For many years I have had a Sharp projector which was not as powerful as
the Optoma I have had for almost two years.
Life of lamps vary according to size, lumens, contrast, and other factors.
On my Sharp they didn't last long: around 2,000 hours but I noticed the lamps burned out before reaching their expected life.
I have had two lamps in my Optoma, which were supposed to last 3,000
hours. The first lamp lasted only 2100 hours. The one I have now I use it
at the ECO position (which saves the life of the lamp) You are supposed
to set up exactly for high places and other conditions to extend the life
of the bulb.
Try to have it in a cool place, with space for ventilation. (Some people
do not recommend extra fans, because they say the fast cooling could
damage the lamp) Avoid dusty places, excessive vibration of equipment,
never disconnect the cable - put it off pressing the button and let the internal fan continue working adequately until it stops by itself when cold.
Do not insist in restarting it while the lamp is in yellow or red.
I have read there are newer lamps which take up to 4,000 hours.
Anyway, I made some arithmetics according to the price of the lamp
(around $204 in internet for the Optoma) which shows that I spend
26 cents an hour when I use the projector.
Maybe that is the reason why when I get sleep and wake up eight hours
later and find the projector still on, I get so mad for wasting TWO dollars.
However is a theatre experience having an image up to 10 feet diagonally.
I hope I have been helpful.