The 'covered' models are likely those with the greatest number of sales. For example, if your model sold a couple thousand and the model(s) on 'the list' sold in the several millions, yours may not be listed. As suggested, outside of the warranty period, covering of a repair is completely voluntary and not required by any laws. Most major home electronics carry a 1 year warranty from your purchase date. It used to be that extended warranties where a 'just in case' type of insurance in the rare occasion something went wrong and the general feeling was "I don't really need it", and an extended warranty purchase was just a waste of money. I must admit I have been guilty of this type of thinking in the past. BUT, in today's day and age with current manufacturing techniques, mainly done overseas with a quantity over quality environment, one cannot afford to not purchase an extended warranty if it is available.
I currently work for Geek Squad, have been in the electronics repair industry for over 25 years, can fix just about anything, and would not buy a TV without a warranty today. 'Out of warranty' repair costs often exceed the sale cost of the product. If you were to go to the store today a 50" TV cost is about 30% less than it would have cost just a year ago. The old saying, "they don't make them like the used to" holds true in consumer goods today more than ever. I have learned the hard way as you have with this type of issue and I'm not selling anything here, but just by the numbers:
A 4 year service plan for your TV which would have covered this repair was probably something like $199-299. It also covers the lamp replacement (which would most likely be necessary in the first 4 years as they are rated for about 8000 hours). So, DLP chip replacement $350, average lamp replacement cost parts & labor $300-375= $650-725. The service plan would have easily paid for itself (I know hind sight is 20-20). Bottom line is the way things are built today (engineered obsolescence), buy an extended warranty, I was always a skeptic regarding these, but no longer (unless it's something you figure you can just replace if it craps out on you tomorrow). The Attorney General's office (should be on your state's .gov webpage) has a form you can fill out (often online) that may help you get some consideration regarding your repair cost. Manufacturer's are often more accommodating when they receive something in writing through 'official channels'.
-Agent M
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