DLP Replacement Bulbs are what make Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology by Texas Instruments a viable alternative to more expensive LCD or Plasma televisions or projectors. Like other high-definition television technologies, DLP uses a high intensity bulb behind the screen to provide light and contrast to the tv screen. Unfortunately, these lamps burn out over time and need replacement.
DLP technology works by taking the picture signal and filtering it through thousands of tiny mirrors. These mirrors in turn reflect the light at all sorts of angels to give you a crisp and extremely detailed picture. This light is then run through a color wheel to give your television or projector image all the necessary color depth. After this light goes through the DLP lamp, the final picture is then projected onto either your television screen or projector screen.
This process is most dependent on the quality of the lamp (or bulb). Like LCD bulbs, DLP bulbs eventually burn out and the picture quality gets worse as the lamp gets older. Once the bulb completely burns out, you will have no picture output at all. Fortunately, there are a wide range of DLP lamps available to purchase and installation is simple enough that most people can do it on their own. In the past, with a regular television, you would need to haul it to a repair professional where they would charge you hundreds of dollars to repair your tv.
Replacing a DLP lamp usually entails simply unscrewing the service door on the back of your television or projector, removing the old bulb and replacing with a new one. The process really is that simple. Being able to change a DLP lamp yourself will save you a bundle as opposed to having a repair technician come do it for you.
DLP replacement lamps are not cheap as they can average $200-$400. The positive is that they will last for many years, depending on your viewing habits obviously. It’s a good idea to always have a spare bulb on hand to ensure you have a backup so your television viewing is uninterrupted. Imaging have a big Superbowl party and your DLP lamp goes out during halftime. Not the best situation to be in if you have to go out and try to hunt down a replacement bulb before everybody leaves.
Look for DLP replacement lamps that come in multi-packs. Usually you will save a lot of money purchasing this way. Ebay is an option to purchase cheap bulbs but is very risky as the quality on these replacement bulbs is generally fairly low. The merchants on this page would be good trustworthy options to buy from. Also, keep an eye out for television sales in your local newspaper. A lot of the time, they will offer sale prices on DLP replacement lamps as well.