If you’re looking to set up your own home theater, you’ll want to invest in a projector that will last a long time. Still, with so many different types of home theater projectors, what is considered a normal lifespan? Are there some types of projectors that last longer than others and if so which ones? This article will help you answer all these questions.
So How Long Does a Home Theater Projector Last?
New LED projectors tend to last the longest at 20,000 hours of use. Projector models that still rely on lamps however last anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 hours (an average of 5 years), depending on how old the model is and whether the owner doesn’t leave it on constantly. Projector Lamps are easy to replace once they burn out, and only cost a couple hundred dollars purchased through the manufacturer online.
If you’d like to know more about how long you can expect your home theater projector to last and what things you can do to increase that time, we’ve got you covered. We’ll lay out the specifics on how long different types of projectors last, then discuss how to get the most out of any model and finish by giving you our recommendations.
LED LASER- longer
how often? 5-10 years
Types of Home Theater Projectors and How Long They Last
Today there are 2 main types of home theater projectors: LED or LASER projectors. Depending on whether you have a more traditional projector that relies on heating up for it’s powerful light or you have a more contemporary LED projector, you can expect different lifespans.
I gave Mike a call from Best Buy in the home theater department and this is what he said:
“There’s only two types of projectors: LED or Laser. The lifespan depends entirely on how much the owner is using it but if I have to give an actual lifespan for the average bulb, it would be 5-10 years. Replacing LED bulbs is super easy and more affordable than a Laser Projector, even though that will last you longer without the hassle of replacement.”
If you’re looking for a projector that lasts longer, you need look no more and check out a laser or an LED projector. These home theater projectors last up to a whopping 20,000 to 40,000hours. The only downside is that they can appear a little less bright than their lamp counterparts.
How to Get The Most Out of Your Projector’s Lifespan
Fortunately, if you practice good maintenance and know what to watch for, you can make your projector’s lamp last considerably longer. Below we’ll outline 3 tips for getting the most out of a lamp projectors lifespan.
Never Block Your Projector’s Vents
If you’re setting up your projector with a speaker and a Bluray/DVD player, it can be tempting to pack everything close together. However you should make sure that you don’t block the exhaust vents on your projector. If you don’t it could lead to overheating that can significantly reduce the projector’s lifespan.
This also could present a fire hazard. Especially if you’re watching films in an enclosed space as opposed to outside.
Make Sure to Clean Out Your Projectors Air Filter
Your projector should come with instructions on how to clean out the air filter. Usually, it just involves popping open a latch on the side and pulling the filter out. Just make sure that you’ve powered the unit off, given it enough time to cool down, and remove the power cord.
Don’t Touch the Projector Lamp With Your Bare Hands
If you need to perform any kind of internal maintenance, make sure that you wear gloves. If you don’t, the oil from your hand and anything else you’ve interacted with can get on the bulb and cause it to burn hotter than it normally would.
The Lifespan of a Traditional Lamp Projector and Other Benefits
Current lamp projectors tend to have a lifespan between 2,000 and 4,000 hours. If you have an older model, however it may come in at around only 1000 to 2000. This means that after anywhere from 1000 to 4000 hours of use, your projector will be giving off half the lumens (measurement of light from a bulb) it did when you purchased it.
Other benefits of lamp projectors include:
- Extremely bright: Lamp projectors are known for being some of the brightest. They generally start at around 2,000 lumens and go up from there.
- Affordable: Lamp projectors are some of the most affordable on the market. You can get a decent one for casual use for as little as 80 bucks. Though you should keep in mind their replacement bulbs can be costly.
What Are Some Good Projector Models?
The Projector I Use and Love:
This is the one my family has been using for over 4 years and it’s still going strong! One of us is using it almost every other night for gaming or watching movies. Check out my video review here:
Benefits of LED Projectors
- Doesn’t contain mercury: Older lamp projectors sometimes contain mercury. One of the benefits of LED and laser projectors is that they do not.
- Lasts a really long time: You really won’t find another projector with a longer lifespan. Most LED and laser projectors have over double the lifespan of your average projector.
So what exactly are your best options for getting a projector that will last a long time? Well, it really depends on what your other needs are as well. That’s why in the following two sections, we will breakdown the best projector on a budget and then suggest three of the longest lasting projectors available today.
Longest Lasting Projector On a Budget
If you’re just looking to casually watch a movie on the big screen every once in a while and you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, Leisure 3 by Vankyo would make a great option for you. Not only does it come in at the low price of 99 bucks, but it has a solid picture and projects in 1080p via LED technology. It comes with a carrying case and equipment to clean the lens. This is best for families and kids.
In terms of its lifespan, it boasts a whopping 40,000 hours. Please remember however, to practice proper maintenance to get the most out of that average lifespan. Also, note that the projector’s image deteriorates over time, so it won’t look quite as good by the time you reach 40,000 hours.
Two Other Great Home Theater Projectors on the Market
Optoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector
This one is an LED projector that can hook up with smart devices like Alexa or Google assist. It has a lifespan of 45,000 hours and incredible 4K picture quality. The only place where it falls short of the others on our list is that it gives off 1,500 lumens. Still, that’s quite bright. It comes in at around $1,795.
Optoma HD146X High Performance Projector
Using a more traditional lamp, this system gives off 3,600 lumens. It doesn’t last quite as long, coming in at 15,000 hours. That said, it still has high quality 4K picture quality and costs $499. That’s less than half the price of the previous model.
Other Useful Things to Know
As long as it is used in normal conditions and its owner practices proper maintenance, a lamp based home theater projector will last anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 hours. Most modern models last 2,000 to 4,000 hours. With LED projectors on the other hand, the numbers go up to 20,000 to 40,000 hours. Plus you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get one that lasts a long time.
In our budget recommendation, we presented a projector that is only one hundred dollars but has an average lifespan of 40,000 hours. When you’re selecting which one is right for you, make sure that you factor in the abilities you need out of your projector with how long you’d like it to last. Going back to the budget example, it does last a long time but isn’t quite as bright or clear as the other models we outlined.
