Glona, give more info, what size is the heatsink from the tv? (I didn't even know they had heatsinks in them)
Gardnerv, a driver or circuit regulates and limits the current going to the laser diode so it has a long and happy life. ;D
Oh, and Glona what diode are you using, is it one of senkat's, how long have you been using it in the dorcy, and what current were you driving it at?