I purchased the Vivitek 56" Rear Projection television in July of 2006 I have since had to replace the lamp for the fourth time now. Going direct to Vivitek they will charge you $196.00 for the lamp, but that does include shipping. How kind they are huh? NOT! I just purchased my fourth lamp today from Pureland Supply (www.purelandsupply.com) for $157.00. There is never an indication that the lamp is going to go bad, it just all of the sudden does not turn on. Now it's Thursday and we will go 3-5 days without a tv unless we pay additional shipping fees.
I will NEVER buy another Vivitek product not only because of my disappointment in the amount of replacement bulbs I have had to purchase but also because Vivitek customer service has never been of any help and don't really care that their product is giving me trouble. Needless to say I am EXTREMELY frustrated!