LCD Projector - Bulb Life

[AMD Rules]

I have an older LCD projector, manufactured by inFocus per Model LP210. The bulb life is set at 500 hrs, at which time the projector disables the lamp. Assuming I am at that point, I am curious about two things:<br /><br />1) What is the risk associated with running a halide metal bulb until it actually burns out? The manufacturer programs the projector to shut off the bulb at 500 hrs, and I assume this is to protect the circuitry or for safety reasons. Surely it can't be only to generate revenue in the aftermarket parts market. Anyone experienced with this?<br /><br />2) Is there any way to 'fool' the projector into believing the bulb is OK. I have just purchased this projector, and am told "its just the bulb". I'd like to see it light up, before I spend half my life's savings on a new replacement bulb.<br /><br />Any experience and/or advice reagarding LCD projectors is appreciated.

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

Not sure I can offer any answers other than to let you know I have been in the same boat. We had an Infocus(don't remember the model) at work a few years back that reached the end of life of the bulb. Being cheap, we tried to find alternatives to purchasing the replacement bulb from Infocus. End result - we brought the unit in to Infocus (along with a credit card) and had the bulb replaced.

 

[ndemge]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

I used to have an infocus 570, when the bulb was about to go out, it would surge in and out (kinda like my 350 in my other post )<br /><br />But for this bulb, it was only $25 for the bulb, advertised at 30 hour life..... I'd probably get twice that out of it, per hour cost came out to about the same as the multi-thousand hour bulbs that cost 10 times more.<br /><br />Maybe take it into a local store that sells them and see if they will try a bulb before making you spend the $ on it.<br /><br />And If I may suggest, get a UPS that has the capacity to handle your projector! If the power goes out while your heated up it's bad news for the bulb because you can't shut it down correctly letting it cool with the fan on

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

And If I may suggest, get a UPS that has the capacity to handle your projector! If the power goes out while your heated up it's bad news for the bulb because you can't shut it down correctly letting it cool with the fan on<br />

Good point. That is exactly the type of advice I was hoping for. Something I would not have thought about.<br /><br />I have a 46" RPTV for day-to-day use, but picked up this LCD projector pretty cheap. I don't mind spending some cash on a bulb to get it running, but would be pleased to know it works before doing so.<br /><br />Its just a toy specifically for movie night, and playing a few 'full-size' video games. Pacman could be bigger than me! What I really wanted it for is the Nascar game.... life sized cars...woot!

 

[gspig]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

You need a manual for that projector. I doubt anything serious would happen if the bulb burned out on its own. There should be a procedure to reset the lamp life hours on the projector. Do an internet search for projector lamps, you may find a replacement other than the manufacturer.

 

[ndemge]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

I only used mine for movie night... I have had an atari 2600 and a nintendo 16 hooked to em before... 8' mario is fun

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

Well, I took gspig's advice, and read the manual. I did find the procedure to reset the bulb hours, but that didnt help. Closer inspection of the bulb itself made it clear the bulb is actually burnt out. Reaching for my wallet......

 

[tomatolord]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

the bulbs basically get worn out and pose a danger, just like worn tires, you dont use them till they blow. Which is why they put those timers in so you know when you have reached the safe threshold.<br /><br />Will they operate beyond those hours sure, I have as set of tires on my car, rear, that have 80,000 miles on them and they are rated for 50, and they are at 1/2 their life...<br /><br />from the phillips web site<br /><br /> "These lamps can cause serious skin burn and eye inflamation<br />from shortwave ultraviolet radiation if outer envelop of the lamp is<br />broken or punctured. Do not use where people will remain for more than<br />a few minnutes unless adequate shielding or other safety precautions<br />are used."<br /><br /> "The arc tube of metal halide lamps are designed to operate under<br />high pressure and at tempeartures up to 1000 degrees celcius.. If the<br />arc tube ruptures for any reason, the outer bulb might break and<br />pieces of extremly hot glass might discharge into the surrounding<br />enviroment."

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: LCD Projector - Bulb Life

Thanks for the information. My brother-in-law just happens to be in the business of graphics arts & promotional presentation equipment. I'm trying to see if he can swing me a deal @ cost on one of the bulbs. Looking at it, I find it hard to believe that the are worth that much money. Nothing spectacular to look at.