Slide Projector Lamps

If you are looking for a good presentation, you definitely need to use an audio visual aid. As such, projector lamps are an indispensable device used in business and educational organizations, where they are used to transfer images from a multimedia projector on to a larger and wider screen.

These lamps have actually replaced the halogen bulbs that were used earlier and that gave a yellow tone to the images. On the other hand, the projector lamps basically use metal halide bulbs (mostly mercury vapor bulbs) that produce excellent white light and thus enhances the quality of the image.

These lamps do not only have professional uses, but are also used widely at homes for movie or home theaters. They can send the movie or film images on the big screen for a larger audience to see. The working of the projector lamp is based on the property of reflection where the lamp shines onto a number of small mirrors that is placed inside the projector. The image is then transferred through the air and is finally visible on the screen.

The projector lamps have varied uses - they are used to project films, slides, as well as images drawn on a transparent plastic sheet. These lamps are categorized into three main types, namely, slide projectors, multimedia projectors and overhead projectors. While slide projectors are quite reasonable and are used solely to project slides measuring 35 millimeters to demonstrate certain materials at hand, the multimedia projectors are quite expensive. They have the ability to transfer a film reel, a videotape or a DVD to a blank wall or a large screen.

Apart from these, there are overhead projectors that have a much simpler use. They mostly have an educational use, where the teacher or the demonstrator, uses it to display the content on a blank screen for an entire class.

Keeping in mind the vitality of these lamps, it is but obvious that these lamps need proper attention and care. It should be remembered that these lamps are quite sensitive to movement and moving the projector while the lamp is on can cause serious damage to the projector. Moreover, care should be taken while changing the projector lamp, as touching of the glass housing of the lamp is strictly prohibited. This is because the oil from our fingers can result in bursting of the lamp, and therefore, it is recommended that the lamp should be handled only through its metal case.

Last but not the least, these lamps are meant to be used in room temperatures and extremities of the climate, especially extreme winters, are quite hazardous for the lamp.

With the advent of latest technologies, the life expectancy of projector lamps has increased from 1000 hours to almost 2000 hours. Some of the most expensive multimedia projectors also have an astonishing life of 4000 to 6000 hours. However, older models also show an extended life if used properly, particularly if they are used in an economy-mode, where the setting uses less brightness from the lamp.

Thus, by sacrificing a little brightness, you can save a lot of money as your projector lamp lasts quite longer. Hence, you can bring in the space age to your living rooms, classrooms and conference rooms with these amazing projector lamps.

Projector Lamp Bulbs

Like many bulbs, the projector lamp is a delicate object albeit much more expensive than your average household bulb so it is important to ensure your lamps last as long as possible. It is surprising to see how some places only need a new projector lamp every few years and others require them every few months. Here is some advice to help ensure your projector lamps last as long as possible:

Let the projector cool

This is probably the main reason why projector bulbs may need replacing more often when people do not allow the project lamp to cool before they move the projector or switch it back on again. Many projectors power down on their own so do not move the projector whilst in this mode. If you have an older projector model, you might have an on/off switch for the bulb and a separate on/off switch for the machine. In this case, switch the projector off first and once that has powered down, then switch the projector off.

Similarly, do not move, shake or bump the projector whilst the projector is still switched on. They are very sensitive and movement could cause the projector to blow or shorten its life.

Overheating

If the projector bulb is overheating, then it will burn out earlier than it should. The main reason for overheating is when users do not clean the projector filter regularly. It should be cleaned once every three months or so with a can of compressed air but the frequency should be increased to monthly if the projector is in a dusty environment. Another sure way to overheat your projector bulb is to block the fan exhaust so take note where the fan is on your projector and make sure it has a minimum of two or three feet of room to breathe.

Never touch the lamp because your fingers have natural oil on them and this oil can also cause the projector lamp to overheat and burn out prematurely. Only touch the metal housing.

Save projector lamp hours

Most modern projectors nowadays have what is called an economy or eco-mode. This uses less brightness from the projector bulb meaning the projector lamp will last much longer so don't use more brightness than you need.

Keep the projector at room temperature

Projector lamp sales always increase in the spring or after summer holidays. The main reason for this is that people leave their projector in the cold over winter or even in the car for a day or two. The quick change in temperature will cause a projector lamp to blow if you switch a cold projector on so let it warm to room temperature first. Never leave the projector in the car or in extreme heat because the projector lamp will overheat and burn.

Following these tips should give you months of extra use from your projector bulb. This is by no means an exhaustive list of tips to help make sure your bulbs last as long as possible but it does include the main reasons that a projector lamp may have a shortened life.

Digital Projector Lamps

Digital projectors are a great addition to any home or office and the advantages of having one don't need to be explained here. However the joys of having the big screen image, hooked up to your surround sound in the lounge are all too often shattered with the globe, often remaining that way for several months until you can afford a new one.

Digital projector lamps are a powerful light source used to transport the image from the projector to the screen. While very strong for their designed purpose, omitting light, the same cannot be said about their durability, a point of contention with many a disgruntled digital projector owner.

Although digital projector lamps are rated with an estimated life in hours, typically a lamp will peter out after 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, many fall short of the indicated life. There are number of reasons for this. Like with all manufactured products there will be faults. While most projector lamps come with warranties ranging from 30 days to 6 months, research shows that many projector bulbs blow after the expiration of the warranty but well before the indicated lamp life. I own a Hitachi LCD projector and have experienced this problem first hand Not only did my lamp blow after only 1000 hours use but it also exploded inside the projector. After learning the hard way myself here are a few tips to avoiding similar problems, while maximizing the protection of, and hence, life of, your expensive projector lamp.

Always check and clean your air filter before use, especially if it has been stored. Dust build up in the air filter pad can cause lamp cooling problems resulting in overheating, lamp explosion and in some cases fire.

Never move your projector during use. When the lamp is hot it is most vulnerable. A slight jolt could easily cause the lamp to blow.

Always allow the lamp to fully complete its cooling cycle before turning your digital projector off.

Ask your dealer to clean the inside of your projector once a year to avoid excessive dust builds up.

Video Projector Lamps

Below are some of the best and most widely-used LCD Video Projectors below $2,000 (except for the Panasonic product, which is a little above $2,000) available on the market.

Epson PowerLite 81p LCD Video Projector -XGA features a 5-watt audio system; high-aperture LCD with 2,000 ANSI lumens with 1,024 x 768 XGA resolution to deliver accurate color, color saturation, and image quality; four input connections; and automatic source selection, setup and operation. It also supports USB connectivity; NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HDTV signals.

Hitachi CPX275 Video to XGA LCD Projector can project various computer signals as well as NTSC/PAL/SECAM video signals and is specifically designed for mobile professionals and budget-conscious consumers. It features 1200 ANSI lumens with 1,024 x 768 XGA max resolution, UHB lamp, and magnifying for closer viewing.

NEC VT670 Value LCD Video Projector enables you to use a variety of inputs, including video and HDTV. The projector is designed with NEC VT's Vortex and Image Processing Technology. It also features 2,100 ANSI lumens of brightness, 1,024 x 768 resolution, and Simple color-coded connections for all sources.

Panasonic PT-LB10U Video Projector is a super-slim projector from Panasonic's family of ultra-compact XGA micro-portable LCD projectors, offering an XGA resolution of 1,024 x 768, 2000 ANSI lumens brightness and Digital Keystone Correction. It can display 480p, 480i and 625i component video and S-Video signals in either 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen aspect ratios.

Sony VPL-CX1 Superlite LCD Video Projector is the smallest and lightest projector from Sony, featuring a mechanical cooling structure; internal scan converter to display 1024 x 768 resolutions such as VGA, XGA, and SXGA (in addition to its native SVGA resolution); USB hub port for enhanced digital connectivity; and 550 ANSI lumens brightness.