Projector lamps and bare bulbs guide

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People can get confused when looking for a replacement lamp for their projector because different words are used to describe the same or different product types.
This guide should help you understand the differences and make it easier for you to buy the right product.

Definition

Before we go into more details about each product type, it is important to understand what an original or compatible lamp is or what the difference is between a lamp or bulb.

	Complete Lamp
	A complete lamp is the entire lamp produced by the original manufacturer, ready to fit in the projector. No additional equipment is required; it is just a matter of swapping the lamp in the projector for the new one.
	Also referred to as: lamp, original lamp, OEM lamp

	Genuine Lamp
	A genuine lamp is an entire lamp manufactured to the same high quality levels as OEM lamps and ready to fit in the projector. No additional equipment is required; it is just a matter of swapping the lamp in the projector for the new one. The bulbs in genuine alternative lamps are identical to the ones used in the OEM lamps. A genuine lamp is NOT a copy!
	Also referred to as: Pro-Gen lamp, GO lamp, Diamond lamp, alternative lamp

	Bare Bulb
	The bare bulb is the glass part of the lamp without the module. On some projector lamps, it is possible to replace the bulb only while keeping the old module. Doing so reduces the purchase cost of a replacement. Don't confuse bare bulb with refurbished bulbs, they are two very different products.
	Also referred to as: bulb, bulb only

	Lamp Module
	The lamp module is the plastic and metal frame that holds the bare bulb and connectors.
	Also referred to as: cage, frame, housing, chassis

	Copy Lamp
	A copy lamp is an entire lamp produced by unregulated manufacturing companies. They are not produced to the original manufacturer's high standards and may not offer the same performance as an OEM or genuine lamp. We DO NOT supply copy lamps!
	Also referred to as: compatible lamp, imitation lamp,

Complete Original Projector Lamp

As described above, the complete projector lamp includes the manufacturer original lamp module and bare bulb.
They are produced by the original manufacturer of the projector and made to a high standard.

The majority of OEM lamps use bulbs supplied by the world's leading bulb manufacturers such as Philips, Osram, Ushio etc.

Genuine Lamp

The bulbs in genuine alternative lamps are identical to the ones used in the OEM lamps.
The lamps are manufactured to ISO9001 standards in a quality controlled and regulated environment.

They are put through thorough testing and strict quality checks to ensure the highest quality levels and performance are maintained.
The checks include Beam Performance, Ignition, Voltage, Appearance, Connections, and Runtime.

Slightly cheaper than OEM lamps, genuine alternative lamps still maintain high performance levels.

Bare Bulb

Bare bulbs are the same bulbs as the ones fitted in the original lamps but they are supplied without the lamp module.

Bare bulbs are not available for all projector lamp models: only the lamps where the bulb can easily be swapped have the bare bulb option available (currently around 1000 models).

Offering a large saving on purchasing cost, all that is required is the existing lamp module and a few minutes to replace the bulb.

Contrary to what some dealers claim, providing you follow the simple instructions (see our guide here), there is no risk involved and the bulbs are easy to swap.
Also as you are using the same bulbs as the ones used in original lamps, you will be getting the same performance.

Bare bulbs are not the same as refurbished bulbs.
Bare bulbs are the bulbs manufactured by Philips, Osram, Ushio etc. and used by projector manufacturers in their complete lamps, only supplied without the module.
Refurbished or relamped bulbs however are old bulbs where the burner that sits inside the quartz globe of the lamp has been replaced and the ceramics remoulded. We strongly advise against the use of refurbished bulbs.

Copy Lamp

Copy/compatible lamps are produced by non-regulated third party companies.
They are not manufactured to the same high standards as original lamps and as well as the reduced performance, some safety risks are associated with these lamps.

We strongly advise against the use of copy lamps.

All the lamps and bulbs we supply are original and genuine.
We DO NOT sell copy or compatible lamps.

How to spot copy lamps?

It is not easy to spot copy lamps but here are a few pointers:

- The box: copy lamps are often supplied in plain boxes without any marking or label on them. While this on its own may not be a definite sign of a copy, please be aware.
- The description: Any product that says, "Compatible with" or that has a generic description such as "120 watt" could mean the product is not an original.
If the labelling lists a series of projector models from different projector manufacturers, these are not original products.
If it has a company name and that name isn't the projector manufacturer (except in the case of manufacturers rebranding another manufacturer's products like Sharp making a few projectors for Philips, or Eiki and Sanyo etc.) then this is probably a branded lamp and not an original.
- The bulb: original bulbs manufactured by Philips, Osram etc. have markings and branding on them.
Philips bulbs will carry UHP numbers.
Osram bulbs will carry P-VIP numbers.
There should also be other marks including mercury, recycling and/or caution marks.
- The price: if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. We advise you check with the retailer that the product is genuine and what the warranty is.
- The dealer: copy lamps are available on auction websites from foreign dealers or from some retailers selling grey imports.
Always buy from a trusted dealer.

If you have any questions or would like guidance on projector lamps and the various options available, please contact us on 01924 278464 and we will be happy to help.