How to Replace a Lamp for Home Theatre Projector

Learn some important tips and safety precautions for changing the lamp in your home theater projector. Removal and installation of a home theater projector lamp can go smoothly when you know how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• flathead screwdriver
• hex wrenches

Preparation

1. Shut off the projector and let the lamp cool down for an absolute minimum of 15 minutes. The lamp and the lamp housing in these units reach incredibly high temperatures. When the unit has cooled, unplug the power supply. Check with either the projector manufacturer or the manufacturer of the lamp about warranty information. Some lamp warranties are only valid if a qualified technician performs the lamp installation.

2. 
    
   Removing rear panel of SIM2 HT500

   Different makes and models have different light engines and lamp housings. The owner's manual for your projector should tell you the proper location of the lamp and how to replace it. There might be a small door located at the back of the projector or on the bottom of the unit. On some units you may have to remove one or more exterior panels to get to the lamp house. If you no longer have the owner's manual, contact the projector manufacturer's technical support department.

3. 
    
   Removing a lamp (notice the two thumbscrews)

   Once you have the lamp house open, the old lamp should slide out easily. There might be one or two thumbscrews holding the lamp in place. Before inserting the new lamp, make sure it is identical to the one you are replacing. Gently seat the new lamp in place making sure it is oriented the same way as the lamp you removed. Replace any panels you removed from the projector. Plug in the power supply, and power up the unit. If your projector allows you to reset the lamp hours meter, do so. If you cannot reset the meter, write down the amount of hours on the meter so you will know how many hours the new lamp will accumulate.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the owner's manual for your particular projector, or contact the manufacturer's technical support department before attempting to service your projector. Digital projectors are sensitive and expensive and so are the lamps.
• Always be safe and allow proper cooling time for the lamp. Never touch the glass part of any lamp, especially the new one you plan on installing. Oil from your fingers can significantly decrease the life of the lamp. Always handle the lamp by its metal frame, or wear clean cotton gloves. Proper disposal or recycling procedures must be followed when discarding the old lamp. Many projector lamps contain mercury.