Hi Mark,
Yes, I'm quite aware we have the same set, even the same "generation," I believe.
I've had the random shut-off very occasionally, maybe once every six months or so. I'm amazed I'm still on the original bulb, but I use the Cinema mode almost all the time, which is the least brightest, so that may have prolonged the bulb life. I think our generation of Samsung DLPs have quite long expected bulb life--from 5000 to 8000 hours, if memory serves, way longer than front projectors.
Yes, when mine eventually dies, I think I'll opt for a slightly larger plasma 1080p, maybe as big as 60 inch.
Back up in ol' Canada visiting friends, then I'm heading up to the Axiom plant for a few days. I left Manhattan without gloves--it was 60F the day I left, really mild--and it's cold up here in the mornings (Toronto and London).
Cheers,
Alan
