Projector Lamps Tips

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How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Don't move your projector

While the projector lamp is still on (even while it is powering down), the lamp is very sensitive to movement. Moving the projector while the projector lamp is still on could shorten the lamp life, or worse, it could cause the projector lamp to burst.

   
Should I install the projector lamp myself?

Projector lamps: Changing the projector lamp

For most projectors, installing a projector lamp is simple and usually only involves the turning of a few screws. However, keep in mind that the projector lamp housing and glass are very fragile, so you should consult your owners' manual or the instructions that came with the projector lamp, before you attempt to install the lamp yourself.
The most important precaution to note is when handling the projector lamp, NEVER touch the glass housing on the lamp. Oils from your fingers can cause the projector bulb to burn out or even burst prematurely. Handle the projector bulb carefully using the metal housing, and your lamp should last thousands of hours.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Allow projector lamp to cool

What is the most common reason for projector bulbs with shortened lives? Not allowing the projector bulbs to cool. Most projectors have a feature where they power down themselves, just make sure that you don't move the projector while it is in this mode. Some older model projectors may also feature a hard on/off switch as well as a projector lamp on/off switch. For those, turn the projector lamp off first and after it powers down, turn the projector off.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Give your projector "breathing room"

Make your projector lamp last: Give your projector “breathing room”.
Pay attention to where the fan exhaust is on your DLP or LCD projector. All of the heat from the projector lamp must be dispersed away from the projector and exits at the fan exhaust. Make sure that this projector fan exhaust is two to three feet away from a wall or any solid object that could block it. Without “breathing” properly, the projector lamp will be too hot and could burn out much sooner. Make your DLP or LCD projector lamp last as long as possible by using this projector lamp tip.

   
How much does a projector lamp cost?

Projector lamps: What does a projector lamp cost?

If you think the cost of a projector lamp is comparable to a standard 60-watt lightbulb, think again. Projector lamps are relatively expensive, ranging from $200 for low lumen projectors, to over $600 for high lumen projectors. The average projector lamp cost is $350.
There are good reasons that the price is what it is. Projector lamps are highly sophisticated instruments that produce amazing brightness. In addition, the assembly process is complicated and supply is somewhat limited. Some projector bulbs are on backorder for several months!

We recommend purchasing a spare projector bulb when you buy a projector. That way, you will have a spare in case of emergencies, and you might also get a good discount on the lamp by purchasing the projector as well.

   
What is the life of a projector lamp?

Projector Lamps: Projector Lamp Life Expectancy

For older model projector (prior to year 2000), most projector lamps last approximately one thousand hours. Today's newer multimedia projectors feature projector lamps that will last for two thousand hours or more. A few multimedia projectors will produce up to four thousand hours of use, and a handful will boast an astonishing six thousand hours of projector lamp use.

Many multimedia projectors now offer two different lamp ratings in their specs. The lower number is the projector lamp life expectancy under normal use. There are also a higher number of hours offered if you use the projector in Eco-mode. By sacrificing a little brightness from the multimedia projector, you can add many hours to the life of your projector lamp. A good rule of thumb to save lamp hours is not to use more brightness than you need in any given situation. When your projected image does start to dim, AVPartner.com sells projector lamps for most any model of multimedia projector.

   
What is the warranty on projector lamps?

Projector lamps: Projector Lamp Warranty

Projector lamp warranties can vary between manufacturers so consult your users' manual or manufacturer's warranty information. If you no longer have a users' manual, consult with an online projector purveyor and they may be able to furnish you with the information. The typical projector lamp warranty is 60 or 90 days from receipt of projector.

   
How should I dispose of used projector lamps?

Projector lamps: Proper lamp disposal

Certain projector lamps contain mercury. Some states have laws that require projector lamps to be disposed of as a hazardous material if they contain mercury. Check with your audio-visual sales associate to find out what the projector lamp disposal laws are for your state.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Use projector in Eco-mode

Many digital projectors offer what is called Economy Mode or Eco-Mode. This is a setting that uses less brightness from the projector lamp, yet will make the projector lamp last longer. An example of this projector Eco-Mode is if you have a projector with 2000 lumens of brightness, its lamp hour rating might be 2000 hours. If you put the projector in Economy Mode, the brightness might go down to around 1600 lumens of brightness, but the projector lamp may last 3000 hours. If you go back and forth from the two brightness options, then your lamp hours would be somewhere between 2000 and 3000.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Don't shake your projector

Be careful not to shake, jostle, bump or move your multimedia projector quickly, especially when the projector is on. A multimedia projector's electronics are sensitive to these types of movements.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Avoid hazardous climates

The most hazardous climate to a projector lamp is extreme cold in the wintertime. If you leave a data/video projector in your car when it's 40 degrees or below, the data/video projector lamp will have a tendency to explode if you turn the projector on immediately. You must allow the data/video projector to warm to room temperature before turning on the projector to avoid the dangerous scenario of an exploding projector lamp.

   
How can I get the most hours out of my projector lamp?

Make your projector lamp last: Don't leave in hot car

This projector lamp tip should go without saying. Most any electronics can be damaged when left in a car on a hot summer day. Without air conditioning, a car can reach temperatures hot enough to fry an egg – or a projector. Take heed of this projector lamp tip and make sure that your projector is always in a room temperature environment.

   
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William Pirraglia