Hi there:
Short post: The bulb in my 44" Toshiba DLP (model: 44HM85) exploded. I am looking to get a replacement bulb, the owner's manual specifies I should only use a "D85-LMP", however I cannot find this part anywhere. Some websites suggest the TBL4-LMP is a suitable replacement. Anyone know if this is true?
Long bitch-out: So I've had mhy Toshiba for ~ 4 years, the bulb lasted a long time before finally giving out, so no issues there. I looked at the owners manual and it specified the D85-LMP as the only replacement bulb that I should use. I live in Canada (I know...I know) and I couldn't find this bulb in any Canadian store or web site. I called the Toshiba customer service line and spoke to some absolute joker who was no help. He mentioned the model I am supposed to use, I suggested it may have been discontinued since I can't find it anywhere and that I heard the TBL4-LMP would work, could he please confirm. After waiting on hold for 5 minutes, he came back to tell me he couldn't find anything definitive, but he was "pretty sure" he heard the D85 was no longer being made, there was a new D95, and "perhaps" that would work...or "maybe' the TBL4 would work. I expressed my surprise and annoyance that Toshiba couldn't verify what model lamp(s) would work with their product, he referred me to their only part dealer in Ontario. I called the parts dealer, he said they have one D85 in stock with the housing that goes for $250 plus tax (and tax is %13 up here...no joke). I asked him if the other models would work since they are much cheaper, he gave me the run-around and said you didn't want to do that and you should never buy the naked bulb because it's almost impossible to replace without a professional. He balked when I mentioned I'd see a 4 minute You Tube how-to clip, and then changed his tune to "it isn't recommended". I can get a naked TBL4 for about $120, or cased for $160, or the stupid D85 for $250+.
Can anyone out there help me solve this issue so I can finally watch the damn Blue Jays game before the season ends? It's been almost 2 weeks already (I have a newborn at home so haven't been able to dedicate much time to this!).
Thanks,
RG
