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Replacing projector lamps is critical, especially if you want your device to keep projecting high-quality and reliable visuals. Unfortunately, many projector owners have no idea when their projector lamps should be replaced.
In this article, we will go over when you should replace your projector lamps.
Whether this is your first time using a projector or you have been using one for quite some time. Rest assured that todayโs guide will bring you up to speed on everything you need to know about projector lamp replacements.
Letโs cut to the chase and bring you all the important details.
Table of Contents
Factors that determine when you should replace your projector lamps
There are a couple of factors that determine when you should replace your projector lamps. Read on as we go over each factor so you have a complete understanding of when you should change your project lamps.
1. Complete failure/popping sound
If you ever turn on your projector and you hear a distinct POP sound, followed by your screen going completely blank, it is a telltale sign that your projector bulb just burned out.
The reality is your projector lamps are powered by high-pressure discharge technology as well as several components that could fail when the lamp gets old. It is almost similar to turning on a light switch and hearing it burn out. If this ever happens to you, then itโs time to replace your project bulb.
2. Spotting an indicator light or message
Most projectors on the market today have an indicator light or message which tells you when your lamp needs replacement. If you ever notice the indicator light pop or get a message to that effect, itโs time to change the projector lamp.
As most professionals will suggest, itโs always a good idea to have a replacement bulb before you ever get the notification to change.
Another thing you want to do is reset the lamp timer after replacing the bulb. Failure to reset it will result in not getting a warning in the future when the projector lamp reaches the end of its life.
After replacing the bulb, you also want to check the user manual to know how to reset the hour counter.
3. Noticing a dim light from the projector
If you ever dim your projector light in an attempt to get a nice projected screen but end up noticing that it is rejecting ambient light while the image remains dull and dim, it is a pointer that your projector bulb is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
One way to know for sure is to increase the brightness or color on the projector. If the room is as dark as it can get and your projector is set to the highest brightness, but the image generated is still dim, then it is a double confirmation that the lamp is on its way out.
Should that be the case, you need to have the bulb replaced as soon as possible. Trust us when we say you donโt want to risk having your projector unavailable, especially when you need it the most.
4. Color Shifting
New project lamps typically display clear, crisp colors. However, suppose you power on your projector and notice the colors look somewhat like mud. In that case, it is a clear indication that your projector bulb is no longer powerful enough to display accurate colors. To this end, you need to have it replaced.
5. Image flickering
Did you recently power your projector and notice that the image flickers? It is an indication that something is wrong with the lamp. If you havenโt recently dropped the projector or exposed it to extreme cold or heat, a flickering light indicates that your projector bulb is about to fail. So you need to get a replacement bulb as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you donโt replace your projector bulb?
If after noticing that your projector bulb needs replacement and you fail to do so, youโll notice that over time, your projector becomes dimmer. While some people are okay with watching videos on dim projectors, others may not be able to manage the poor visuals generated.
If you still choose not to replace the bulb., you may start getting warnings on your projector screen urging you to have the bulb replaced.
And just so you know, some projectors have a hard stop feature coded on the lamp. So if you donโt change it after some time, it will reach a point where your projector no longer powers on. Should that be the case, youโll have no option but to replace it.
Should you replace your projector lamp yourself?
Installing projector lamps isnโt rocket science, so you can do it yourself if you have the time. For those who have never changed a projector lamp before but are willing to learn, here is how to go about it.
- To start with, you want to ensure that your projector is unplugged from the power source and kept on a flat surface
- Now, loosen the screw that holds the projector lamp module and proceed to remove the panel.
- With that out of the way, the next thing you want to do is unscrew the old projector lamp from the projector.
- Install the new projector lamp securely and put the panel back in place. You want to ensure that you tighten the screw, so everything is back to how it was before you took it apart.
How long does a projector lamp last?
Wondering how long a projector lamp lasts? Well, we canโt say for sure, and thatโs because different brands have different lifespans. While most projector lamps are designed to last between 1,500 to 2,000 hours, some of the best projector lamps on the market can last up to 5000 hours and more.
That said, keep in mind that most projectors will need one to two bulb changes during their lifetime.
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