Where To Go To Buy Replacement Bulbs?

[Andrew Robinson]

I've reviewed my share of front projectors over the years and because of this I've never hung onto a projector long enough to need to purchase a replacement bulb -until now. When I reviewed the Anthem LTX-500 (JVC re-badge) a few years ago I was so smitten that I made it my reference projector, and while I've reviewed many a projector since then, the LTX-500 has remained in my home and in my system the whole time. Well, all that use has racked up quite a few hours on the ol' bulb, 1,038 hours to be exact, and while I may have played with a lot of projectors over the years I've never had to shop for a replacement bulb.

So I ask you my forum friends, where do you go when its time to buy a fresh bulb to breathe new life into your beloved projector? If you shop online be sure to give me the URL so I can check it out for myself.

Thanks!

[Tracy Rainwater]

I'm in the same boat, Andrew. I have 2300+ hours on mine. The market is flooded with 3rd party lamps from China, it's had to know if you are getting an OEM quality replacement.

[Andrew Robinson]

2,300 hours! Holy crap. It is definitely time for you to change up.

[Tracy Rainwater]

I've lost a little bit of brightness, but I've kept it calibrated and on the low lamp setting. It's giving me a warning now but it's based solely on lamp hours and not the condition of the lamp. At 3000 hours is will shut down regardless.

[RayJr]

I've lost a little bit of brightness.

Just wait till you put in the new bulb......you won't think it's just a little bit of brightness you lost..it will be a LOT
Our eyes adapt to the loss of light output, and over time you don't think your picture has gotten that dark..till you put in the new bulb.

Just my $.02
RayJr

[Tracy Rainwater]

So Ray, where's a trusted place to get quality replacement lamps?

[Jerry Del Colliano]

2300 hours is a TON of time.

Most projectors won't let you go that long.

Ray is right. You will be BLOWN AWAY by how much output a new bulb will get you.

[Tracy Rainwater]

I'm hoping that Santa will bring me a new projector, but I fear that a new Plasma display will receive higher priority.

[Andrew Robinson]

Tracy, go to ProjectorLampGenie and order a Diamond Lamp OEM replacement for half the cost of whatever it is you're looking for. Seriously, I just replaced my original JVC lamp (1,100 hours) and the difference is NIGHT and DAY. If you're not buying a new projector spend as little as you can and just get a new lamp. Seriously, the guys at PLG are good people and their Diamond Lamps are completely legit.

[Tracy Rainwater]

I read your lamp changing thread and appreciate the tip on a good replacement source. The Diamond lamp for mine is about a third of the OEM price, actually about $80 more than for your Anthem.

I had always heard to go with an OEM lamp. How did you hear about the Diamond lamps?