Projection TV Lamp - Replacement and Lifespan

Latest surveys reveal that people prefer new technologies when it comes to buying a new TV set. This means that few people still buy traditional cathode tube TVs and more and more people buy either LCD TVs, or rear projection TV sets. However, when it comes to rear projection TVs, there are two aspects that should be discussed: these TVs offer the largest available screen sizes for affordable prices and at great image quality. However, using a projection TV lamp to display the image on the screen itself, it means that sooner or later you will need to replace the TV's lamp.

If you have ever looked at a rear projection TV's specifications, you may have noticed among its features the lamp's lifespan. Manufacturers use the latest technologies to provide you with longer lamp lifespan, but this still means that projection lamps do not have an infinite life. Newer projection TV lamps use halogen instead of incandescent lamps, halogen lamps that work at much higher temperatures, leading to a shorter lifespan. There is a pro side though, as halogen lamps provide a much powerful and bright light than incandescent lamps, making your image sharper and more intense.

Rear projection TV sets use the same technologies used in overhead projectors: the image is transmitted with the help of a complex array of lamps, mirrors and switches to the screen itself. The main difference is that in the case of rear projection TV sets, the distance between the lamp and the screen is much shorter. While overhead projection lamps have a declared lifespan of several hundred hours (in the case of halogen lamps, this lifespan reduces to around 70 - 90 hours), the lamps inside your television can last for several thousand hours of around the clock operation.

When it comes to replacing the projection TV lamp, it all depends on how you perform the operations. These lamps are very sensitive items, so taking great care of them while replacing them can determine their lifespan. Mitsubishi engineers recommend you not to touch the lamp's contacts or the lamp's glass at all, as you can leave debris or oil o these delicate surfaces, damaging them. Any debris will burn when the lamp reaches its maximum operating temperature, causing potential danger to your set.

Always buy the same type of lamp as the TV's manufacturer specifies, as buying lamps that operate at different voltages or power emissions can also damage your brand new television. You will find all the necessary information about the required projection TV lamp in the documentation supplied by the TV's manufacturer together with the unit. The department store from where you have purchased it can offer you a whole series of compatible replacement parts for your TV set.

Your projection TV lamp's lifespan can depend on many variables and specialists say that most of the defects affecting these lamps are due to human error, so taking care of your TV can offer you a significant increase in lifespan.