INFOCUS REPLACEMENT LAMP FOR LP650
Price: $498.99

The Infocus LP650 was one of the first projectors to use the technologically advanced 250 watt projector lamp. The alternate current projector lamp operates at a higher wattage than any projector lamp before it and therefore can produce a brighter image. The alternate current projector lamps, simply cannot withstand enormous power required to run performance projectors. Many users give evidence to the amazing clarity and brightness of the Infocus LP650 even when operating the projector in well-lit or daylight flooded rooms.

Overall, the Infocus LP650 projector and projector lamp deliver. While there may be some small complaints about the unit malfunctioning or freezing up, most of these are because the unit is overheating due to lack of maintenance and care. Infocus will certainly retain their market share with phenomenal products like the LP650.

Source: http://www.myprojectorlamps.com/reviews.html

Projector prices have dropped a lot in the last few years. But the cost of replacement lamps has not followed suit. However some lamps are now below $300, most are in the $350 to $400 range and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Therefore more and more clients buying entry level projectors are shocked to discover that replacement lamps can cost as much as half of the projector’s original price. Projectors are not like televisions that can run without any maintenance. They need to have their lamps changed on occasion, and most have air filters that need to be cleaned every month or two. Certainly longer lamp life can mean lower cost of ownership.
For those thinking of buying a used projector to save money, a bit of caution is warranted. There is usually no warranty on a used projector, and the lamp is likely to be almost expired unless the seller specifically guarantees you a new lamp
Projectors are not maintenance-free. But as long as you are aware that replacement lamps are not cheap and you will need one on occasion, you can usually budget for them over the life of your projector without it having any serious unexpected impact on your finances.
Source: http://www.focusedtechnology.com/cost-of-projector-bulbs.html

Setting your projector for its low power mode drops the brightness by about 20%. We concur, however in our reviews we find that the range can vary from as little as a 10% drop (barely detectable) to 30%, depending on the projector. Projector’s low power mode has two major benefits. First, the longer life. The typical projector claiming 2000 hours in full power claims 3000 hours in low power mode. That can differ, however. There are models out there that claim no increase of life in low power, and in some rare cases - a few Mitsubishi projectors, for example, claim 5000 hours in low power mode. The bulb may explode if they are used beyond there rated life.

Manufacturers design the mounts to limit damage, but you will need to get the projector serviced if your lamp does explode. Today’s projectors have two brightness modes, many now follow low and full power independently and adjust their warnings per your handling. Most warranties provided by manufacturers, are 90 days or 500 hours. In couple of years, however several companies that offer third party extended warranties on projectors have been offering lamp warranties as well.

source: http://www.projectorreviews.com/projectorlamps/ProjectorLampLife/index.php