Hi all,

Need some advice. I have a Panny Pt-L500U projector, about 3 years old. I am over 2k hours on the lamp (not at home so can't give exact number). My original plan was to run it till it dies, then upgrade to a 1080p projector. Well the "replace lamp" warning popped up last week and I have the annual superbowl party for next weekend that I host.

So the dilema is, can I still run the unit and hope it doesnt die in the middle of the game, then I can upgrade to the Panny 3000u later or just bite the bullet and get a new lamp to be safe?

Anyone have any experience running their unit after the replace lamp warning comes up? I am using it on a 110" screen, i would hate to have to go downstairs to watch it on the 34" Sony Wega.

Thanks for all replies

You should be fine. There's a slight chance the lamp could explode inside the unit, in which case you'd need to get the glass cleaned out, but if you're looking to upgrade soon anyway I'd let it run until it dies.

I'm at 3900hrs on my Panny 500 (orig Bulb) and have not seen the Lamp Warning but all hours in low lamp mode! I think it comes due at 4000hrs in low lamp mode and 2000 in high. I wonder if you switched to low lamp mode if it would give you more time?

Does the image still seem bright? Pull the lamp and look at the arc tube. If its still fairly clear and straight (no bulging where the little bubble is) just reset the timer and you should have no issue. If its bulging and all blackend or cloudy that usually is a sign its about to pop or go out. The picture usually starts getting very dim before they pop too.