All lamps for projectors and rear projection televisions have an expected lamp life which is calculated in hours. In most projectors the lamp life will typically be between 3000 to 4000 hours. Rear projection television lamps typically last between 5000 and 8000 hours. 

Top Tips

Ventilation: regularly clean or replace the air filters in your projector. Through day-to-day use filters can become blocked and this will likely lead to your lamp overheating and failing long before it should.  It is also vital that there is good airflow around the projector when it is operating - especially where the air vent is located.

Regular Servicing: just like your car, to ensure you get the most out of your projector it is recommended that you have it serviced regularly by a reputable service agent.  We recommend a service every 2 to 3 years.

Economy Mode: most projectors will have an economy mode, usually with a “high / low lamp” switch.  By selecting economy mode your picture may be slightly dimmer but you will increase the life of your lamp and save on power.

Location Location Location! Try to keep your projector in a safe, secure and well ventilated place where it will not be easily bumped or knocked. A hot lamp filament is very fragile. Mounting the projector on a wall or ceiling is ideal where this is practicable.  Click here to see the full range of universal projector mounts on our website.  Regularly check the temperature where the projector is used as sudden changes in temperature can reduce the life of your lamp.

For portable projectors always make sure that the unit is turned off and the lamp is cool before moving.

Changing the Lamp: be very careful not to touch the bulb or the glass. Touching the bulb or glass with your hands can damage the bulb and reduce the life expectancy.  Handle the lamp by only touching the plastic housing.  Wearing gloves while replacing your lamp is recommended.

Cooling the Projector: always switch off using the remote control and not by disconnecting the power.  The projector will invariably go into a cool down mode where the image is turned off and the fan accelerates to cool the lamp in a controlled manner. The temperature of an operating lamp is many thousands of degrees. Disconnecting the power to the projector prior to the above process causes the glass in the lamp to cool unevenly and will result in a stress fracture and early lamp failure