JVC Lamp Light Intensity Comparison
1/6/2009
Tested lamp with JVC TV: HD-52Z575
Lamp Unit Part No: TS-CL110UAA or TSCL11oU

• inferior workmanship quality
• lower manufacturing costs
• poor and inconsistent product lifespan

If you’re buying a generic high performance lamp, be prepared to eat the cost of its usage. An OEM product may last 3 times as long for only a few extra dollars. There is risk of premature explosion and loss of lumens associated with purchasing an off-brand, or generic lamp product.

For example: If you buy an OEM Philips for your television, it may cost about $150, but last you 3 years. If you purchase an off-brand, generic product for $100, you will have save $50, but the lamp may only last about 6 months to 1 year. The cost-benefit analysis maintains you’d be better off purchasing the OEM lamp. You can even purchase a compatible brand name such as Osram–though it may not last as long as the Philips, it has a more consistant lilfespan than the generic manufacturer.

Digital projection lamp: original vs. imitation. Source: Philips Lighting

If you’re concerned about purchasing generic products, or have purchased a generic product by mistake, call the merchant you purchased the product from. It is your right to ask them if they sell an original product for your television–anything else is misleading. You should also find out which brands are OEM for your television. For a detailed guide, please visit our Lamp and Brand Guide.

Lamp modules – are made up of two main elements: the lamp (or bulb) and the cage (or housing) including electrical connector.

Lamps – are ultra high-performance light bulbs developed by the world leaders in lighting technology working in close cooperation with the projector & rear projection television manufacturers. The lamp (or bulb) is made up of two components: The burner (or lighting element) and the reflector. These are usually manufactured separately often times in different countries) and assembled together to create a UHP lamp.

Lamp module – are housings produced by the projector manufacturers to accurately seat the lamp and enable user replacement (each physically different projector model usually requires its own cage design). Also known as: lamp unit, lamp module, enclosure, cartridge, or housing.

Original Lamps -  are those manufactured by the original lamp developer holding the technology patent (e.g. UHP™ from Philips). Also known as: OEM.

Compatible Lamps – are lamps that are not the same type as the original lamp placed in the projector by the projector manufacturer. Specifications about brightness and lamp life are always based on the lamp system, which is the lamp and electronics that are designed to warrant safe operation and good performance of the system. Non-original lamps could be copy lamps. Also known as: OEM compatible, original Compatible, or aftermarket lamp.

Copy lamps – are lamps produced by unregulated manufacturing companies not holding the technology patents & not pre-installed by any projector manufacturer. Also known as: OEM compatible, original Compatible, generic, aftermarket, or knock-off.

Refurbishing (or re-lamping) – is the process of removing a used lamp from its cage. Also known as: relamping, refurbishing or redeveloping. Refurbished cages and housings usually have nothing to do with the operation of the lamp itself. The cages merely seat the lamp properly, and we recommend purchasing with a used, refurbished, or re-lamped product which is more environmentally and economically  sound. When purchasing new, look for a recycled label. Cages may be recycled and re-developed into a new lamp cage.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacture. An OEM part means that the part you’ve purchased is made by the same company that manufactured it originally.

For example:

Samsung and Sony both manufacture a line of DLP and LCD projection television sets. They don’t manufacture the lamp inside, but order it from their supplier, Philips Lighting. The OEM lamp part is made by Philips. All subsequent aftermarket parts may be manufactured by other companies such as Osram and DNGO.  Philips also manufactures aftermarket replacement lamp parts as well. Because your Samsung or Sony TV uses a Philips lamp out of the box, it’s recommended that you replace it with an OEM part, or OEM aftermarket part made by Philips.

There are many lamp merchants that list items as original replacement, OEM Compatible, or 100% Compatible. This doesn’t mean OEM. Look at the fine print and make sure the lamp you purchase is an original, OEM product. You can look at our Lamp Research Guide to find out who the OEM part manufacturer for your television is, as well as which brands are truly 100% compatible.

When dealing with DLP or LCD projection, there are only a handful of manufacturers you should be on the lookout for when you purchase from a reputable dealer: Philips (the leading manufacture), Osram, Matsushita, and Toshiba. When in doubt, just look at the cost. Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better.