I purchased a 3 year extended warranty (for a total of 4 years coverage) on the bulb (lamp) for my 50" Sony KDS-R50xBR1 Grand Wega Rear Projection HDTV on 12-21-05.

Like others, the sales pitch (Butterfly Photo in NY) I heard was that the bulbs are very expensive and may last only a year and the warranty would cover three replacement bulbs, therefore the $100 cost of the warranty was a bargain.

Yesterday, 12-21-08 original bulb (lamp) went out with a loud "pop". I have been trying for over a week to contact RepairTech by phone and e-mail. So far, I have got nothing but unanswered phones, busy signals and recordings saying "due to the high volume of calls, leave a message . . . we'll call you back".

I believe I'll have to "eat" this warranty like so many others who have written a complaint regarding RepairTech and their bulb replacment program.

It is a rip off! Shame on them and shame on any company (Butterfly Photo) that sells their product, takes a cut, and does not follow through with honoring the service I paid for.