Please Read before using your Projector
HEAT = BAD
The number one cause of lamp failure is excessive heat. Follow the instructions in the user manual for powering down the projector to ensure adequate cool-down and prolonged projection from LCDs or bulbs.
Manufacturer TIPS
1. Once the projector is turned on, wait at least 5 minutes before turning it off to allow the fan to properly cool the unit. You do not need to unplug the power to the projector. It should stay in "sleep" mode (red light on) unless you see smoke or flames coming out of the projector! We have installed "quick release" access points on all projectors in the district with a small surge protector. The "quick release" is for emergencies and/or for projector replacement.
2. Don’t obstruct the air intake or exhaust vent. Nothing should obstruct air flow to the vents. Don't hang things on the ceiling around your projector. Keep the exhaust vent at least 2 feet from any object. Do NOT hang paper near the projector.
3. If the projector is built into a compartment, wall, ceiling, or shelf mount, the minimum distance requirement (usually at least 2 feet) listed in the user manual must be maintained from any other object.
4. Clean the projector’s air intake filter every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently based on the operating environment. Ask the Tech Department show you how to complete this procedure. You will need to reset timers for filters and bulb replacements.
Lampless Projectors ALSO need to be cleaned at least once a year.
5. Run the projector for two weeks and/or 20 hours shortly after your purchase. If the projector is defective, it will usually fail within the first 10 hours of operation. Lamp warranties typically last just 90 to 180 days from the date of purchase, rather than the first installation. Report any failures at any time to the Tech Department as soon as failures occur. DO NOT WAIT!
LAMP LIFE SPECIFICATIONS
Lamp life is measured to industry standards, specifying a 2 hours on and 15 minutes off cycle.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?*
• Halogen bulbs: 70 hours
• Tungsten: 1,000 hours
• Metal halide (high pressure mercury): 1,000 to 2,000 hours
• Xenon short-arc: 400 to 2,400 hours, depending on type
• UHP (ultra-high performance by Philips): up to 4,000 hours
• HID (high-intensity discharge): 6,000 hours
*(normal use, estimates only)
BASIC LAMP TYPES
Halogen Lamps — These bulbs produce a warmer image onscreen. This lamp technology has been around for some time, and is found in many different types of projectors. When these lamps burn out, they do so immediately, so it’s important to have a few backups ready to go.
Metal Halide Lamps — These lamps produce a characteristically cooler image onscreen. As they age, they tend to fade slowly over time. When the image on the wall doesn’t seem to be as bright as it used to be, it’s probably time for a new bulb.
2,000 hours = 1 year.
Under normal circumstances, a lamp rated at 2,000 hours should last about a year, operating 7 hours/day, 5 days/week.
THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR PROLONGED LAMP LIFE
Do…
• Use the projector in a normal environment (avoid extreme humidity, temperature, and dust).
• Clean the air/dust filters according the user manual. Blocked filters make the lamp overheat and fail sooner. Manufacturers can test for this kind of failure, and any warranty becomes invalid. Always ensure that there’s good airflow around the projector.
• Use a cloth or gloves for handling a naked bulb.
• Operate in “economy mode,” if it’s available with your projector model.
Don’t…
• Switch off main power before cooling down the lamp, according to the user manual.
• Switch lamp on/off in short cycles (e.g., 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off.)
• Touch the lamp (in cold or operating condition) without gloves.
• Bump the projector when it’s operating.
• Move the projector during operation.
• Allow the projector to become overheated.
• Set anything on top of a projector or cover a projector while in use.
HANDLE WITH GLOVES
Deposits from fingerprints on the projector bulbs cause temperature “hot spots.” In the long term, the accompanying temperature gradient stresses the glass of a bulb resulting in early failure.
MODULE OR NO MODULE?
The precise placement of the lamp in the module is critical to lamp life, and it is recommended that you buy the lamp pre-installed in a module.