Projector Lamp Light Life...??

Question

Hi, I purchased a projector with a lamp life of 3000 hours. We use it about 10 hours a day, so approx. 10 months it should last.. i checked online, and the replacement lamp is $300!!! So I was wondering, what does it mean lamp life? Does it mean, after 3000 hours it won't work at all... or it'll work but not recommended to use because quality has just degraded? I can live with quality degration. Anyone know where to get cheap lamps.. the newer the projector, are the lamps cheaper? Or the older?

Answer 1

Usually it degrades and the picture starts getting dimmer and dimmer. Other times the bulb can literally explode inside that wire cage it's mounted in... rare, but it does happen.
You should be able to set your unit for an "extended life" setting for the bulb that reduces the intensity about 10-15%, but almost doubles the life expectancy. It should be an option on your setup menu... usually within the part where you reset the lamp timer.
Try www.purelandsupply.com or www.focusedtechnology.com for replacement units at a better price.

Answer 2

It means the expected estimated lamp life. It could last longer, and in some cases, it may not last as long. The quality shouldn't change. It's just like the hours written on a light bulb package.

Perhaps the Crutchfield (i.e. the prices are good, but probably not the best, however, it's basically a one-stop-shopping experience) of projector lamp websites would be Projector Lamp Center. Or, you could just do a search for these lamps online, like of eBay or do an internet search, or even look for the best price on one of those price comparison websites.

H a p p y
H o m e
T h e a t e r i n g !

Answer 3

All these answers are good! COuple of clarifications, I'll guarantee that rated hours you saw was with the "low" or "extended" life setting. Plan on 2000 or less if you don't use it.

10 hours a day is heavy use. You should plan on $300 a year in bulbs, and that price is not bad. Cheapest I have found bulbs for my model is $450.

The bulbs don't vary too much, so it doesn't matter how old your projector is, what matters is quality and ANSI lumens. Longer life bulbs have more expensive materials, and higher ANSI Lumens bulbs are more powerful (costs go up). But, you should still be able to find bulbs for your model up to 10 years after you buy the projector.

Answer 4

You may find that the lamp doesn't last the full 3000 hours. The lamps dim gradually, and eventually the picture is considered too dim. At what point is that? You can be sure that the bulb rating is based on the lowest light level that could be considered useable. In addition, the bulb may fail before that time. My projector bulb is rated at 2000hrs life. At 1200 hrs I considered the picture too dim, and I replaced the bulb. It lists for $600, but I got it on e-bay (brand-new bulb) for $400. If your bulb will last 2000 hrs and cost $250, it is costing you 25¢ an hour to run your projector.

Answer 5

1st lamp life a approximate.
it will very by your power lever / line conditioning
and how much airflow your bulb gets.

The bulb may dim a day or two before it goes but most likely it will just go out on you.

did you get the service plan?

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you can extend the life by making sure that the vents on the TV are free of obstruction and by attaching a "Clean Power Center"


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You may be able to find the lamps on line cheaper but $300 is a very normal price.





I hope you enjoy your TV, don't get too upset about the lamp thing. You don't buy a car then complain you have to change the oil every now and then.