All projectors utilize a lamp of some type to illuminate and project the image. Over time, like all bulbs, these go bad. Modern projector bulbs normally do not fail catastrophically anymore, so instead of a damaged projector, there simply is no image. Additionally, today’s units give visual feedback as to the lamp’s status, offering an at-a-glance idea of the remaining bulb life. Generally, the more you observe the projector’s operation over time, the easier it is to identify an ailing lamp.
- Step 1
- Turn on the projector. If the projector powers on, but there is no image, the bulb is probably completely expired.
- Step 2
- Look for a flashing red or yellow indicator light somewhere on the chassis of the projector. This is often a low lamp-life indicator. Examine closely to see if the flashing light corresponds to a lamp or bulb-style icon.
- Step 3
- Observe the projected picture if the projector still illuminates. Look closely for a flickering or wavering image, indicating a dying bulb.
- Step 4
- Look at the projected image to see if the projector is displaying a “Low Lamp” or similarly-phrased message. This indicates the factory bulb is past its recommended usage term.
