projector lamps

Projector Lamp FAQ

Thanks for checking out our "Lamp FAQ" section.

Below are some of the common questions that we get asked regarding projector lamps and replacement bulbs, please make sure you have read these before you buy and fit your new lamp so that you understand fully what is involved.

If you have a query which is not listed here, please contact us and we will try to help out.

You list both "Lamp" and "Lamp Module" available for my projector, what's the difference?

Only a few manufacturers provide you with this option. A lamp module includes the bulb unit, housing and wiring connectors and is more often than not intended to be user replaceable using minimal technical knowledge.

If you decide to buy the "Lamp" on its own, then be prepared to solder connections, and fit the lamp into an old housing. You will need to be competent in electrical hardware and have available the relevant tools to do this.

There is also the possibility that the lamp will be damaged as you try to fit it.

The cost difference between lamps (sometimes referred to as "Bulb Only") and lamp modules is usually minimal, and we advise our customers to purchase the complete lamp module if possible.

The projector image seems dimmer than usual - what does this mean?

With Metal Halide lamps, dimming of the output is normally an indication that the lamp is coming to the end of its life and may be about to fail. We recommend that when the characteristics of your projector image begin to drift, you purchase a spare lamp as failure is likely to occur shortly.

Many manufacturers fit their machines with lamp hour counters, which is accessible through the menus. This will give an indication of the lamp life used / remaining. Lamp life figures can be obtained by searching for your projector in our online store.

How long will my projector lamp last?

The lamp life of a projector lamp is determined by its construction and how it is used. Normally manufacturers will quote a figure of 1000-2000 hours, with some newer models claiming up to 4000 hours life - these figures can be obtained either in your user manual, or by checking your projector model in our online store.

Lamp life is an expected figure, not a guaranteed one and much of this can be down to how the projector and lamp is treated.

What can I do to extend my lamp life?

Projector lamps like to be clean - make sure that you:

Never handle the bulb without gloves on
Sweat deposits and contamination from your fingers can cause "Hot Spots" on the bulb glass and may result in premature failure

Keep the air filters clean
Dirty filters cause restricted airflow in your projector and this in turn causes the temperature to rise. Lamps that overheat fail more quickly and this can be detected by manufacturers and may invalidate your warranty

Avoid shock and vibration
Your lamp module is very delicate -especially when it is hot so treat it carefully. Wait for your projector to cool before you move it as even the slightest shock or vibration can cause damage to a hot lamp. If you travel a lot with your projector, invest in a padded carry case to protect it from shock damage.

Turn your projector off correctly
Most projectors have a "cool down mode" which activates when you switch it off by the remote control or soft power button on the unit. This cool down sequence normally runs the cooling fan for a few minutes after powering off the lamp to cool the lamp properly. If you pull the mains cable out of the projector then the fan will not run and the lamp will cool unevenly. This can cause diminished lamp life and occasionally even crack the lamp glass.

Use Economy Mode
Many projectors have an economy mode or "High / Low" lamp function - use it wherever possible and you should enjoy longer than average lamp life.

Why do you list more than one lamp for my projector?

Alongside our branded original lamps, we can occasionally offer you the option of a branded equivalent lamp – or "eLamp".

These lamps use exactly the same lamp unit designed for your projector (normally an Osram or Philips lamp) mounted in a pattern plastic housing with the correct connectors and fittings for your machine.

This means that the actual lamp itself is the correct part your projector was designed to use – so you should expect equivalent performance and quality to the manufacturer lamp.

Because you are not paying for the manufacturers branding, these lamps are almost always cheaper and generally offer a better warranty.