Thought someone here could help a bit.

I have a home projector, Sanyo PLV-Z4. I bought it from a friend it had then the timer at 300, its now well above 1000 viewing hours.

I'm not sure if its always been like this, but recently i have noticed that it doesn't show shades of black, at all really. Is there some way to fix this without buying a new projector? Does the lamps aging effect the black levels somehow? So could a simple lamp change solve the problem? I'm not really yet ready to invest on a new Full HD projector, since the current one is still working somewhat well, and i don't even have a BD-player yet.

You are correct that the lamp will get darker over time. You can adjust the settings to get the picture a little bit better but a new lamp will cure the problem and they are very expensive. One thing to consider if facing this is is it better to replace the lamp for 300 to 400 dollars US or invest in a newer projector with 1080P. There are some sub 1,000.00 models that are quite impressive. Or if budget is definately an issue then try to find the same projector on ebay with less hours on the lamp. I have done this and have picked up units for under 100.00 just to get the lamp. Ebay also has new lamps available and who knows, you may get lucky. You can always PM me if you need help.

Merry Christmas
Bill

Quoting VirusPil:

Quote:
The aging of a lamp is influencing the brightness. Old lamps are getting darker and 1000h are an account. So it could be that you have to change the lamp, but this is expensive.

Ill try to do some tweaking with it to get more life of the current lamp. The lamps cost 290e here, while that eBay one costs 145e So will definately buy it from somewhere else then here.

I have a tight budjet, and IMO poor cant afford to buy cheap. So when i will replace the projector it would probably be in the 1500-1800e price range, which is a pretty big investment for me. So getting even a year more out of my current projector with that ~150e is worth it. Plus, when i get a new projector, i dont want to throw the old one away, id rather place it in another room or give it to a family member.

EDIT: also the projectors "change lamp" light isnt yet lid, does this mean it should be still good, or that it hasnt yet compleatly died?

Ok, thanks for the help

Yesterday when i watched Supernova, changed the lamp to normal, it had been on eco (or that half lamp symbol) before. It made it a little better. Have to check that dynamic contrast when i next watch something.

Quoting A.E. Neuman:

Quote:
If you deside to change the lamp and it is seated in in a cage, check out, what the actual lamp bulb is and get and change only that.  You'll probably be saving a lot of money!

You know place to get only lamp bulb?  I now have two set for my SONY and have the time to try change only the bulb...

Disassemble the cage and check what type the bulb is.  Google will then tell you, where you can get them.