I have a Panasonic PT AX-100E which has been run mostly at standard power and which reached 3000hrs around a year ago.
As the lamp life was supposed to be 2000hrs at normal power and 3000hrs at low power I bought a replacement lamp but not wanting to replace it before necessary I reset the lamp counter and carried on using the old lamp.
I've now reached 1500hrs since I reset the counter (4500hrs total) and the lamp is still going strong.

Is anybody able to tell me if there is any reason I shouldn't just keep on using the same lamp until it won't fire up before changing it? Is there any possibility of the lamp damaging the projector when it goes?

Nick

Hi There

I am afraid I do not have an answer for you but wanted to know how you reset the time on the bulb ?

I have unfortunately moved house and have lost my manual. Do you know how to replace the bulb as mine is comming up to 1900 hours.

I would be most grateful if you could help.
Thanks
Paul

[Jeff]

The main danger is that the lamp will explode and cause damage to the projector. You have had a very good run out of that lamp, I think it's time to change it before it causes any damage.

[Crustyloafer]

Originally Posted by Jeff

The main danger is that the lamp will explode and cause damage to the projector. You have had a very good run out of that lamp, I think it's time to change it before it causes any damage.

I would agree, using a projector lamp beyond its intended lifespan significantly increases the chances of the lamp blowing violently which is likely to cause significant damage to the internals of your projector. You will then end up with a spare lamp still in your hands and no projector to put it in.

[sapper44]

Are there any peeps on this site experienced this with there pj as i'v been around here for a while and seen nothing about bulbs blowing up and damaging kit.

[cyberheater]

All this scaremongering about exploding bulbs. I've never heard of a single case were a bulb blowing has caused harm to the projector. Providing you give it a good vacuum out and don't inhale the dust you'll be fine.

[IAN P]

What does the menu state,are there any red warning lights?

If not,i wouldn't worry about it.

Impressive amount of use,considering the associated problems with this specific model.

[Markie Boy]

Originally Posted by sapper44

Are there any peeps on this site experienced this with there pj as i'v been around here for a while and seen nothing about bulbs blowing up and damaging kit.

Most "peeps" on this site are clever and experienced enough to replace the lamp BEFORE it explodes - thats why theres not much talk about it.

Well, the bulb is still going strong at 5000 hrs (no signs of any deterioration in brightness as far as I can tell and it starts up fine every time)

However, as I already have a spare which will hopefully also make 5000hrs and by that point there will probably be a much better & cheaper PJ available I think the time has come to replace the bulb.

This does tend to raise the question though, that if everybody dutifully replaces the lamp after 2000hrs, and nobody has actually had one stop working (blow up?) would they all potentially make 5000hrs or longer?

With both my previous projectors, I replaced the lamp when it lamp stopped firing up, but neither of the lamps exploded which is why I was quite happy to take the risk of running this one for a much longer period of time than recommended.

Nick

Summittgood,

I assume you have already managed to find the answer to your question re: resetting the lamp life but if not.

Navigate through the menu to the lamp runtime section.
With lamp runtime highlighted press and hold the enter button for at least three seconds. You will be given the option to reset lamp runtime, select OK and then turn the power to the PJ off and on again.

Nick

[hohoann]

Originally Posted by NickGa

I have a Panasonic PT AX-100E which has been run mostly at standard power and which reached 3000hrs around a year ago.
As the lamp life was supposed to be 2000hrs at normal power and 3000hrs at low power I bought a replacement lamp but not wanting to replace it before necessary I reset the lamp counter and carried on using the old lamp.
I've now reached 1500hrs since I reset the counter (4500hrs total) and the lamp is still going strong.

Is anybody able to tell me if there is any reason I shouldn't just keep on using the same lamp until it won't fire up before changing it? Is there any possibility of the lamp damaging the projector when it goes?

Nick

wow, that's really fantastic for over 4500hrs.
BTW, do you mind telling me how much is your replacement bulb for this projector?

[Dav1dF]

I have experienced blown bulbs, and yes, they can damage a projector, depending on how spectacularly they blow up! Most cases it will just go, but sometimes things can go wrong big time.

Regardless of how many hours a bulb can or should run for, it's most useful is the first 1,000 hours. This is when the bulb is running at it's brightest and most efficient. After this period of time, they do begin to dull, but because they do it in a very slow fashion, most people won't really notice until around 2,000/2,500 hours.

As others have said, you've had a good run, and it's worth changing. You'll be surprised how much brighter the image will be.