Hey Guys,
I'm an audio-jock who is looking for a pair of replacement bulbs for a PT D5500U projector. It looks like it'll run around $800 for the pair, but I was wondering if any of you have used non-OEM bulbs:
http://www.projectorquest.com/pt-d5500u-lamp.html?gdftrk=gdfV22194_a_7c1213_a_7c5366_a_7cET_d_LAD55W
Obviously I'm trying to fork over the cash, but if it's a "get what you pay for" thing, I'll suck it up.
I picked up a pair of 3rd party bulbs for my 5500 because it was very dim, and this turned out to be the beginning of a long struggle because the bulbs weren't the whole problem. The real problems were resolved by a $2500 trip to the factory service station in Kansas, whcih included re-replacement of the bulbs that I just paid about $500 a pair for. Parts replaced also included both ballasts, the color wheel, and some other parts. The machine now works, if memory serves, better than new.
$3 grand for an excellent used 5500 is probably not a bad deal. but I am kinda surprised that we had to go down this road at all.