FAQs
On this page we answer the most common questions. Please have a look to the links below for more detailed information.
- Lamps - General
- Lamps – Installation
- Lamps - Issues
- Ordering and Shipping
- Warranty and Returns
- Other Information
Lamps - General
What is the difference between a bulb and a lamp?
A lamp consists of a bulb with a reflector and cage - also known as lamp housing. A bulb is just one part of a lamp. Think of it this way ... a lamp is like an ink cartridge whereas the bulb is just the ink.
What does “OEM” lamp mean?
OEM (or Original Equipment Manufacturer) lamps are lamps as they are originally supplied originally with the projector. The bulb as well as the housing are made by the original manufacturer of the projector lamps. For projectors still under warranty we strongly recommend using only OEM lamps.
What does “OBH” lamp mean?
OBH (or Original Bulb in Housing) lamps still have an original bulb, but the housing is made by a large housing manufacturer. As the bulb is the same as in the OEM lamps, these lamps have the same performance as the original lamp. These lamps are a more economical option for projectors no longer under warranty.
What does "CWH" lamp mean?
CWH (Compatible Bulb With Housing) lamps do not contain original parts. The bulbs as well as the housings are made by a large projector lamp manufacturer. The price is substantially lower than for OEM or OBH lamps. The over-all performance of these lamps is about 90% of OEM or OBH lamps. We do not recommend these lamps for usage in a professional environment.
What does "EHP, HID, ..." mean?
EHP = Efficient High Power lamp
HID = High Intensity Discharge
HSCR = High Pressure Discharge lamp (IWASAKI)
NSH = New Short-Arc High Pressure lamp (USHIO)
P-VIP = Premium Video Projector lamp (OSRAM)
SHP = Super High Pressure lamp (PHOENIX)
UHB = Ultra High Brightness lamp
UHE = Ultra High Efficiency lamp
UHP = Ultra High Performance lamp (PHILIPS)
UHM = Ultra High Performance lamp (MATSUSHITA / PANASONIC)
VIP = Video Projector lamp
Do you sell refurbished lamps?
Refurbished lamps use compatible bulbs and recycled or refurbished housings. We do not sell any of those lamps.
Can I buy a bare bulb (lamp without housing)?
As the bulb is the most expensive part of the lamp, it is usually not economical to replace only the bulb. Nevertheless, e.g for older projectors where the housing is no longer available, we sell bare bulbs. Warranty for these bare bulbs does not cover any damage related to fitting the bulb in the housing.
The website says the lamp contains a Phoenix bulb, but the lamp I received is a Philips bulb?
Our suppliers use only bulbs from the main bulb manufacturers Iwasaki, Matsushita, Osram, Philips, Phoenix or Ushio. It is the manufacturer’s discretion to choose a bulb e.g. based on availability.
Lamps – Installation
How do I install a new projector lamp?
Though the lamp replacement process is similar for all projectors, please refer to the projector manual for special instructions. Always ensure your projector or TV is turned off and the power cords are unplugged. There will be a lamp cover located on your projector or rear projection television that typically has 2 or 3 screws holding it in place. You need to undo these screws and take the lamp cover off to get to the lamp. The lamp will also be held in place in your projector by screws. Your lamp will slide out in one piece once you have undone these screws. Replace the lamp and fix all screws in reverse order.
For a video on how to replace a projector lamp please click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM6r66luODc
For a video on how to replace a rear projection television lamp please click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQTKt9skeyE&feature=related
Is there anything else I need to do?
When you replace the lamp, make sure that you reset the lamp counter and clean the air filters. Please refer to the projector manual for instructions.
Lamps - Issues
I installed the new lamp but there is still no picture. Is that a lamp problem?
That can be a lamp problem, please make sure that the lamp is installed correctly and the cover is screwed properly. Some projectors may not work if the cover is not in place. Also, make sure that you reset the lamp counter when you install a new lamp. You may also check the air filter: If the air filter is dirty, the projector may not start to avoid overheating. If you have checked the above and the projector still does not work that may be an issue with your lamp or your projector. Please contact the projector manufacturer’s support for more information.
I installed the new lamp but there is no picture, my old lamp still works.
This is probably an issue with the power supply / ballast for the lamp. The electronics does not provide enough power to start the new lamp. Please contact the projector manufacturer’s support for more information.
The new lamp stopped working only after a few hours. Is that a lamp problem?
Probably not, please make sure that you reset the lamp counter when you install a new lamp. Most of the projectors do not recognise when a lamp is replaced and they stop working after a certain amount of lamp hours to protect the electronics. Please refer to the instruction manual for your projector to reset the lamp counter.
I heard a bang and there is no picture. Is that a problem with the lamp?
Yes, is it likely that the lamp is blown. Please open your projector to inspect the lamp. CAUTION: If a lamp is blown, there may be broken glass in the projector, be careful! A blown lamp is not necessarily a problem with the lamp itself. That failure is often related to overheating due to blocked airfilters or bad ventilation. Before you install a new lamp, make sure that the projector is cleaned thoroughly.
The picture has a yellow, blue or green tint or is gone black and white. Is that a problem with the lamp?
No – the lamp emits only white light. Colour issues are either related to the lens system, the LCD panel or the colour wheel. Please contact the projector manufacturer’s support.
The picture shows white dots. Is that a problem with the lamp?
That is most likely not a lamp problem. That issue may be related to particles in the projector or a faulty DMD chip. Please contact the projector manufacturer’s support for more information.
Ordering and Shipping
Do I have to create an account to place an order?
No – it is not necessary to create an account to place an order. Nevertheless, if you create an account, you can see your order history and your details will be saved for any order in the future. An account is mandatory for education providers, charities, churches and resellers to use applicable discounts and to purchase on invoice.
Are the prices on the website including GST?
No - prices on our website are shown excluding GST. GST and shipping costs (if applicable, see below) are calculated at checkout.
What are the shipping costs?
We charge a flat $4 shipping fee to urban addresses within New Zealand. We charge $5 for delivery to rural addresses. For any other items, the shipping costs depend on your location and the ordered goods. Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. If you need an urgent delivery, please contact our office for prices and delivery times.
How long will my order take to arrive?
As soon as your payment has been confirmed your order will be processed. As we do not hold stock of every one of the +4,500 lamps, delivery times can vary. Stock items will be dispatched same business day if you order before 12:00pm, otherwise the next business day. Delivery time is usually 1-2 business days, please allow another day or two for rural deliveries. Non-stock items take on average between 3-10 business days. Please contact us before you order if you need an item urgently.
Do I receive tracking information?
Once a lamp is dispatched from our Auckland warehouse, you receive a shipment notification with tracking number. For all other items, a tracking number can be provided on request.
Can I pick up my order and pay onsite?
We operate with a managed warehouse. There is no payment facility onsite, any order must be processed at our office first. Once the order is processed it is possible to pick up goods during normal business hours on workdays. An urgent pick up fee may apply under certain circumstances. Please contact our office if you want to pick up goods.
Warranty and Returns
What is the warranty for lamps?
We provide the manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty for OEM lamps is usually 90 days from dispatch at or warehouse. There are exemptions for some Epson and Panasonic lamps where the warranty depends on the lamp hours. The warranty for OBH lamps is 180 days and 90 days for CWH lamps, starting from dispatch at our warehouse. Should you have any questions in regards of warranty, please contact our office.
What is the return policy?
Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete details regarding our return policy. Email us at info (at) projectorbulbs.co.nz with the subject line “RMA” if you require an RMA form.
Other Information
What is the aspect ratio?
There are two key drivers – shape of the content and shape of the physical display device. Whether or not these two things match will determine whether the screen of your display device is filled. Each aspect Ratio is presented as a ratio, first number is the number of unit’s high, second one, number of unit’s wide.
- 4:3 – Traditional TV
- 2.35:1 - Movies
- 16:9 – Widescreen format
- 16:10 – Windows format – allows for 16:9 images plus the start bar at the bottom of a laptop.
The actual content that you are watching might be shot in 4;3, 2.35;1, or 16:9. But your display device might be 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 or 2.35:1 - What happens when you put a different shaped image and screen together?
One of two things – either there are black bars top and bottom or left and right OR if your display device allows you to stretch your image you may end up with short and wide people or really tall and thin people. Bottom line is unfortunately there will always be some compromise. Our advice is to try and match up your display device and the majority of
the content you'll be viewing. With projection, we advise matching the aspect ratio of your screen to the native aspect ratio of your projector.
What does the abbreviation for projector resolution mean?
Common resolution formats for projectors:
- SVGA : 800 x 600 pixel (aspect ratio 4:3)
- XGA : 1024 x 768 pixel (aspect ratio 4:3)
- WXGA : 1366 x 768 pixel (aspect ratio 16:9)
- WUXGA : 1920 x 1200 pixel (aspect ratio 16:10)
- 720p : 1280 x 720 pixel (aspect ratio 16:9) - known as HD
- 1080p : 1920 x 1080 pixel (aspect ratio 16:9) - known as Full HD