what is the difference between a plasma tv and a projection tv? How much does it cost to maintain?

My husband and I just purchased a rearprojection telvision and we've heard some stories about having to replace the bulbs inside the telvision at a cost of about, on average, $200. I'm starting to think we made the wrong choice and would like some information about the two.

The cost of a projection and a plasma are very different if you had a knowledgable sales person he would told you that a projection television uses a bulb and mirrors and chips where as a plasma is filled with a mixture of gases. That replacement of a plasma is buying a whole new tv because once the gases are all used up it in the dumpster because they have no way of repairing them. So replacing a bulb for a couple of hundred dollars is nothing I have friends that have had front and rear projection tv's and units last over 15 years without ever replacing a bulb. So you made the right decision on the projection TV it should last a long time enjoy. Plasmas are great if you got 2,000-50,000 dollars to throw away every 5-7 years its another gadget for the wealthy. I have had a projection tv for about 10 years and never had to replace a bulb yet. For the cost difference, it is hard not to buy the projections. And the verdict is still out on Plasma. Supposedly the quality of the picture deteriorates over time. They can cost as much as $200, but they also might have a life of 2 years or more depending on how much TV you have. Your TV has a lamp which projects an image via many, many mirrors onto a screen. A plasma has no projector, but rather has many cells of gases between 2 sheets of glass. When exited with electricity, these gases turn to plasma and emit light. This technology is much more expensive. You likely got much more TV for your budget. I have heard that but don't worry, can you cover it on a warranty ask the company from whom you purchased it. See the difference from Wikipedia...