KDS-50A2000 Lamp issue?

[sle39lvr]

The other day, I noticed a yellowish discoloration towards left top of the screen, and overall the picture seemed very dark.

Since there was a lot of dust around, I pulled the lamp out and cleaned the housing. (Didn't touch the lamp it self).

Now, the screen flickers horribly. I checked to make sure lamp is in right, and it is.

Before I order a new lamp, I want to make sure it is the lamp, and JUST the lamp. I bought it from Best Buy about 1.5 years ago.

Any input guys?
Thanks in advance

[skylolow]

Well the time frame is about right for a main TV that is getting used 8 hours a day or so. Plus the darken of the picture is what happens when the bulb is in its dying stage. I'd order a lamp off an ebay store or internet store (should find one for about $125 to $175). Otherwise a higher end electronic store may have one in stock though the price chances are going to be around $200. Put it in and see what happens. Good chance it takes care of all the issues. Even if it doesn't your bulb need replacing anyways.

[sle39lvr]

Fortunately I had an extended warranty from Best Buy. Tech came in. He said it's the optical block as well as lamp.

I just have to wait 10 days till it arrives so he can put it in :(