Cheap Replacement Bulbs ?

[Javvis]

I've wanted to buy a Front Projector for some time now .....but, don't like the high price of replacing the Bulb every 2000-3000 hrs.

Why couldn't a Car Headlight Bulb be adapted for use ? Seems to me it might work. Has anyone tried this ?

Also ...I found a website that sells Bulbs for various uses ....including small Metal Halide types that range from 100w to 1500w & cost approx. $20 to $50.

Reflectors for these bulbs average about 5$. Per above, why couldn't something like these be used instead of getting ripped off buying the factory replacement for several hundred dollars

[Brandon B]

No.

Lamps and ballasts in the projector are specifically matched, the lamps are precision aligned in the reflector, and there are dozens of other reasons this is neither possible nor a good idea.

Now if you wanted to go the DIY route on the whole PJ, you'd be better off. There are a couple of sites I've seen where the guys have done that and offer partial kits and a lot of info in their forum. They are getting pretty interesting results for $500-900 and they are using lamps in the price ranges you are talking about. Google DIY video projector and you should turn them up.

BB