Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a lamp?
In the early 2000's Major manufacturers produced a "new" type of "large screen" consumer television unit. Totally new technology driven by a "car headlight" sized lamp. Many consumers were unaware of this at the time of purchase.
The lamp is a consumable item and has a limited life span. It is normal for the lamp to fail after a few years of use. The most common "pointer" to the problem is front indicator lights flashing. Consult your user's manual.
Front light flashes, indicating: DEFECTIVE LAMP
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How can I confirm that I need a lamp?
If you do not believe the flashing lights on the front, or have no indicator lights of any kind, unplug the 120 VAC power connections for 60 seconds and try again. Lamps can be intermittently defective. A lamp fault can occur that causes the TV to shutdown. The lamp may still operate intermittently, but it is nearing the end of useful operation.
If you heard a "pop", the lamp may be physically "shattered" or broken. Sometimes the lamp shattering is silent. Most user manuals have lamp change instruction. Lamp can be removed from most units by the user and inspected for physical damage. Be aware of mercury and sharp glass hazards when handling, as in users manual.
There is no way for a user to measure a lamp to determine if it is useful.
Make the room quiet and listen for the "ballast" squeal. Most rear projection dlps produce a low level squeal sound from the rear of the unit at start up. This is the ballast building up a high voltage, high frequency pulse to fire the lamp. This can occur 3 times (usually) and the unit shuts off if there is no working lamp installed. Sometimes the unit fires on the 2nd or 3rd try. This indicates weak lamp on it's last legs. Common service complaint is "Takes a long time to start" Replacement Lamp or bulb is the remedy.
Push Menu on the TV Remote hand unit.
Many users pay for a TV Service call and the tech discovers that the unit is "On". A cable box has stopped working and produces no sound and a black screen. Always check the menu and unplug/reset power.
I have a "poor" picture
A "Weak Bulb" can cause dim no contrast images. This can be caused by a variety of things, lamp failure is only one possible cause.
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Why are lamps not easily available at the local convenience store?
There are too many different housings and lamps to choose from.
They are fragile, delicate items that are easily damaged.
Technical competence is required for efficient replacement.
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Why is an accurate Model number from the rear of the unit required?
Lamps and lamp cages are not interchangeable. DLP and LCD TV models span a seven-year period with 15 manufacturers. Lamps are designed for use with specific voltages and currents. The correct lamp must be connected to a specific light engine (optical block) or the lamp life and picture quality may be reduced.
Samsung and other manufacturers occasionally change or modify the specific components during a model year because of shortages or to improve reliability or lower costs.
Samsung provides a tag on the lower left of the unit that has the actual lamp number that was installed at the factory.
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What is email or Interac Pay?
If you have "Online" banking with any Canadian Bank, an email can be sent to anyone with an email address for payment. This feature is located in the "Pay Bills" part of your banking site.
It is secure, as there is no credit card or other personal information exchanged.
A security question is asked by you and the receiver of funds has to answer. e.g. Question = What City am I in? Answer = Your City
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What are shipping arrangements for lamps?
Shipping is done by courier services.
All lamps have 10 day shipping included anywhere in Canada. $24 extra for 4 day shipping. This is for mailing addresses within or near major centers.
If you live in a rural area the shipping may be a few days longer. If you live in an apartment and are not home, package will not be left, you will have to arrange to pick-up.
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Why gst and no pst?
Hotline Electronic Services in Calgary, Alberta is supplying the lamp. Alberta has no pst and we are not obligated to collect pst for other provinces.
You can pay pst if you prefer. Send money and information to your provincial government and mark envelope "Voluntary pst payment".
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Why don't you use a shopping cart?
We are service company first and will confirm that the correct lamp for your situation is offered and deal with any specific service or other details for your unit.
A shopping cart is used by many "Internet Storefront Re-marketers" that do not have any connection with the specific products being offered. A lot of incorrect information is used to sell lamps/bulbs and unsatisfied customers result. Many of the lamp website operators sell DVD players, Ipod accessories or eyes and hair for doll making on other websites. Anything that can be inserted into a shopping cart is offered.