Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony XL-2100 - Projection TV replacement lamp

I bought this lamp to replace the original on my Sony 50" LCD projection TV, model KF-50WE610, that I bought a little over three years ago. The installation took about 30 minutes, but now that I've done it once, it'll probably take 10 minutes next time.

The hardest part was removing the front panel cover. First, loosen the screws around the back on either side. What I did then was start at the right side, getting it loosened up there, and then sort of wedging it out as I moved over to the left side.

Once you get the main face plate off, the lamp housing is right in the middle. Remove the plastic plate in front of the lamp, and unscrew the lamp with the included 3mm Allen wrench (well, it was included in *mine*). Pull out the old lamp, pop the new one in, tighten it down (not too tight), and put the lamp cover back on. Check that old lamp, you'll probably see the blown-out filament. At this point, plug the TV in. If the red light glows steady, you're good. If it blinks, the lamp is not installed solidly. Try removing and reseating it.

Once you've got it, pop the main face plate back on. There are three little sockets (on my TV anyway) that the face plate pops into. You'll see them when you have it off - this is what makes removing the face plate a little tough. Pop those in by just pressing on the face plate at those points. You should feel (and hear) them pop in. Once they're in, tighten up the mounting screws on the back sides of the TV. Voila! You saved yourself probably $150 by doing it yourself. Now, do your best imitation of Tom Hanks in the scene in Castaway where he makes the bonfire, and proclaim "I...(thump chest)...have replaced the projection lamp in my TV!"

I debated whether to get one of the much cheaper knock-off replacement lamps or the real thing, and after reading some horror stories about the knock-offs failing weeks after they were purchased, I decided to get the real deal. I'll probably never know for sure whether I made the right decision, but so far I'm satisfied.

The one thing someone should know when considering buying a replacement though Amazon/One-Call is that you will receive the part but then you are *completely* on your own. No instructions, and they don't bother to send you one of those cheap little wrenches that will enable you to loosen some key star-shaped screws that you will need to loosen.

Installation takes 5min if you know exactly what you need to do, but you'll probably spend a lot of time fretting over it if you don't. And you have to apply kind of a scary amount of force to pry off the front panel of the tv to get at the lamp.

I went the cheap route the first time and bought a Phillips (not Sony) replacement lamp. Immediately I noticed that the TV picture wasn't as bright as it used to be. I contemplated buying an original Sony to see if there was a difference. After 3 months this Phillips lamp bit the dust! Now I bought a real Sony and the difference in brightness is REMARKABLE! Pay the few bucks more and buy a SONY lamp, the others suck! My original lamp lasted four years with nearly continuous use. My wife has the TV on whenever she is home, now that we're retired that is almost 24/7...

I suggest you buy from Vanns. The replacement lamp condition and packaging were good. The lamp was secure and the warranty and other documentation were inside. If you are thinking of having this lamp professionally installed, don't bother. Installation should take no longer than 30 minutes if you work diligently. You will save yourself at least $60.00 if you do it yourself. A word to the wise; when you remove the damaged lamp, take advantage and use a compressed-air duster aerosol can to blow out all the dust that is in the lamp compartment. Also, spray some air into the rear fan to clear out the dust that has accumulated in the back of the TV unit. When inserting the new lamp, make sure that it is securely in place, tighten the screws with an allen wrench, pop the front panel on, tighten the screws on the back. Now, grab a delicious drink, sit in a comfortable chair, press the power button on the remote, and Enjoy!!! ;-)

I cannot agree more with a previous reviewer: spend the few $$ more on a Sony brand lamp.

First, the bulb is noticeably brighter than some generics. Further, you can expect longer bulb life.

The same factory probably sells off-brand lamps from the same production line...problem is you can never know for sure the origin of a generic. My experience with brand vs. the generic make of this lamp has been to rely on the former.

Also, do yourself a favor and clean out the fan fixture when you change lamps. It will prolong lamp life.

Installation is a simple self explanatory task. The appropriate wrench tool is included with the lamp.