of my expenses.

Can anyone shed some light (excuse the pun) on this fault please?

Cheers.

[minnie]

Hey D. This has a bulb/lamp. How old? 2 plus years and by what your saying, yes replace the lamp. You must live in the UK cause your killing me and can't cross reference models! 4000/6000 hours per bulb or 2 yrs is the rule of thumb.

[minnie]

This should be a/an E23 oshram lamp. Take it out of the cartridge, if it is look up a LTI lamp or #BP96-00823A.

[DejaVu]

I am in the UK .Do these TV's have different Model numbers across the pond then?

Thing is, most the parts are a lot cheaper in the US. Would be nice to find out what the US Model numbers are in relation to the UK numbers.

Sorry to give you headaches Minnie, I didnt realise.

[minnie]

Unfortunately they are. Identify the lamp (E23) and I'll find you a place.