Mitsubishi projectors and rear projection TVs use replacement lamp modules. They last forever on the shelf, but once installed, that projector or TV lamp will usually last from 1000 to 6000 hours. If you have had to replace these projector bulbs then you know that they can sometimes be expensive. So how can you save money and find cheap Mitsubishi projector lamps?
Here we will answer these questions
- Do they make cheap bulbs for projectors and TVs?
- What is the difference between lamps and bulbs?
- Ways to find cheap lamps for projectors and TVs.
- Does a cheap projector lamp offer the same performance as the original?
Mitsubishi makes projectors and TVs. Contrary to what some might believe, they do not make the replacement lamps or bulbs. These expensive bulbs are primarily made by Osram, Philips and Ushio. When you buy one of these OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) lamps you will find that they are not cheap!
Why try to find cheap projector lamps?
The cost of the projector although expensive doesn't top after the initial purchase. Most people will replace their lamps 2 or 3 times before upgrading to another projector. If you can save 0 - 0 per lamp, that is an average savings of 0.00 for each projector.
Do they make cheap bulbs or lamps for projectors? Specifically, do they make cheap lamps for my Mitsubishi projector or TV?
Well let's not say cheap, let's say cheap-er. Yes you can find cheaper lamps or bulbs for your projector.
Let's start by describing the difference between projector lamp and bulb. A projector lamp is usually considered to be the complete lamp module or assembly. It looks like a box with a bulb in it. This box is usually metal or a dark composite material. The complete lamp module is the easiest to replace in your projector or TV.
A projector bulb is the bulb itself that fits in that "box" or lamp module. You will need tools to remove the old bulb from your lamp assembly. You will have to reuse the old lamp module. Not the easiest method, but can be the cheapest.
Complete lamp modules are constructed in 3 ways.
1) Original lamp module. The original lamp manufacturer. There is only one. Always the most expensive.
2) OEM Equivalent or Generic lamp module. This is a copy of both the bulb and lamp module. Usually the least expensive complete lamp module. There are a dozen different generic lamp module manufacturers. There quality level ranges from excellent to absolute trash. I will tell you how to get the best type below.
3) Hybrid lamp module. This is a generic case with the original manufacturers' bulb inside. Not always the cheapest lamp module, but a good bet for anyone skeptical of the generic alternative as it uses the original Osram, Philips or Ushio bulb inside. There are important tips for buying these lamps as well.
Those handy with a screwdriver can find the absolute cheapest replacement lamp option in a bare bulb. There are two types:
1) Original bare bulb made by Osram (VIP type), Philips (UHP type) or Ushio (NSH type).
2) Generic bare bulbs. Copies of the original.
Tips for getting the cheapest high quality replacement lamp or bulb:
1) Buy from a reputable dealer. They should clearly describe what you are buying and have a reasonable return policy.
2) If buying online; make sure they have an easily found telephone number. If there is a problem with a lamp, you don't want to find out later that the company ships from China or that the website owner has a regular day job delivering pizza.
3) Here are some of the ways online companies can be mislead you into thinking you are getting an original lamp module but send you something else:
- They state that it is a "GENUINE (their brand) LAMP"
- They state that this is a Mitsubishi HC1500 projector lamp. True, it may be, but it is not a Mitsubishi lamp for the HC1500, it is most likely a generic. Ask them.
- They have a great price on the replacement bulb but don't tell you that you are getting the bare bulb and you will have to reuse your old lamp cartridge.
4) When buying OEM equivalent with the original bulb inside, make sure you are getting new lamp cases and the lamp is assembled by professionals. Because projector lamps are so expensive most projector or DLP TV owners will use these lamps until they stop working or explode in their TVs or projectors, even though their TV has warned them to replace their lamps hours ago. These lamp explosions deposit mercury on the cases. When one of these cases is reused this highly toxic mercury will vaporize in the presence of the high temperatures of the lamp and could be breathed in by anyone present in the room. Watch out for dealers that offer you a rebate on your old cases.
5) Whenever you get your lamp, make sure you keep the boxes that it came for at least 90 days. Do not mark on the boxes themselves as sometimes this will be enough reason to deny your warranty on the lamp. If you have to write on the box, write it on a separate piece of paper and tape it to the box instead.
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