Finger print on projector blub
 

I ordered a replacement lamp for for my projector, and when it arrived, it had a big finger print on the bulb. Can i just use a little windex and paper towel to clean it off, or could that damage the bulb?

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Sterile cotton balls and distilled water are the proper tools for cleaning a projector bulb. Short of that, a soft cloth (like a cotton undershirt) and just water should do. I don't believe that cleaning solutions (like Windex) are recommended, and you sure as hell don't want to use a paper towel, because the wood fibers in it will scratch the bulb.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

From where? I would exchange it if it is from a real store.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Exchange it if possible - skin oils are anathema to bulbs.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Speaking of bulbs, I'm about a 1/3 way through my 2nd bulb on my 720p HD70. I'm thinking of starting to set some money aside to upgrade to 1080p when this bulb goes.

When my original bulb blew it literally blew and tore up the inside of the projector. Luckily still under warranty.

I like DLP, I'm not going to spend a ton. Anything new or anything out there your really excited about?

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Purchased online - i could exchange, but would rather not go through the hassle if i didn't have to.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Are you willing to roll the dice on a bulb exploding inside of your projector? I'd personally exchange the thing, myself...

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Good point. I will contact them about an exchange. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Good goin', cpgator. No sense in taking that risk if you don't have to. Also, you won't be able to tell if that bulb was used or not.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Hey Sdallnct, what about this one from Casio?

http://www.casio.com/products/Projec...im_Projectors/

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Contacted the company and they requested pictures and for me to answer several questions. They said i should have an answer by the end of the week regarding what they will do for me.

Here are the pics i sent...

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7...Lamp/lamp1.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7...Lamp/lamp2.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7...Lamp/lamp3.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7...Lamp/lamp4.jpg

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

There is no way a brand new lamp should have that. They better not give you any crap.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

I'm hoping they don't, but they are already acting a bit funny about it. The girl i was speaking with told me that i would probably have to pay for the shipping, and if they determined there was nothing wrong with it, they would just mail it back to me. The email and pictures are supposed to help them decide if they will allow me to mail it back. Hopefully i will know more tomorrow.

I think for the amount of money these things cost, i should be able to get one without finger smudges.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

What a bunch of jerks.

They sold you a defective product, and now they are acting like they MIGHT do you a favor by letting you pay to ship it back to them.

That's crap. An oil smudge on a projector bulb not only shortens the life of the bulb by quite a bit, you risk the bulb exploding and damaging the projector (as the oil can cause excess heat in that spot and weaken the glass).

Did you pay by a real credit card? At least then you could do a charge back if they continue to be jerks. I wouldn't put that bulb in my equipment.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Paid with my debit card, but i can still do a charge back if i need to.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Just heard back from the place, and they said they will do the exchange but i have to pay the return shipping. Sucks.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

The BenQ W6000 dropped below $2000 recently, that has me hopeful it'll drop lower at some point soon-ish (or be on sale) for a couple reasons:

50000:1 Contract Ratio is a lot lot higher than most DLPs
2500 Lumens is a lot higher than most DLPs
It has Lens Shift which is rare on < $2k DLPs
It's DLP.

The Mitsu DLP HC3800 1080p projector is $1138-ish + tax from Dell.com (after coupon... it's $1268 from Amazon, free shipping), it has a Mail-in Rebate for a Free Bulb from Mitsubishi (ends 3/31). I know this model has a history of problems and am not sure they've been 100% resolved - tho most comments seem to be positive at this point (good brightness, excellent sharpness). Bulb life is reported at 5000 hours in eco.

The Optoma HD20 1080p DLP Projector is $930 on Amazon.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Man, I would just pay the shipping back with a CC and tell them to give a full refund. I would then contact my CC company, tell them what happened, and challenge the shipping charge. What does their website say about defective products? What is the policy? You shouldn't have to pay a cent, it was their screw up. Period.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Bought it from Advanced Lamps, and their return policy doesn't mention anything about shipping fee for returns.

http://www.advancedlamps.com/returnpolicy.php

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

They sound like pricks just based on the language on that page. I seriously would demand a refund and tell them they need to learn how to deal with customers. Again, their screw up, not yours. They should be apologizing, not making it hassle for you to give them YOUR money.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Things a looking a little better. After they told me i would have to pay shipping, I let them know I would instead just do a charge back because I didn't think I should have to pay for their mistake.

A few hours later they called me back to let me know they would pay the shipping and emailed me a return label. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

Good for you, man. Let us know how it turns out.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

You might want to consider cross-shipping. No telling what blub you'll be getting back. Or get another one someplace else.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

That's good.

Hopefully you will get a proper bulb in return.

Re: Finger print on projector blub
 

What if they clean it and send it back?