A Halle's Service, Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona
est. 1964
 

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Lamp Life
When Not To Repair

Most manufacturers don't like to talk about lamp life. It can vary tremendously depending on the equipment, and operating environment. For instance, some high end projectors with very bright lamps will need the lamp replaced after 1000 hours. Some of these (projector) lamps can cost $3000. Luckily, most projection TV lamps range from about $200 to $400 and provide (typically) 4000 to 8000 hours life. That is two to three years of average use.

There are things you can do to maximize lamp life:

bulletPurchase and install a GOOD UPS (uninterruptible power supply). This is a backup power device like used on computer systems. It provides AC power in the event of a power failure or brown out. It will give you time to shut down the set and insure the cooling fan can run it's normal cycle to cool the optics and lamp. These power supplies have a battery inside. The UPS plugs into the wall, and the set (and other home theater equipment) plug into it. If the one you buy will not power the set when unplugged from the wall, take it back, it is not a UPS. Good units are available from about $100.

 

bulletMinimize the number of on/off cycles. Startup is harder on lamp life than running  for half an hour or so. If you are going to leave the room for dinner, or to take a phone call, or ???,  it's better for lamp life to leave the set on. The sets that seem to be getting the most hours out of their lamps are the ones that get turned on in the morning, and turned off in the evening.

 

bulletKeep the set cool. Make sure there is good ventilation all around it. Sets that are installed in a niche or home entertainment center should have at least 4 inches of open space on each side, and 6 inches above. There should be space under the set to allow cool air to enter. Anything less than this really should have a fan or fans installed to insure a good supply of cool air and to suck out hot air. Not only will this improve lamp life, it will protect the sensitive optic assembly from heat damage. We have been told that every 10 degrees increase in temperature shortens the life of electronic equipment by 50%.

Occasionally, a lamp just fails earlier than expected. If you are within the warranty period, it should not cost you anything. Outside of warranty, most lamps are easily replaced by the owner. Check your owner's manual.

It has been found that after market lamps, bargain brands, and internet specials frequently do not perform up to manufacturer's specs, have short life, and can actually damage your expensive set. Always insist on genuine original equipment parts for your set.

 

Halle's Service, Inc.

Last modified: March 31, 2007