Projector bulb exploded

[Alone]

As far as I can tell it didn't overheat, and there was no warning message. The bulb is old, but wasn't used all that much until recently.

The projector is an InFocus Screenplay 4800 (X1).

The lamp unit is exactly like this, but I can't find it any cheaper than $200. I don't even need the whole unit, I just need the bulb that goes inside the reflector.

Is there a place I can get it cheap, or is the a DIY guide for replacing the bulb? I'm sure I can find the bulb itself in a hardware store, but getting the broken one out and the new one in without damaging the reflector could be a bit challenging.

 

[Kaido]

Nah they're special. And $200 is cheap. Most new bulbs go for $300 - $500.

 

[pcslookout]

$200 is very cheap. The cheapest a projector bulb can get unless you buy a used one but then you don't have as many hours left. Doubt many people sell used ones anyway.

 

[cheesehead]

Umm....mercury hazard, anyone?

There's nasty stuff in projection TV bulbs.

 

[sdifox]

get a new projector.

 

[Alone]

Originally posted by: sdifox
get a new projector.

That's way more than a new bulb.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: Alone

Originally posted by: sdifox
get a new projector.

That's way more than a new bulb.

Not if you buy used. And 800x600 native resolution is pretty poor.

I'll sell you my Electrohome ECP-4500 Plus 720p/1080i capable projector for $250. (You'd need to pick it up, though - it's heavy!)

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Alone

Originally posted by: sdifox
get a new projector.

That's way more than a new bulb.

When a lens blows up, it probably took a few other components with it. Unless you are just exaggerating on the blow up part.

 

[Alone]

Originally posted by: sdifox
When a lens blows up, it probably took a few other components with it. Unless you are just exaggerating on the blow up part.

Well, the bulb popped. The glass kind of exploded.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Alone

Originally posted by: sdifox
When a lens blows up, it probably took a few other components with it. Unless you are just exaggerating on the blow up part.

Well, the bulb popped. The glass kind of exploded.

any visible damage to anything else?

 

[Alone]

Originally posted by: sdifox
any visible damage to anything else?

Doesn't look like it. The projector stayed on an all. We took out the lamp unit and cleaned it out, everything looks fine.

But if the bulb is that pricey (which seems ridiculous), I think I might just order him a new projector.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Alone

Originally posted by: sdifox
any visible damage to anything else?

Doesn't look like it. The projector stayed on an all. We took out the lamp unit and cleaned it out, everything looks fine.

But if the bulb is that pricey (which seems ridiculous), I think I might just order him a new projector.

Unless you can find the lamp cheap, entry level pjs are not worth fixing or replacing lamps.

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: Alone

Originally posted by: sdifox
any visible damage to anything else?

Doesn't look like it. The projector stayed on an all. We took out the lamp unit and cleaned it out, everything looks fine.

But if the bulb is that pricey (which seems ridiculous), I think I might just order him a new projector.

Unless you can find the lamp cheap, entry level pjs are not worth fixing or replacing lamps.

Yep that is why it is important to always see what the projectors lamp cost is at first and how many hours it could last up to. Some last longer than others though that is usually on the lowest light mode. I know some bulbs last a little longer than what they are rated but of course the picture quality will start to get worst or dimmer at least. I would say most bulbs are rated at 2000 to 3000 hours. Like for example my projector I expect it to last at least good 2 years without having to replace my bulb. Maybe 3. By the time my bulb is about to go I may want to buy a new 1080p projector or at least a 720p projector. If the bulb still has life in it use the other projector outdoors.