Epson EMP-X5 lamp error with new bulb

[yasdnil]

Hi there, I have a question that hopefully someone could help with.

 

We have an Epson EMP-X5 which has started generating the lamp error signals (flashing red 'lamp' light). This is the second time it's done this, and currently has a new (50hrs used) lamp, so I am thinking the issue is the projector.

 

Does anyone have any suggestion for me as to what I can try?

 

It is ceiling mounted, but I regularly clean the filter and keep it as dust-free as possible.

 

It's quite old (2008) and that's why I haven't called Epson as I'm expecting they'll tell me we need a new one (which is probably the case, I just wanted to try all other options first). Unfortunately this is one of the younger projectors in our school! So I am hoping we can keep it limping on a little more until we can afford to replace it.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[zag]

Projectors are cheap these days, replace it with a casio "bulbless" one and you wont have any more problems.

 

We don't even bother replacing bulbs on our older projectors, just buy new casio ones. Its only a couple of hundred quid difference and you will save in bulb costs for the future.

[yasdnil]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into those. However, at the moment they're not an option. I am hoping to get this one working again if possible. I'm not sure it's on its way out just yet.

 

I opened up the projector and noticed that as I took off the bulb casing a lot of white dust particles fell out. The white coating on the 'rear' of the bulb is very loose and a lot of it fell off as I took it out. I've never noticed this before with other bulbs, is it an issue or something common? Here's a picture of the area I'm referring to: