[jw3571]

I recently purchased a house that has a projector set up with a 100 inch screen. I'm used to Plasma's so i'm used to brighter colors. The colors have never popped on the projector. The projector is a lower grade Optoma, I can't find a model number anywhere but i'm guessing it's a HD20 based upon pictures. It's probably a 2011 model. I looked in the settings and found that the bulb has nearly 1900 hours on it. From what I understand that is a lot of hours, would I be better of replacing the bulb or just buying a better projector? If I understand correctly, bulbs can be around $400? I use the projector for nearly all of my tv watching which includes a lot of sports as well as video games. I'd probably like to be under $2k, are there models at that price point that would be a real improvement? Thanks.

 

[rekbones]

If it truly is an HD20 that was the go to entry level 1080p projector a few years ago. A bare ORSAM bulb most likely is under a $100. Something like a BenQ 1070 would be some what of an improvement for around $700 and give you 3D. How is your room, if its all white or light reflective color that's the reason for the washed out colors. I believe the bulb was rated for 2000 hrs in standard and 3000 in echo. No projector will pop like a plasma if ambient and reflective light aren't under control.

 

[jw3571]

Thanks for the response, my room is fairly good but not up to par with what some people on here have. The walls are green and there is a window fairly close to the screen. I have a black out that I haven't installed yet. I'm really judging when it's completely dark out. I understand that it won't ever look a plasma but I wouldn't mind a little more brightness. Would getting something around $2k get me closer to that or it just a waste? I think I'd have to unmount my unit to tell what it is as I believe the mount is covering where it says what model it is. If the bulb is really only $100 maybe I should just go that route?

 

[dreamer]

Thanks for the response, my room is fairly good but not up to par with what some people on here have. The walls are green and there is a window fairly close to the screen. I have a black out that I haven't installed yet. I'm really judging when it's completely dark out. I understand that it won't ever look a plasma but I wouldn't mind a little more brightness. Would getting something around $2k get me closer to that or it just a waste? I think I'd have to unmount my unit to tell what it is as I believe the mount is covering where it says what model it is. If the bulb is really only $100 maybe I should just go that route?

There are all different shades of green. If it is a dark green and the ceiling is also a dark color, then the room should be fine at night. If by "green" you mean "seafoam", then it might as well be white.

Before replacing the lamp, I would buy the Disney "WoW" bluray disc and do a basic calibration. Having brightness, contrast, and color misadjusted can make even a good lamp produce a washed out and lifeless image. A new lamp will help a dim picture, but in a dark room even a lamp on its last legs should have good color and contrast on a 100" screen. If it looks dim but otherwise great after calibration, then a new lamp is called for.