What you should know about digital projectors.

[fmctm1sw]

For the unindoctrinated, I will share an experience I had while teaching in Florida. We made lots of use of digital projectors. Nothing special, just run of the mill (800x600 I think) jobs that hung from the overhead and projected onto a wall in front of the classroom. The bulb was getting real dim one day and I went to the maintenace shop to get another bulb. They said" Oh, we don't keep those in this building, we keep them locked up in the supply locker in the other compound." Bulbs of all things, in another building? Got to be kidding me. Anyway, I come to learn what these bulbs cost... I think $300 or $400 is about right from what I recall. They kept them locked away for fear of theft. Can't say that I blame them now. Anyway, I say this because one of the recent computer magazines recently compared LCD, Plasma, rear-projection, and digital projectors as solutions for the home theatre. BUT, they neglected to mention exactly how much a replacement bulb will cost you You may want to factor this in if you are thinking about a "big screen" solution.

[redwudz]

I pay about $200US for my bulbs, but you are right, $400 is more typical. However, mine is at 534 hours (It has a timer) and still going strong. I did pick up a spare, though. Of course, having a 4' X 7' screen makes me pretty happy, even with the cost of the bulbs.

[garryheather]

The dealer should advise any prospective customers about the running costs - most people are shocked by the cost of the bulbs and it does cost the shops sales.

They might look like the ones fitted to the front of your car, but that is where the similarity ends...

[orion7144]

Don't forget that DLP tv's also require bulb changes and they are not cheap.