What You Need to Know about DLP Lamps

<–CLICK HERE to listen to article

DLP stands for Digital Light Projection. This is an abbreviation used for a specific type of television set that uses DLP lamps. The lamps are used in front and rear projection television sets, which offer an excellent quality of picture but at the expense of pretty frequent replacement of the lamps. Just like an ordinary light bulb will last a shorter or longer amount of time depending on how long you burn it each day, a DLP lamp will last an average of 1 to 2 years, depending on how often you watch television.

How Often Will You Need DLP Replacement Lamps?

It’s estimated that a lamp that’s on about six hours a day will last closer to a year while one that’s on only three hours a day might make it up to two years. It might not seem much of a burden to have to replace the lamp once every year or two. But when you consider that each one costs about $200, it’s easy to see how quickly that can add up.

It’s also easy to see when your light needs to be replaced. The first sign is a visibly dimming picture. Once you notice less brightness in your picture, it’s a short matter of time before the lamp goes completely. If you plan to use your projection television for many years, it’s a good idea to buy two or three DLP TV lamps when you find a good price or good sale.

The LED DLP TV Lamp

About four years ago, Samsung came out with an LED version of the DLP lamps. That’s good news for people who love their projection televisions because LED lights burn much longer than standard lights. That means DLP lamp replacement should come a lot less frequently with this type of light. The entire television should also run much cooler because LED lights don’t put out nearly as much heat as other types of lights.

How to Buy DLP Lamps

Buying DLP replacement lamps isn’t quite the same as going and buying a light bulb. You’ll need to get a lamp made by your television manufacturer that’s designed for your particular model of projection TV. For instance, if you have a Toshiba TV, you’re going to need a Toshiba DLP lamp designed for the specific model of television you own. Both online and off-line stores that carry these lamps will allow you to easily look up and choose your replacement according to the manufacturer and model of your television.