2.7.2012
DLP Lamp Source Now Offers Digital Projector Xenon Re-Lamping Services
Adding to our full line of specialty projection lamps we are proud to roll out our new service offering - FREE Professional Xenon Re-Lamping Service. This service is included with every ceramic Xenon and double ended xenon lamp purchase. Simply purchase the lamp on-line or by calling one of our customer service representatives at 866-764-5822 and send us your old housing assembly. We will remove your old lamp, install a new lamp, reset the lamp timer chipset and recycle your old xenon lamp all at NO EXTRA CHARGE! Take advantage of this generous offer as you service your digital projectors for routine maintenance.
5.18.2011
A Beginners Guide to RPTV Replacement Lamps
Background
During the period of 2001 – 2008 tens of millions of RPTV sets were sold into the consumer market. Regardless of the technology used (DLP, LCD, D-ILA) these sets are reliant upon an expendable lamp source. With the market for 50” and over flat panel displays still cost prohibitive, especially given the current economic climate, the case for fixing the old DLP TV becomes more compelling. Add to the fact that the lamp is only about $140 and will make the TV operate like new and it becomes an even easier decision.
Differences in TV Lamps
There are three main manufacturers of high pressure mercury lamps for rear projection systems. OSRAM and Philips projection lamp systems utilize AC (Alternating Current) technology. The other technology is DC (Direct Current) used by Phoenix.
Officially, there are no standards in the projection industry that require adherence to standardized electrical and mechanical specifications. Seeing a need to standardize names, the DLP Lamp Source has developed a naming convention utilizing the front or rear projection type designation as well as adherence to reflector size, voltage type and lightform shape (elliptical vs parabolic). An example of this would be the commonly utilized RP-E023, RP for rear projection, E for elliptical and 023 for reflector size.
Rear projection lamps are generally interchangeable if the designation for wattage, arc gap, and reflector type is the same. Even though the designation is the same, there still could be some minor differences with the reflector such as different locations of cable connections and whether or not there are locating lugs on the front rim of the reflector. These are not impactful on the performance of the lamp. It is very important to note that AC lamps must be replaced with AC lamps; same for DC lamps. Also, replacing elliptical with parabolic based lamps will result in poor performance.
Lamp and Ballast Interchangeability
Lamps and ballasts (lampdrivers) are usually sold as a matched set due to TV and projector designers often requiring significant technical support from the lamp system supplier to ensure proper system integration as well as issues such as cost and availability. Osram and Philips are the main providers for the rear projection market, the main exception being Toshiba who utilizes DC technology (Phoenix). Claims that one is better over the other are untrue. Often times the deciding factor by OEMs in choosing suppliers was the availability of product and cost. Lamps used by Osram and Philips are interchangeable as long as there is strict adherence to the lamp specifications. Substituting based on physical attributes alone is not acceptable.
Lampdrivers (ballasts) are quite complex, having onboard microcontrollers and software. These lampdrivers not only drive the lamp, but are highly integrated with either the DMD electronics or LCD drivers. Some aspects of the lampdriver software are user-programmable allowing the OEM to set up custom programs and operational sequences to provide the required TV or front projector performance. OSRAM calls this software UNISHAPE. Philips has something similar called VIDI. As a result, always replace the ballast with the OEM part. The lamp need not be a brand specific replacement (Osram vs Philips) as long as the specifications match.
Lamp Life
The typical RPTV lamp is operated in a 100-180W range resulting in roughly a 4-6k hour life span. Our customers are averaging roughly 2-4 years of life out of a lamp. This is a wide range dependent upon a variety of factors. The most common is the on/off cycle of the lamp. The typical RPTV lamp has a high striking voltage (approx. 25kV) and operates at a high temperature. It’s important to note here that a lamp shouldn’t be replaced unless the TV has been off for at least ½ hour in order to give the lamp sufficient time to cool to room temperature. Turning a lamp based TV (or front projector) off and on without allowing sufficient time for the fans to cool the lamp causes the glass to suffer thermodynamically as the hot glass gets pummeled with high voltage.
Proper ventilation is worth mentioning as well. Since the fans draw cool air over the lamp, keeping the lamp door vents accessible and clean ensures that the lamp is as cool as possible. Oftentimes, housing ducts can get plugged with dirt that also can keep the lamp from getting properly cooled. Maintenance of the filter (if applicable) as well should be performed - usually rinsing in a mild soap solution and air drying is sufficient.
Lastly, voltage regulation is important in areas that are prone to power outages. A UPS (uninterrupted power supply) will provide continuous power to the cooling fans of the TV in the event of a power outage. Improper cooling of the lamp causes significant lamp life loss.
Dan Buchbinder, President
DLP Lamp Source
Please submit any questions/comments to dan@dlplampsource.com
5.18.2011
OEM vs Compatible: Which to Buy?
In the world of Projector replacement Lamps, you have several options from which to choose. . It can be very overwhelming when presented with so many different options for one part. Luckily, the choice is easier than you might think. Here’s a little background about the two major families of replacement lamps. The first product family is the Original Equipment Manufacturer parts or OEM for short. When projectors are made, the manufacturer determines the lamp specifications that work best for that projector model and purchases the lamp part from one of several lamp manufacturers. Four of the largest lamp manufacturers are Osram, Philips, Ushio, and Phoenix. All OEM projector lamps are made by one of these four companies. The projector manufacturers recommend you replace your lamp with OEM parts made by one of these companies. The second family of replacement lamps are known as “Compatible” lamps. They usually have lower lumen output (brightness) and typically have higher early failure rates. The upside is that they are less expensive if you are on a budget, but you may have to replace them more often than the factory original (OEM) lamps.
Another important distinction is whether to buy the bare lamp or to buy the lamp installed in a lamp housing assembly. The lamp housing assembly is an injection molded plastic frame that holds the lamp. This is the assembly that you slide in and out of your projector. You can reuse the assembly and just replace the lamp. This is a more cost effective way of maintaining your projector lamp needs. It is important to make sure that if you are replacing the lamp in your existing assembly that the housing is in good working order and that all the cooling ducts are clean and that airflow is not impeded. The replacement of the entire lamp assembly makes matters very easy – slide out the old one and slide in the new one. One must exercise caution when replacing a bare lamp or an entire lamp assembly. Recommended practices include wearing powder free gloves to avoid getting skin oils on the lamp, which can cause hot spots and cause early lamp failures. Also, never over torque the screws connecting the lamp to the assembly. These are very fragile and can break very easily. This is another reason to consider the entire lamp housing assembly.
Lastly, do remember that the lamps get extremely hot to the touch and should never be handled right after the projector is powered down. It is recommended to let the projector remain off for 30 minutes before replacing the lamp. This will allow the projector sufficient time to cool the lamp using it’s fans as well as thermodynamically allowing the glass to cool to room temperature. As a rule, projectors should not be cycled off and on. When you re-ignite a hot lamp, the glass tends to break down more quickly over time and will ultimately fail in a quicker manner.
1.26.2011
DLP Lamp Source has a BBB rating of A
Nowadays, service is everything. In a global economy such as the one we live in today, good can be obtained from a variety of different places. The same holds true for lamps for TVs and front projectors. We understand this at the DLP Lamp Source and know that anyone can sell you a lamp. We can provide the level of knowledgable support to back the claim of being one of the internet's independent leading authorities on projection lighting for DLP Tvs and front projectors. Our innovative one year warranty covers you in the case of an early failure of your lamp. We only sell factory original lamps becuase we know that you do not want to compromise the quality of your investment and with the demands of todays digital broadcasting, you need the best equipment available. Osram lamps are the leading innovator in projection lighting and sell to all major TV and projector manufacturers. We also carry such quality lines as Philips, Ushio and Phoenix to name a few. We always include 2nd day Air shipping by UPS for free and have reasonable expedited and international shipping options to get your TV and projector up and running again fast.
When it is time to purchase your next projection lamp, be sure to check out who you are buying from and make sure that you are getting the best product with the best service.
11.2.2009
New and Expanded Product Catalog Offerings
DLP Lamp Source is pleased to announce the launch of it's new Front projector Lamp in Housing product line. Featuring factory original front projector lamps in brand new original housings from brands such as Epson, Infocus, Sanyo, Optoma, Toshiba, HP, Dell and more.
These are the same lamps used by these manufacturers in their original housings - no fuss, easy to replace, and substantial cot savings versus purchasing them from your projector manufacturer.
These all carry a 90 Day warranty and also include our signature Free 2nd day Air shipping by UPS. Try one today and start to cut your lamp replacement costs significantly!
2.28.2008
Front Projection Lamps - New Introductions
In addition to our growing rear projection television lamp products, we are also adding more new front projection applications to our product lineup.
These front projector lamps are the same lamps as installed at the factory at a fraction of the manufacturers replacement cost. Save money and precious budget dollars by switching to the lamp only alternative.
Same great service, same great product - all at a greatly reduced price. Please feel free to contact us if we can help you with your front or rear projection lamp needs.