Panasonic DLP Model PT-50LC14 had a pop and the tv went blank. One service person said to check the lamp. I took off the back but I don't have a manual so I am not sure where the lamp is located. There is a silver metal box that has screws and wires so I am not sure how this will come out. I also heard it could be the circuit board and now the power source. Check the manual online but can't find a diagram with the location of the lamp.

I had the same problem - turned the TV on one day and heard a pop. After the pop, the power button would flash red and another red light to the left of the SD card slot would flash once every five seconds. I removed the lamp and found that it had "shattered" inside. I bought a new lamp (with housing) and replaced it easily.

To replace the lamp:
1) unplug the TV
2) remove the front plastic cover (the one that has the "HDTV" logo on it
3) locate the lamp door screw to the left of the white label
4) unscrew the cover and remove
5) pull out the old lamp
6) slide new lamp in
7) reinstall all screws and covers
8) reset lamp timer

If it has "Popped" then I would expect a rather catastrophic failure, and Lamps don't go "Pop.. they just fail more likely a Capacitor, Resistor, maybe even a semiconductor... so it's off to a reputable repairman get a "quote" and proceed from there.