Guide to Projector Lamps

Most LCD projectors use a metal halide source, which offers a very white light. Older models tended to use halogen lamps - this type of light source has a yellower light. Although halogen lamps are less expensive, they have a much shorter life expectation.

Philips manufactures a special type of metal halide lamp, known as UHP (Ultra High Performance). UHP lamps require lower wattage for equivalent brightness, which results in a longer lamp life. The lower wattage required by UHP lamps has other benefits. They allow for smaller and lighter projectors, because the power supply is smaller and lighter. They are also cooler running, quieter, and less expensive-to-operate, because of the lower wattage.

Why are lamps so expensive

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 £120 for low lumen projectors, to over £350 for high lumen projectors. The average projector lamp cost is £250. 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 - with a few models being on backorder for several months.

Consider purchasing a spare projector bulb when you buy a projector. That way, you will have a spare in case of emergencies, and you can get a good discount on the lamp by purchasing at the same time as the projector.

Projected image is dimmer

It may be time to replace your projector lamp. The brightness of metal halide lamps decreases during lamp life. With metal halide (high pressure mercury) lamps, you'll notice a dimming of the image brightness as the lamp loses power. Some projectors allow you to check the number of hours your lamp has been used through the built-in menu system. Check your user guide for information about this feature.

Lamp Warranties?

Projector lamp warranties can vary between manufacturers so consult your users’ manual or manufacturer’s warranty information. The typical projector lamp warranty is 60 or 90 days from receipt of projector.

Projector Guide - Contents

Overview
Resolution
Brightness
Warranty advice
Choosing a Screen
Spare lamps
DLP vs LCD

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What is the life expectancy of a lamp?

Just like any light bulb you would use for another purpose, projector bulbs have an expected operating time, called lamp life. This value is expressed in number of hours - typically around 2000 hours. Newer models are achieving 4000+ hours of lamp life. With metal halide, total lamp life is not a very useful measurement, they typically do not burn out, but gradually grow dimmer. The lamp will continue to function long after they're so dim you won't want to use them. So manufacturers' offer a peak rating—and peak lamp life is the time the lamp will last at 80 - 90% of total brightness. The lamp's success rate is based on a bell curve, so that a majority of (but not all) lamps will meet the lamp life hours specified. Some lamps will fail sooner and this is part of the acceptable operating range of the rating.

For projectors that are used under normal operating conditions (no more than three to five hours per day in a clean, relatively dust-free environment) the lamp will have the greatest likelihood of lasting through its entire rated lamp life. Projectors that are used more often or are exposed to environmental contaminants are more likely to show a decrease in lamp life. Projectors that are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are at the highest likelihood of lamp failure before the end of the rated hours.

How to improve lamp life

Do not allow the projector to become overheated. The number one cause of lamp failure is excessive heat. Follow the instructions in the user manual for powering down the projector to ensure that the projector has had an adequate cool-down period.

Operate your projector in a clean, relatively dust-free environment. Clean air filters regularly.

Utilize the "economy mode" if it is available with your projector model.