[Delmonte]

I was wondering what the expected life of an RPTV is versus HT projectors. Some projectors (you know who) boast 5000 hours of lamp life.


How long would the bulbs in a RPTV last?


I am deciding upon a new diplay device for my dedicated HT and really want a projector (in the 3k - 4k range), but want to be sure I'm not spending $500+/year on lamps. If RPTV's don't last 10x longer, it will make my decision easier... though I can't see NOT having at least an 8' screen...

 

[ADebar]

when you say RPTV do you mean CRT-based, LCD-based, or DLP-based RPTV? all of those RPTVs will have different lifespans. DLPs do have bulbs, but they will last longer than a DLP-based projector because they do not need to be run as bright. CRT-based RPTVs have phosphor "guns" that wear, or "burn", with age. after 5 years you will notice a duller picture. i'm not too up to speed on my LCD-based RPTVs

 

[Namlemez]

Almost all RPTVs out there are CRT projectors right now...


That being said, the manuals usually have a MTBF in them (Mean Time Between Failure) which is basically how long the average one lasts. As ADebar said, the brightness starts dropping before that. I think the low-end for MTBF on most RPTVs is like 10,000 hours.