the tv repair guy was able to fix it. it turns out that the bulb was fine. it was the ballast that needed repair. an electronic ballast is a device that provides steady electical current for the starting up and operation of a lamp. it’s bad when this thing breaks. it also turns out that this repair is documented on the web. it doesn’t seem like a difficult thing to do, but the parts seem expensive.

anyway, the tv repair guy fixed the tv and all is well with the world again. the tv works, i’ve got netflix dvds waiting to be watched, and the living room doesn’t seem nearly as sad and quiet as it once had.

ah yes, life is good.