System and method for applying power to high intensity discharge lamps

A liquid crystal display television receiver projection system uses a controller responsive to a first signal by providing power to a first set of circuits of the system. The controller is responsive to a second signal by removing power from a second set of circuits of the system; A timer defines a time interval between an instance of a power off signal and an instance of a power on signal. In the event a user issues a power on command before the first interval has elapsed, power will be applied to circuits other than the lamp The lamp will remain de-energized until the first interval has elapsed. Therefore, a user is prevented from re-striking the lamp.