From LCD to slide projectors and projection televisions, your office probably uses a number of projection bulbs each day. Your employees use projection lamps each time they turn on one of these devices to give a presentation, watch a training video or for public displays. They may not even give a thought to the projection lamps and bulbs until one burns out.

1. Keeping an extra projection bulb or two on hand ensures that you'll never be left in the dark for a big presentation.

2. Testing your projector lamps occasionally on rarely used devices can help you anticipate potential problems.

3. Using compatible projection light bulbs on older or rare units can keep your equipment working without having to replace it with a newer, more expensive model.

Whether you're shopping for projection TV bulbs or those for slide projectors, you'll find that there are a wide number of retailers and projector replacement bulb manufacturers out there. Projection bulbs will help your business continue the presentations and training without interruption.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for projector light bulbs by projector model

Finding the right projector bulb often depends on its compatibility to your particular projector. Many sites offer you the ability to search projection lamps and bulbs by the machine that you own. This helps ensure that you'll get a projector bulb that actually works.

I recommend: Search for a projector bulb using the ProjectorLampCenter's search engine, which searches via the model of projector that you own.

Choose between OEM projector bulbs and equivalent bulbs

Some people prefer to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lamps, but you can often save money by using off-brand equivalents. Equivalent lamps are often of the same quality and performance as the OEM products, although they may not be supported by the original manufacturer's repair and technological support.

I recommend: Projector Central lists lamp manufacturers in the United States. Just choose the brand of projector that you have and the site will list the potential manufacturers and retailers.

Use a replacement projector lamp for older units

As units are phased out, you may find it more difficult to obtain the exact OEM bulbs and lamps. In many cases, you'll still be able to use replacement lamps, although you'll need to do a bit more research to make sure that they fit and are compatible.

I recommend: eFilmCenter's search engine allows you to search for compatible replacement bulbs. Hotlamps also sells compatible lamps.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compatible, but not branded, replacement projector lamps can be problematic, posing health and safety hazards. Buy from reputable dealers and avoid non-verified replacement bulbs.