The prices on front-projectors have dropped to levels where they are comparable to rear-projectors and other display technologies.  Office projectors offer a low-cost alternative to the high-end home-theater projectors and provide sufficient color accuracy and usually brighter picture. The problem that deters many buyers from front and rear-projector systems is bulb life, which is typically 2000 hours.  While the projector prices have been dropping bulb costs have been remaining constant if not rising. This article documents how I replace my bulb inexpensively.

I purchased a Dell 3200MP projector in 2003, fulfilling my undergraduate fantasy of a 60+ image in my living room. In 2007 the bulb expired and I was left with a difficult decision of buying a new bulb or replacing the projector.  I wanted to hold off buying a new projector until one with 1080p, +2000 lumens, and under a grand was available.  Yet, I really could not justify paying $350 dollars on a new lamp when a new XGA projector costs around $500. A new lamp consists of housing and a UHP (ultra high pressure) bulb. Leaving me with three replacement options:

(1) Salvage lamp housing and find the exact bulb. Cost - ~$100 dollars.
(2) Send the bulb out for refurbishing ~$250
(3) Buy a new lamp from the manufacturer ~$360

OPTION 1:
This was the option I eventually choose. After watching Ebay for a few weeks, my bulb showed up. You can find out what your bulb you have by removing the lamp from the projector (directions are probably in the projector manual).  My bulb was a Osram VIP 150/P16 (see attached picture).  I believe VIP is the bulb technology, 150 is the power rating, and P16 describes the bulb shape and size.  I only had to remove a few screws to remove the bulb from the housing.  When you refurbish the bulb, be careful not to get fingerprints on the new bulb. This creates hot spots which reduce bulb life.

OPTION 2:
Projector bulbs come in many different shapes and size and some are easier to locate than others.  If you can’t find your bulb, refurbishing services are also an option.  Users on missingremote and AVSforum recommend RelampIt for their decent prices and good service.  You email them your projector model and they will tell you if they can replace the bulb. Then you ship your lamp, they put in a new bulb, and ship it back with a 90 day warranty.

I hope these bulb replacement options wil help encourage wary customers into purchasing front projectors.  Once you have one I am convience that you will have a hard time going back to anything.