How to change the lamp in an RCA HDLP50W151?

If the picture is dark you will need to replace the projection lamp. Make sure before replacing that the TV has been turned off for at least an hour as the lamp does get very hot. Just do a google search with the lamp part number of 260962 to find a decent price for it. Be careful as some will be just the bulb and not the complete assembly. I suggest replacing the complete assembly as replacing just the bulb requires gloves and being very careful handling the bulb assembly. There is an access door on the lower right side of the back of the TV where you can get to the lamp. Make sure the TV is unplugged and once you put the new lamp in make sure the door is placed back in correctly otherwise the set will fail to light the lamp. Good luck and I hope this helps : )

Sounds like your bulb poped, They are easy to change, there should be an access panel on the back, here is a link to the bulb for your model.

http://www.allprojectorlamps.com/RCA-ScEnIUM-HDLP50W151-COMPLETE-LAMP-MODULE--HYBRID-BRAND_p_38779.html

do you here a whining sound when you plug it up. when these units are first plug up there is a part called the color wheel that spins during boot process. if it doesnt reach speed then the lamp never fires. It is a motor and anything that moves evientally stops moving. it would have to be replace if you can get the part

Its likely the lamp or lamp driver board. Look thru the rear venting near the lamp door for light. If its dark, its the lamp circuit. The lamps in these sets are very expensive, well over $300 just for the part. If the lamp is the original one, its probably time to replace it.

michtech

My color wheel went out on mine and it looks to be the same on yours'. RCA cannot find a replacement for my model and there are none available on an on-line search. RCA may end up replacing my set.

We changed the lamp too.Picture is very good now. There isn't a way to test lamp because it is filled with gas.when changing lamp make sure you put everything back on covers etc. before checking to see if it works.

hoping it's just the lamp - removed it, and it had blown, broken glass and all!

Sounds like the lens needs replacing or a pice of insulation has gotten in between the lamp and light engine assembly

Color wheel bad #212184
Approx $400 by an authorized RCA shop

On the back of the TV, you'll find the Access door to your lamp. Unplug the TV from power, and remove the screw on the access panel. Inside you'll find 2 additional screws holding in the lamp housing assembly. Remove the screws, then the lamp assembly and visibly inpect it. You'll know if the lamp is defective, it will have obvious damage. If so replace with part # 260962, you can acquire this lamp for arround 100 dollars off ebay, or 262.00 direct from RCA.