Changing the Panasonic PT-AR100U projector lamp is as easy as 1-2-3!
Step 1: Know when to replace the lamp
When the Panasonic PT-AR100U projector lamp reaches over 1800 hours the REPLACE LAMP message will display for 30 seconds but disappears when you press any button. Over 2000 hours, the message will be displayed on screen for longer. Watch for these telltale signs that your Panasonic PT-AR100U projector lamp is approaching end of life:
- the lamp indicator will light up red and stay lit until the lamp is replaced
- picture has poor colour quality
- image vibrancy and definition has deteriorated
- a warning message appears on screen: “Replace Lamp”
When you see any of these signs, especially the warning message, change the lamp immediately. Avoid the temptation to left the projector run longer as it can result in a complete shut down of the Panasonic PT-AR100U projector.
Step 2: Buy an authentic projector lamp
It can be confusing trying to find the correct projector lamp since there are so many choices. It’s easy to get duped into buying an inferior knock-off lamp posing as an authentic lamp. Always look for the seal of approval and watch for telltale signs you are about to purchase a counterfeit lamp:
Buyer beware! You get want you pay for and with generic “compatible” lamps that usually means a host of problems that can leave you with a damaged Panasonic PT-AR100U projector:
- generics have inferior parts so are prone or overheat and explode
- generics have a short life and don’t last longer than a few months
- Often these lamps use toxic chemicals as substitutes
- generic’s can’t be calibrated properly and will damage your projector’s optics
- copycat manufacturers offer no guarantee or refunds
- the warranty on your Panasonic PT-AR100U projector will become void.
Find this lamp sold on Amazon by the following authorized dealers:
Step 3: Installing the Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp
Follow these important safety tips before changing the projector lamp:
- Switch off the power to the projector by pressing the Power/Standby button.
- After waiting 30 seconds, disconnect the power cord.
- Disconnect the video cable cord as well.
- Allow the projector to cool down for at least 30 minutes. If should be cool to the touch. These projectors run using high temperatures and you can burn yourself badly if you don’t allow the projector to cool down.
A. Hold the protrusion at the front cover of the projector and push up to open. Be careful not to open the panel too far. If the panel comes off, hold the cover in the middle, align the hinge with the support. Push the arm in the direction of the arrow towards the inner side of the projector and push it into the groove.
Note: When the projector is mounted on the ceiling, stand at the left side of the projectors when opening/close the top cover.
B. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen screw holding the Panasonic PT-AR100U projector lamp cover in place.
C. Loosen the two screws holding the Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp in place. Holding the handle of the projector lamp unit with the lock held in the direction of the black arrow, pull up the lamp in a vertical motion. Be careful not to hit the projector lamp or you can cause it to break. Learn what to do if the lamp is broken inside the projector.
NOTE: The Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp contains mercury and should not be thrown into regular garbage. Recycle this projector lamp!
D. Insert the new projector lamp making sure its facing the right direction. Gently press down on the A section (see image above)at the the top of the lamp gently to make sure the lamp is installed all the way. Tighten the two screws to make sure the lamp is secure. Put the lamp cover back on and tighten the screw so it stays in place. Close the projector lamp cover and re-install the video cable and power cord. Turn on the projector to reset the lamp timer.
Reset the Panasonic PT-AR100U projector lamp timer
Your Panasonic PT-AR100U comes equipped with an automatic lamp timer that tracks the number of hours left for the Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp. Each time you change the lamp you need to reset the lamp timer. Failure to do so may cause the projector to use the lamp over the recommended period of 2000 hours time resulting in the projector lamp exploding.
- Press the MENU button to display the menu screen.
- Selection OPTION using the arrows buttons to scroll up or down.
- Press the ENTER button and select LAMP RUNTIME.
- Hold the ENTER button down to 3 seconds for the confirmation message to appear.
- Using the arrow buttons scroll over the OK field.
- Click ENTER.
- The Lamp Runtime will be reset to 0 and the projector will power down. In a few minutes it will enter standby mode and be ready for use.
Extend the life of the Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp:
You can reduce power and extend the life of the Panasonic ET-LAA110 projector lamp with the ECO management option.
- Press the MENU button to display the menu screen.
- Selection OPTION using the arrows buttons to scroll up or down.
- Press the ENTER button and select ECO MANAGEMENT
- Select AUTO POWER SAVE.
- Hold the ENTER button turn on
- Click ENTER to exit the MENU.
- The projector Lamp Runtime will be reset to 0 and the projector will power down. In a few minutes it will enter standby mode and be ready for use.
Note: Lamp power will not decrease in the following cases: Immediately after the lamp illuminates or after the Lamp Power is set.
