The projector lamp is one of the few parts on a projector that can easily be replaced by the owner or user. Although you can somewhat predict the lifespan of your projector bulb or lamp based on the average amount of time it is used per week, it is still a good idea to have a few spare bulbs on hand since shorts, breakages, and emergencies can happen. It is far better to have two or three spare lamps waiting unused than it is to really need one and not have it.
Projector lamps typically range in cost from $200 to $400, but with the large selection of online sellers, it is easy to find a good price for the lamp you need. Projector lamps vary by model, so be sure to know the product manufacturer and model number of your projector before you try to buy a replacement lamp.
One online distributor selling many kinds of the projector lamp is LCD Projector Bulbs. It offers free ground shipping on all orders, plus special prices for bulk and volume purchases. Replacement bulbs for the following popular brands are routinely in stock: Infocus, Proxima, Epson, NEC, Sony, Sanyo, Sharp, Toshiba, 3M, Acer, Boxlight, Canon, Eiki, APTI, Optoma, Philips, Polaroid, Hitachi, Kodak, GE, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Viewsonic. In addition to these brands, LCD Projector Bulbs can help you locate difficult-to-find lamps and also sells bulbs for some discontinued projectors.
Another great source to consider when looking for projector lamps is Projector Central (http://www.projectorcentral.com/projector-lamps.htm). It is a detailed website that provides links to numerous online lamp sellers and distributors. It allows customers to narrow their search to companies that provide only the lamp they need with a brand name category distinction. Customer ratings are also provided for many of the listed companies so consumers can compare the options even before visiting the websites and making a purchase.