Do you use a UPS for your system?

[GMichael]

I have been told that a UPS system is needed for HT projectors. Something about the bulb cracking if the power is shut off too fast. Is this true? Do you use one for your system?
Here's one I found on Parts Express' site. Is this a normal price?

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=125-022

[N. Abstentia]

Personally I think that's a bunch of bunk myself..once the power is off the lamp is no longer generating heat so it's not going to get any hotter and I don't think the engineers would design something that would break if the power is cut off.

But having a UPS surely couldn't hurt, especially if you have lots of power flickers. They also offer good surge protection. No reason to spend $200 on one for a projector though, something like this would work fine:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16842101124

[nightflier]

As N.Ab mentioned, it couldn't hurt. One thing that I have found is that a good power center like the Monster rack units may improve video quality if there appears to be interference. I don't have golden ears, so I can't tell any difference in sound, but some others have said it is audible too.

As far as the bulb, it sounds a little like a scare tactic. Given that they have a $100-200 price tag it may be that someone wants you to believe they are fragile. Truth is, they burn out more because of use than because of being turned on & off, something they should be able to handle fine in a decent projector. It's just a fact that they wear out and need to be replaced regularly.

[GMichael]

Thanks guys.

[recoveryone]

With any projector it tells you to let the lamp cool before shutting down the system. You can turn the bulb off/or not send a signal to it, and let the fan run for about 2-5 min and power off the whole thing. The need for a UPS or power surge is a personal choice.

[HAVIC]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16842101124

with only 365 joules of surge protection you would need to put that unit on a better surge protector to help against surges.