I paid a technician 60 bucks this morning to tell me the "blue blob" in the middle of my 50V500 screen was a bad optical engine failure. I mean he got 60 bucks and was at my house less than 5 minutes. He said to call Hitachi and they may pay for the part but I will have to pay labor $275.00 + $60.00 I paid earlier. The TV cost me $3100.00 in May 2005, this will be the third time I've had problems with this TV. Will Hitachi assist me??

Hello, it sounds like you have a bad optical assembly, do not spend the money on a new lamp,it will not help. the cost of replacing the optical assembly makes the repair not feasible repair, over $1000. that's been the biggest downfall to DLP type sets. sorry for the bad news. ..thanks, Terry

It is most likly an optical problem with dust or a haze onthe optics or a bulb problem or could be a bad LCD display. If I were youand if you are handy, get a service manual, look at how to disassemble theoptics and light housing, and clean everything first, but NEVER ever sprayanything onto the optics and use just a slightly damped soft cloth, never anypaper product. Or the way the pros recommend is with compressed air, butif it is canned air, be careful, as those things get cold and you can easilydamage something. In a good camera storethey will have a bulb type blower to clean lenses off .

If your problem is with the light engine Hitachi has extended the warranty of theengines out to 3 years. You'll need to contact an authorized Hitachi service center tohave this fixed at no charge.

That is caused by excess heat possibly due to poor air circulation/blocked filters.
It is damage to the LCD panels. It won't get any better, just worse.
So look for another Blue LCD panel and someone who is experienced to fit it.

it's not the lamp (obviously, as you found out). the light filter on the blue lcd has a burn mark on it and needs replacing. many companies don't sell parts for the optical engine (where the filter is), so you may have to purchase the whole engine, which tends to be pricey.

If you have the "red" blob in the center of the screen or you have "blue" blobs that show up in random areas of the picture then the only repair is to have a technician replace the optical light engine.

Talk to Sony about the blue blob issue, they may still replace the optical block for free.

If not, fix the blinking light TV.

Blink Codes
3X - Lamp cover not installed correctly, usually after lamp change, or cover detect switch is bad.
4X - Check fans (one or more failed to pass RPM test during power on diagnostics)
5X - Lamp ballast (power supply)
6X - Usually the thermal fuse - usually from inadequate air flow (fans dusty)

All other codes usually require a trained technician to diagnose and repair.

Light Engine is bad, Hitachi might replace it for free if you had a repairman diagnois the problem
This TV type is junk

You have a defective light engine and you do not have to be under warranty for Hitachi to replace this part. We just went through this and here's what you need to do. Call Hitachi's customer relations department at 800-654-7013 and tell them that you have a defective light engine. They will act like they've never heard of this problem but they have. They will give you the names of some certified dealers in your area to call. Once a tech comes out and confirms that it's the light engine, call Hitachi back and they will send a brand new light engine to the dealer and Hitachi will cover the cost of the part (cost $1500).

Here is the deal, if you're under warranty, Hitachi will cover the part and the install. If you're not under warranty, all you pay is the install. Our install cost $400. Others on this site have paid $200. Do not let anyone tell you that you have to pay for the light engine part...you do not. Hitachi has not recalled this part but they are replacing it for free. Also, deal only with Hitachi customer realations number that I listed. Good Luck

Here is what you need to do...just went through this. Call the Hitachi customer relations department at 800-654-7013. Tell them what the TV is doing and that you have a defective light engine. They will act like they have no idea what you're talking about but will give you some names to some certified dealers in your area. Have a tech come out and once they diagnois the problem, call the customer relations department with Hitachi back and all of a sudden, they will be aware of the problem and will call the dealer directly to confirm that it's the light engine. Once they confirm it with the dealer, they will send a new light engine directly to the dealer at their expense (part cost them around $1500). The dealer will call you to set up a date/time to come out and install it. Our install was $400..worth it to us because we paid $3600 for the 60" set 3 years ago. Once our light engine was replaced,the TV is like brand new.

Please deal only with Hitachi's customer realtions department at the number listed above. Their regular customer service will have you chasing your tail. Also, DO NOT let any dealer tell you that you have to pay for this part once it comes in. Hitachi is replacing it for free..all you pay in for the install. Good Luck!

To all that are experiencing the blue blob. This is result of poor maintenance. Projectors must be kept clean on all air intakes. This is to help you all understand the failure cause. Usally not worth repairing.