Sony Sold Junk out of the Box

First Bulb I had in the 42" WEGA LCD died the week after the bulb warranty expired. Sony in their infinite wisdom only gives 90-days on bulbs too. Sony's on-line service reps are totally non-responsive (do they hire engineers there?). I replaced it with a clearance bulb from Crutchfield @ $150 (a bargain) and this one has lasted over a year and a half(knock on wood.) Got a spare since I was concerned about Sony dropping this model form production.

I even went so far as to contact Philips to see if I could buy the bulb (sans plastic modular casing)they make for this Sony part. There are only 2 push-on clips attached to the bulb and a couple of screws holding the module together. An easy fix? Nope...They were clueless about its existence when I contacted the company.

On a side note:
Circuit City (where I bought the TV) tries to tell you that bulbs are covered in their extended warranties, even though I have yet to find that specific language in their contracts. That's why I won't drop another $600 for 3 years on a big screen.