I purchased my projector new July 2005. Around January '06 I noticed that my picture was gradually getting darker. I suspect the bulb is beginning to fail. I realize that the warranty (90 days) has expired. The bulb has approximately 600 hours on it, a far cry from the estimated 2-3000 hours. Do I have any recourse? Please feel free to comment.

J.Mendek

jmendek@hotmail.com

There are so many variables on why a bulb could fail:

1) You just had bad luck and your bulb was a lemon from the beginning.

2) If you were using high-lamp mode versus economy mode, it can fail earlier.

3) If you shut off the main power to the projector, and don't give the fan time to cool the bulb properly, it can fail earlier. I always leave my Z2 plugged in all the time.

4) If your projector is used in a room that is warm by nature, versus a cooler environment, the projector will run hotter, and thus the bulb could fail. My projector is used in a basement HT, which is fairly cool tempratures.

5) If you don't routinely clean your projector filter, that can shorten the life of your bulb.

I guess it is to hard to say why you had issues, this topic comes up a lot over at AVSforum on various brands of projectors. I guess I would check back with the vendor you purchased the projector from, and explain your situation, they may work with you. Or email/call the service center for Optoma, they may say the bulb failed prematurely and send you another one. Good Luck.

All of Sirquak's points are very true regarding bulb life. Try to make sure you treat the new bulb well to get it's maximum life.

Now, as far as recourse I have heard from others at AVSForum.com that Optoma may overlook the 90 day warranty in cases like this, especially because you have the H79 (supposedly handpicked bulb/parts). I'm not saying they will, but I have heard stories of others who have complained firmly but politely to Optoma and gotten a replacment. I would try anyways, couldn't hurt. Good luck.