I can't give you feedback but I do want to say thanks for the post.

My projector (Panasonic PT-AE1000) recently came up with a replace lamp notification. I was thinking about buying a bulb from Projector Lamp Source for $240 vs. $600 for an OEM lamp.

I have to admit that I am now rethinking that decision. I might just invest in a new Epson projector which comes with two bulbs and sells replacement bulbs much cheaper. ($300 for Epson vs. $600 for Panasonic)

 

Well, so far, it took them a day to respond to my RMA request. Then they e-mailed me a generic list of questions to answer and e-mail back. It then took the rest of the day to respond back with;

"...Your request for replacement has been forwarded to our Returns Department for review. Once it has been approved you will receive an email with an RMA# (return authorization number) along with UPS return prepaid labels and instructions..."

So I wonder how long this whole process will take? I hope I just got a bad bulb and this is an anomaly.

 

Some links to reviews of this vendor. Reviews seem pretty hit and miss although I guess only the disgruntled post on the web.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Projector_Lamps_Canada
http://www.projectorcentral.com/dealer_ratings.cfm?dealer_id=9534

Its clear from the reviews that this company does NOT sell OEM lamps despite the fact that they say that All of our lamps are NEW and purchased directly from the Original Projector Lamp Manufacturers.

I have decided not to use them. I am going to see if I can get a discounted Panny bulb from a local retailer. If not, I may just pick up a new Epson projector. My projector is over six years old so I think the improvements and the cheaper bulb would make it worthwhile.

 

Well, I finally got an RMA number (there was a weekend in there) but when I offered to drive up to Mississauga myself to exchange my faulty lamp with a replacement, they said that there is a 48hr turnaround before they can release a replacement bulb for me. I don't want to drive up twice and with the UPS (which they did send a pre-paid slip) courier, it would take 7-10 days turnaround. Which is 4-5 weeks from when I first purchased the bulb - so I'm not a happy camper.

Additionally, I just don't feel the trust that it is an OEM bulb, maybe the one I got was just dim and faulty, they still insist that the actual bulb itself within the 3rd party housing is indeed a Philips or Osram bulb. However the 3rd party housing for my Panasonic doesn't include the heat shield that the original does. So I think I'll bite the bullet and get an original from a local store (just for peace of mind - I do get so much enjoyment out of my projector!).

I guess if its too good to be true... it probably is.

 

Well, I've been given a refund, and to their credit, it was processed in a timely manner (after I sent the bulb back). However it has been 3wks since I ordered the bulb initially. However they did not refund me the initial shipping charges.

 

Well, I didn't get a response to my e-mail regarding the refund of the shipping charges, however when I got my credit card statement, I see that they also refunded the shipping charges the same day as well. So I did get a full refund in all.

Well... you get what you paid for. I am sticking to getting a real Panasonic Lamp replacement (even though its over twice as much!).

 

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

I ordered a bulb for my Samsung DLP a couple of years ago and it has done pretty well. I just ordered a replacement for that one a couple of days ago and it arrived today. Hopefully it will be as good as the last one.

 

Wow, its been a while and I just realized that I hadn't updated this thread in case anyone is interested.

I ended up ordering an authentic Panasonic OEM bulb from Eastporters back in December. It ended up coming out to $449 + $15 S&H (plus tax of course!) Excellent customer service, prompt reply and with regular 4-5 days shipping, it arrived in 2 days. It was authentic, including the Panasonic box, all the right warning labels and the heat shield cone as well (you can instantly tell the quality difference!). When I put it in and fired it back up, I was amazed how clear and bright my old projector was - it was as if I had a new projector again! I can't believe how my eyes had gotten used to the old bulb, but now everything looks so "3D" - it was definitely worth it.

So the moral of the story is that "you get what you paid for" - if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. However $449 is still better than $600 which is what Panasonic wants for it.

 

I usually plan ahead and have ProjectorPeople or B&H Photo deliver a replacement lamp to my hotel when traveling in the states. I have carried it on the plane and driven back, and never been asked to pay duty or taxes.

I just replaced my PT-AE2000U's lamp yesterday. The previous lamp was over 2900 hours, mainly eco-mode with high fan up to 2000 hours...then Normal power.

The 2900 hour lamp measured 30.6fL (i1Pro2 24" from 100" screen, 13' throw, Dynamic Mode, max contrast, iris off). The new lamp measured 35fL. Does not seem like much, but in Color1 mode the difference is significant.

The 70-100IRE readings when calibrating were much more stable with the new lamp.

1 was very surprised as to the dust bunnies in the lamp housing and on it's metal vent screen. This is a ceiling mount and while the filter is cleaned regularly, the case has never been opened and cleaned, so that is todays project.