Are there any graphs or studies that generalize how much a projector loses in terms of lumens over its lifetime... and then some? I remember reading that it loses something like 20% after 200 hours.

I have an Acer PH530 which replaced an Epson Home 20. I like the projector. It has its flaws but does well enough for me and my 96" screen.

I have... lets see... 3822 hours logged on a bulb that is rated at 2000. I always use the econo mode for three reasons: It makes it last longer, I don't see much of difference and it overheats after about an hour of use (probably a fan issue that could fixed attaching an 80mm fan to the exterior or something).

Anyway, I turned off the warning and researched online at 2000. People had me scared it was going to blow up. I decided to hold off buying a new builb as it seemed fine to me. I know it is dimmer than it used to be, but I think I have gotten used to it. In many ways, it runs better after the initial burn as the PH530 runs a little brighter than some projectors in its class as it has a white segment.

I have been wandering if it is getting a little too dim. It is fine at night and I have my living room where it is at pretty light controlled, but I know it is getting washed out more during than the day than it used to.

I just don't want to spend $200 on a bulb, take it down from the ceiling to replace it if it really won't make much of a difference anyway. Plus the warranty starts as soon as it is purchased (90 days) and for all I know, the projector itself could go after 500 hours on the new bulb. That would be $200 wasted that could have gone for a replacement as my acer is well past its warranty. It is going on 3 years old I believe.

It's going to vary greatly as no two lamps degrade the same over time. It's generally accepted that a lamp will have lost about 65% - 80% of it's rated output by the time it reaches its expected life. So..will you see a difference if you replace your lamp? Absolutely. You'll wonder why you even questioned the decision.

On another note, lamps blowing up is nowhere near the dramatic happening some would have you believe. It is very common if a lamp is pushed beyond the expected life. Some even decide to go early. You never know. But, as I said in another post, there is no Marvin the Martian Earth Shattering Kaboom. Just a gentle pop, the image disappears and the projector shuts down. Period. Absolutely nothing to be afraid of. The only real concern is if your lamp is on that is not encased in a housing, in which case, you will have some small glass fragments to shake out.

There is one other variable and that is you have a DLP. It is not uncommon for the color wheel to be coated from the lamp outgassing. That will also affect the quality or brightness/contrast of your image. Check yours, if you can. If it looks dirty and you can get to it, then use a cotton swab and denatured alcohol and GENTLY clean the surface. Use little to no pressure. If it is dirty, you will see an improvement from that little bit of maintenance. But you should still replace your lamp. That will make the most difference.

How many lumens does your projector lose over time?

Eventually, it will lose all of them. Of course that's not the answer you're looking for.

You've obviously been very lucky with your present lamp, but I think it's safe to say that you've probably lost at least half your original lumens. Now, if you're happy, $200 on a new lamp is not bad. You almost certainly won't get another 4000 hours out of it, but you will notice an immediate difference.

Jim

My Epson 800 "change lamp" indicator just came on. I have noticed a pretty big difference the past 4-5 months in the picture. It is still sharp, but definitely dimmer. Night scenes are nowhere near as good.

That is where the biggest difference is for me.

I have decided to upgrade to the Epson 6500, and when it is installed, I am sure I will need sunglasses!

In hindsight, I wish I would have changed the bulb earlier. But since I knew I wanted to upgrade, I kept putting it off.


I will not delay like this in the future. I changed the bulb in my 50" Sammy DLP four times. Each time I was kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

When I do upgrade, I am not sure whether I will go 1080p or not. A year ago, I would say hands down yes. Now. Not so sure. 720p is pretty good for my uses. I have a friend who has a Sharp Aquos 92u (52""). It should look night and day better than mine as it is much smaller and has 2x the res, but I still like DLP alot. I definitely like DLP better for contrast. My epson just couldn't match my cheapo acer in that regard though the Epsons 1080s seem to be better. Plus I used to get dust blobs from time to time on the epson which can be inherent to the technology. It is the only thing I didn't like about the epson.. and the resolution of course (480p).

That may push back my upgrade timing. Guess I could warrant a new bulb. Actually found it at proadvantage for $180. I am just cheap and hate thinking that I wasted money, but it sounds like getting 6K+ out of it is a little unrealistic.

That would last me atleast another 2 years and then I could upgrade at that point.

Not gonna do it until October though... knock on wood. I am saving for house (possibly) and may need every penny for that.

Danny, since you have both, how are the newer epsons in terms of contrast ratios compared to the DLP?