Help! My AE500 just went pop!!

[Gillykid]

Help!

My beautifaul AE500 just went fizzz bang! I turned it on, there was a pop noise and the "lamp" light went solid red. The unit then cooled itself and switched off!

I have checked the manual and solid red means "electrical fault". At first I guessed the lamp had gone, but does this mean its more serious?

I have had the projector about 6 months and have 550 hours on it - can anyone recommend what to do next?

Thanks

CG

[Kramer]

Contact the retailer from whom you purchased it or even Panasonic themselves?

sounds like a bulb to me.....can you take it out and see if it has an obvious bulge to it....I think I read that when they go the stem enlarges or something.

[Gillykid]

I am more enclined to think its the bulb too as the power still comes on (unlike the old AE100 fault). Is 500 reasonable or should i be complaining?

[cyberheater]

No its not reasonable. I would be complaining very strongly to Panasonic.

[Neil Fellows]

I think it's the in-built panasonic self destruction go and buyer another one mode. Or the bulb.

[Gillykid]

Haven't been able to do much on this since it happenend and I haven't heard back from my supplier (Krish AV) as yet, so I am about to bang on Panasonics door.

The number I have found is 08705 357357, its this right?

Also can someone post their model number for their AE500, I dont really want to trek all the way home to find mine....!?!?!?

I know it will probably be different but I dont really want to mess around on the phone!

[Gillykid]

Sorry to treat this as a personal Blog but thought I would keep people up to date as to the progress. I phoned Panasonic (very helpful people and fast waiting times) and they have arranged to pick it up on Monday!

Will keep people posted, but they say it should be 3-5 days.... we will see!

[Gillykid]

Again, sorry to bump this, but for those who are interested my AE500 just turned up at work!!

Shocked and stunned, I phone Panny yesterday and they said Monday but here it is! 10/10 for them as they have only had it a week.

On the receipt it says replaced BQ Power Somethingorother and Lamp (woohoo) and no charge.

I will plug it in tonight and let you know how we get on!