Why does my DLP lamp go out every 6-12 months?

Question

I have a Toshiba 52HMX95 and I've bought a new lamp 3 times (another one I got free with my warranty) and I'm pretty pissed that I bought a projection TV because I bought this in 2005-2006 for $3600 including warranty (which doesn't even cover the lamps...) and taxes. It's not sold for $800. I barely used it because I was scared it would break again, I used it maybe 10 hours a week and used the low power setting but it STILL broke after 5-6 months. Any idea why this is happening??

Answer 1

Projection TVs have cooling fans for the lamps.  They need air circulation.  You should be able to hear the fan running.  It should continue running for a while after you turn off the TV.  If you disconnect power to the TV while the lamp is still on, or too soon after you turn it off, the lamp life is shortened.  Make sure you are not blocking any air intakes to the TV and  that they are clean.

If the air openings are blocked, or the fan is not operating, the bulb will not last.  You should get 2000 hrs or more from a bulb.  Once in a while a bulb may fail prematurely, but most last longer than 2000 hrs.  In addition, they very rarely fail totally, but gradually grow dimmer over time.  If your bulbs are going out completely, something is wrong with the set, and you should call the manufacturer.

Answer 2

Rear projection lamps last anywhere from 1000 to 4000 hours on average. If there is a problem with the TV, they will last less.

So: 3hrs/day = 21 hrs/week = about 1,000 hrs/year, which is about what you get.

Avoid turning them off/on repeatedly, it usually shortens their life.