There are various types of projectors that are in use today. In certain settings, people still utilize older models, which use projector lamps that are very are to find. However, there are also other newer projectors that use different types of projector lamps. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not know the difference. It’s important to note that the type of projector that you currently own will ultimately dictate which type of projector lamp you are able to use. However, if you are thinking about purchasing a projector in the near future, one thing to think about for sure is the projector lamps and whether cheap or quality lamps are the best option for your purchase. This is the most important thing to consider when buying a projector, for the simple fact that you will eventually have to replace the projector lamp. Buying a projector that allows you to use the lamp that is easily replaceable but also lives up to your needs is the best way to go.

Comparing Projector Lamps

All of the different projector lamps have pros and cons, and one that is perfect for one person may not be for the other. For a long time, most projectors utilized halogen bulbs in their projector lamps; these have many pros. One of the biggest benefits of projector lamps that use halogen bulbs is that they are usually much less expensive than most other popular types of projector lamps. However, there are also many cons to these projector lamps. The fact of the matter is that they are cheap but also produce a cheap quality in terms of the image that is transferred. This is usually because there is a yellowish tint produced by these projector lamps that is quite undesirable. These bulbs often do not last as long as other types of projector lamps and the typical lifespan for the average projector lamp that utilizes a halogen bulb is around 100 hours.

Metal Halide Bulbs

The other available option when it comes to projector lamps – for people that do not want to use the cheap halogen bulb lamps – are projector lamps that use metal halide bulbs. The biggest con when it comes to these products is that they are typically much more expensive than the other options. However, there are many reasons that a lot of people prefer these lamps, mainly because of the quality images that these bulbs and projector lamps are able to produce. For this reason, many people have been opting for projector lamps that utilize metal halide bulbs rather than halogen bulbs. Another one of the biggest pros is the fact that there are many different options for replacing these projector lamps, as they are much easier to locate than projector lamps that still use halogen bulbs. By far, the biggest advantage to using projector lamps is the fact that they last a lot longer than all other types of projector lamps. The average lifespan for projector lamps that utilize metal halide lamps is anywhere from 1000-4000 hours, depending on the model type, brand, and amount of use.

Another thing to consider when it comes to projector lamps is whether or not you are able to use OEM lamps or compatible lamps. For those of you that are unfamiliar, OEM lamps are original lamps for your specific projector that are produced and made by the original manufacturer. These usually cost a lot more money than buying compatible projector lamps, which are made by third party companies to work for other projector types. The fact of the matter is that buying OEM lamps will allow you peace of mind, knowing you have the right lamp that is designed for your specific model of projector. However, you may be able to save a lot of money by purchasing compatible lamps from a third party company if you are able to do so.

The Connection Between Projector and Lamp

One of the best options available to people that are looking for compatible projector lamps is to try and find branded compatible lamps. These are compatible lamps that are made by a reputable and branded company. This is the best option for many people, as it will allow you to have the best of both worlds. This will give you the peace of mind of buying a lamp from a reputable company and still have the ability to save money, as compared to that of an OEM projector lamp.

Here are a few tips to help keep your projector running at its best.

1. Have your equipment powered down before connecting any cables. A signal cable carries a current while powered on and a sudden difference in electrical current can potentially burn out the projector lamp or cause other damage to projector components.

2. Use economy mode whenever possible. If your using a projector that has over 2000 lumens (a term used to describe the brightness of the projector), it usually has some sort of economy mode. If the event does not require full projector brightness use this mode to extend lamp life. Economy mode will lower the amount of lumens to save power and lengthen lamp life.

3. Avoid moving the projector as much as possible while it is powered on. The lamp, along with various other projector components, are sensitive to shakes or bumps. Any significant trauma could damage the projector and or lamp.

4. Do not unplug the projector after powering down. The cooling fan will continue to run in order to cool the lamp after shutting down the projector. It is recommended to keep it plugged in for at least another 3 minutes, doing otherwise could shorten the lamp’s life or even damage the lamp.

5. Clean your projector. Dust is the bane of projectors when allowed to collect in the filter or on the lens. A microfiber cloth works well for cleaning the lens. If dust collects on the filter it will block the filter and decrease air flow which can affect the projector’s cooling and can shorten lamp life.

You will have noticed in these tips that we pay special attention to preserving the life of the lamp. The reason for this is because the lamp is the most crucial part of the projector, and as such, is the most expensive component to replace. Projector costs have gone down significantly in the past few years, but replacement lamps have not. Lamps can cost up to $400 so you can see why it might be important to conserve as much lamp life as possible.