Hitachi 50VS810 50 in. HDTV LCD TV

We bought this set for christmas 05 (family gift) as a discounted "open box" for $1800 US. Plugged in, it had a amazing picture and sound. 2-3 months later, red vertical lines showed up after 2-3 hours of use. Called warrenty, repair dudes hauled off and a week later set was returned. Red vertical lines are gone but new faint white vertical line appear on some TV and DVD shows. I think the repair dudes did not set up right after engine was replaced. Wife and kid do not notice, but I'm picky. Still great image on HDTV! Love it. Hope it hangs in for several year before lamp gets out. Handy man ..... I will change myself with after market bulb.

Overall - do not buy! But I'm not sure if other alternatives are any better. From what I read- big, bright, clear screens regardless of format or brand are OK at best for reliability/durability. This technology needs more time to settles and mature.

Since I have gone thru 8 PCs in the last 12 years (home and work), I guess that electronic MFGs do not want there products to last too long

What ever happened to durability like to my parent's 1969 Zenith that last for 22 years.....