Projector bulbs?

I was thinking of getting a projector but the price of the bulbs is absurd.

Anybody know anything about cheap projector bulbs,what projector would you recommend?

I got a dell 1200mp projector before Christmas I did get a real good deal online I looked up the cost of a bulb $300.00. so i almost didn't buy it but i went a head and did. The most important thing I have found out is you need a screen. my dad has a sony "lcd" 55" my brother has a 57" hd. But i spent 1/2 as much and i have a 92" that looks better.. Projector bulbs are made by 3 major manufacturers in the world. Plus, they are made by high pressured gases and difficult to make. Therefore, the retail prices are $200-$500.

I use to work for a projector company and I think we made about 40% profit on it. Yes, it's insane, but there is always high markup on accessories.

Common household lamps are halogen and flourescent, which cannot provide the lumens that a high pressure mercury arc lamp, plus do not have life of the more expensive lamps. Try e-bay. The list price for the bulb on my projector is $600, and most internet sellers had it for $550. I got it on e-bay (brand new bulb) for $400. Most bulbs for front projectors are in that price range. Bulbs for rear projectors cost less (half) and last longer. First, lets look at bulb prices in perspective.

Sure $400 seems expensive, but if you consider this gives 2-3000 hrs of use it works out at $0.13 to $0.20 / hr. Based on 2-3 hours viewing per day this is $0.24 to $0.60 / day total. Compare this to some other costs, for example: