My TV just did exactly the same thing. I replaced the lamp yesterday, and apparently the heat of the new lamp finally melted the acrylic lens. Big black splotchy spot that started in the upper left part of the screen and spread. And of course I tried putting the old lamp in, hoping against hope that it was the new lamp only. Nope. Still big black splotch. I researched on the net, and narrowed it down to this problem. I would also like to know if anyone has been successful replacing just the acrylic condenser lens by having a glass one made and refitted??
How did you do it? What are the specs? How expensive is that?
InFocus was zero help as usual. Told me basically if that did happen, it was my fault for not blowing $400 on the lamp directly from them, and buying a new OEM lamp off ebay. Said the lamp must have gotten too hot and done it. Not like it was stupid to make the lens out of plastic in the first place and stick it next to something that gets volcanically hot. Then he said he had no replacement part numbers for anything except the lamp! I was trying to find the p/n for the light engine to see how much it was and if it was even available. Of course, the issue with that is--how long til the new acrylic lens in the new light engine melts too? After I called a couple repair places, they essentially said the part did not seem to be available, and if they could find it, part plus labor would run around $1000 anyway.
Ok, new TV I guess.
Unless anyone has the lens information????? Thanks.