Yesterday, via Craigslist, I picked up a Dell 3200MP DLP (digital light processor) projection system for $100— original MSRP was $2199 in 2003: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,109523-page,1/article.html
It kept shutting down after about 5-10 minutes— which the seller believed meant it needed a new lamp, another $200-$300 for a replacement light assembly. (Seriously, are these bulbs made of gold?)
A bit of Googling uncovered that this was a common problem with projectors. A solution was suggested at the Dell community site— the gist of which is opening up the projector and blowing out all the dust.
So last night, at about midnight, I got it in my head that I had to get a can of compressed air. (Yeah, I know: What? You don’t keep canned air on hand all the time?) I schlepped out to three different places to find some— a supermarket, Walgreens and finally Super-Walmart— before plunking down my $5 for the overpriced can.
Short version: hoo-ya— success! The projector is now working beautifully. Sweet movie theater magic in my living room. Yet another step closer to the “Entourage” Hollywood lifestyle. Now if only I can figure out how to get a Maseratti on the cheap.
One blog recounts that the bulbs themselves used in these projectors are replaceable for significantly less than the “lamp unit” price: http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2007/06/04/how-to-replace-your-projector-lamp-cheap/
