3M MP8650

[Kona]

Hello,

I just found this site and I may be a bit off base but maybe someone can help me. I just bought a 3M MP8650. It worked perfect for 5 minutes then the bulb blew. It just makes a hissing noise from the bulb now. I am wondering if you know where I can get an inexpensive bulb replacement for this. Not a $1000 bulb either. Or is someone interested in the unit?
Thanks

[The Robman]

I found some replacements online, but the prices are not cheap...
http://www.lacc.com/product.asp?pf_id=EP1750 ($790)
http://www.provantage.com/3m-ep1750~73MCO023.htm ($800)
http://www.yesmicro.com/Item.aspx?sku=201096TD ($807 - backordered)
http://www.sparco.com/cgi-bin/wfind2?spn=A037594 ($807)
http://www.alwayslowest.com/AL/index.cf ... part=10497 ($821)
http://www.projectorlampcenter.com/Prod ... de=3MM8650 ($926)
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=10390 ($959)
http://www.lcdprojectorbulbs.com/lcdpro ... Q_ID_E_359 ($1000)

One of the sites has a page explaining Why LCD Bulbs Cost So Much?

This is the most common question our customers ask us - particularly if they've never shopped for replacement LCD bulbs before. Many first-time LCD replacement bulb shoppers understandably feel "sticker shock" when they start shopping around for LCD replacement bulbs. So, we thought we'd give you some insight as to why the products are priced the way they are.

First, these LCD bulbs and LCD projectors utilize sophisticated optics technologies that allow images to be very precisely projected with a specific brightness, color mix, and clarity that is far superior to earlier-generation projection equipment. Second, the light bulb is assembled into a cage and is calibrated for consistent performance. Since the light bulb in a "cage" is a new generation of light bulb, it is accompanied by some "depreciated development costs", like most new products. The cost of this technology is relatively expensive. The good news, however, is that LCD bulbs are extremely efficient and have a long life compared to other types of projection bulbs - they usually last up to 2,000 hours!

Although LCD bulbs are rather costly, we try to assure that Topbulb's replacement LCD bulbs are competitively priced. We are in the business of making our customers happy. Therefore, if you have a specific pricing question or need a better price, particularly on volume orders, please call us at 1-800-TOP-BULB.

[Kona]

Thanks. It is to bad they are so expensive. I am hoping someone has a used machine that does not work but has a functioning bulb. Thanks again for the great links.

[The Robman]

I am hoping someone has a used machine that does not work but has a functioning bulb.

You mean like this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0000476291

[Kona]

but I have seen that one already. Thank you. Something a bit less expensive would help. But I sincerely appreciate the effort very much. I will keep looking.
Thanks again.

[The Robman]

Given that the retail price for a replacement bulb is $1,000 and the cheapest I can find it on the web is $800, I think you should snap up this projector while you can. If you're the only bidder, you could have it for $245 shipped, I don't think you're going to do better than that.

[Kona]

what if I buy another one and the bulb goes in the first 5 minutes again? I am hoping to hear from a professional like yourself who knows what to look for when selling bulbs. I would hate to take a chance on a used bulb.
Again, thank you very much.
Tim

[The Robman]

If your current bulb blew as quick as you describe, you should be able to return the entire projector to where you bought it. From what I've read, these bulbs are supposed to last for 2,000 hours.

If you bought the unit used then you don't know how many hours where already on the bulb, which of course is also true of the unit on ebay right now. In this case you have the option of either buying a new bulb for about $800 and having the piece of mind that it should last 2k hours (and hopefully there's some sort of guarantee or warantee) or you buy the used unit on ebay for $245 and you take your chances.

Assuming the ebay unit works, once you've swapped the bulbs you can put it back on ebay "for parts or repair", who knows you might get $50 or so for it, which would further reduce the true cost of your replacement bulb.

[zaphod7501]

I personally suspect that lamp prices are set based on original MSRP of the projector. A $1000 lamp for a $10,000 projector would be considered "acceptable" (to some people, not me).

If someone could get an actual part number off the lamp itself (not the assembly which includes the housing) it might be possible to rebuild the assembly. It must be possible since some places actually perform that type of service.

You might want to think hard about putting an expensive lamp in this PJ if you are putting it into a home theater situation since it appears to be business projector and they don't usually do a very good job with video (like DVDs, TV tuners, VCRs, etc). It's main claim to fame seems to be that it is bright enough to see in a well lit room. It is also the wrong resolution for video, 800x600 is for PC presentations. Of course, you haven't mentioned the intended function for the PJ yet.