Genuine/Original Projector Lamps vs. Compatible Projector Lamps

It is important to know what you are buying when it comes to projector lamps and TV lamps. Over the last few years we’ve seen the number of compatible lamps and counterfeit lamps in Canada increase dramatically. To ensure you are protected from fraud please learn about the below projector lamp terms and follow our simple advice.

Projector Lamp Module / Housing / Cage

This is the plastic surround that holds the bare-bulb in place. Every module is different for each projector. Projector Lamp Source does NOT recommend (and does not sell) projector lamps without the module. If you purchase a bare-bulb you will have to install it into your existing module (this is dangerous, and can damage your projector).

Original Projector Lamps / Genuine Projector Lamps / OEM Projector Lamps

Simply put, these are the lamps that your projector manufacturer puts into their final product. The bulbs are made by major lighting manufacturers such as Philips, Osram, Ushio, and Pheonix. These lamps are of the highest quality.

Compatible/Copy Projector Lamps

The term ‘compatible’ or ‘copy’ means the lamp was made by someone other than your projector manufacturer or the original supplier of the lamp. The lamp will NOT be made by Philips, Osram, Ushio, etc. Compatible projector lamps can infringe on the original projector lamp suppliers’ patents, and can expose you to unnecessary legal risks. They can also be dangerous and could invalidate your projector’s warranty.

Counterfeit Projector Lamps

These lamps are the worst of the worst! Some Canadian online stores are selling them and it is very hard to identify counterfeit lamps until you’ve made the purchase. Counterfeit lamps are when the lamp inside looks like an original, but is supplied with fake projector manufacturer boxes. The only way to tell is to analyze the bar-codes on the lamps (as the boxes are near perfect copies). We have the knowledge to help you identify if you’ve been sold a counterfeit lamp. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or call us toll free on 1-866-831-4086 if you need help.

Bare Lamp / Bare Bulb / Lamp Only

These are projector lamps that are sold without the module. They are hard to install as you have to ‘break into’ your old projector lamp to remove the old bare-bulb, and then re-wire it to put the new lamp in. Projector Lamp Source strongly advises customers not to attempt this due to the safety risks involved.

If you have any questions on projector lamps our knowledgeable team is here to help! Please contact us, or call us toll free at 1-866-831-4086.