Cleaning the Epson LCD 1 - click to enlarge

All quality LCD projectors have a filter on the incoming air, cooling the projection lamp. It is very critical that you as a user keep it clean. Usually it is a foam type filter found on the bottom or side of your projector. They are designed to be removed by the user and can be cleaned with a vacuum or compressed air. Failure to maintain the filter will greatly reduce the lamp life and could also cause expensive damage to the LCD panels. A typical LCD projection lamp can cost $400!

LCD projectors are allergic to chalk boards. They have strong negative reactions to chalk dust. Chalk dust will quickly clog an air filter and it will lodge itself

Cleaning the Epson LCD 2 - click to enlarge

on the internal lenses and LCD panels. This will result in dark spots on the image you are projecting.

Do not automatically replace the lamp because the projector is no longer lighting. You may find yourself the proud owner of a $400 lamp with nothing to use it in. LCD projectors have a lamp timer, usually a menu item. Your user manual will tell you how many hours you can get out of the lamp in your projector. This can be anywhere from 1000 to 2000 hours. You will get a lamp warning indication when you are nearing the end of the lamps life. Also the image will begin to darken on the edges. When a lamp is replaced, the timer must be reset. Do not replace a lamp on your own without

Cleaning the Epson LCD 3 - click to enlarge

resetting the timer. Unless the projector was dropped, a no light situation that was not preceded by either an end of lamp warning or because you never cleaned your filter usually means internal circuit problems. It is a good idea to check with AV Repair if your projector has failed. AV Repair will replace lamps but because lamps are considered consumables you will need to supply a budget number when sending them in. Also I can do minor repairs on these items, but extensive repairs will need to be handled by factory trained technicians. EPA or Tierny Brothers are local companies that may be able to help. Your school will be responsible for all outside repairs on these units.