Sony VPL-HW30AES projector lamp

Follow this guide to replace the Sony VPL-HW30AES projector lamp when it has reached end of life.

When to replace?

The Sony VPL-HW30AES is a home theater that can handle both 2D and 3D images on screen and it uses the Sony LMP-H202 projector lamp. When the Sony VPL-HW30AES projector lamp is reaching its end of life, the Lamp/Cover light starts flashing red and continue to flash in 3 second intervals. As the the lamp dims and the color balance of the picture goes off, and the message “Please replace the Lamp/Filter” appears on the screen. Then you must replace the lamp immediately.

Authentic Sony VPL-HW30AES projector lamp are critical!

Don’t settle for anything but the best for your Sony VPL-HW30AES projector. Always buy an authentic replacement projector lamp. Look for the seal of approval so you know you are getting an OEM projector lamp and not an imitation.

6 reasons to avoid generic lamps:

shorter lamp life than original lamps
created with toxic materials and carcinogenic parts including Krypton-85
prone to explosions
can damage the sensitive electronics in your projector
when you buy copy-cat lamps you get no guarantee or refunds
installing a generic lamp voids your projector’s warranty.

Learn to spot copycat lamps posing as authentic lamps.

Find this lamp sold on Amazon by these authorized dealers:

Replacing the Sony LMP-H202 Projector Lamp and Air Filter

Sony recommends replacing the air filter at the same as replacing the lamp.

Replacing the Lamp

Before replacing the Sony LMP-H202 projector lamp, let the projector cool at least 30 – 45 minutes. This projector operates under high temperatures and you can get badly burned if the projector has not cooled down.

Unplug the AC power cord.

The lamp cover is on the bottom of the projector so you will need to turn it over. Put down a soft cloth on a flat surface to prevent the projector getting scratched.

Turn the projector over gently. Don’t lean on the projector and make sure the surface is flat and stable.

Using a Philips screwdriver, loosen the screw holding the projector lamp cover in place. Slide the lamps cover off the Sony VPL-HW30AES projector. Put it to one side.

Loosen the 3 screws on the S Sony_VPL-HW30AES_projector_loosen_LMP-H202_screws ony LMP-H202 projector lamp using a Phillips screwdriver. Grab the old LMP-H202 by the indented side handles and and pull the lamp straight out.

NOTE: The Sony LMP-H202 projector lamp contains mercury and should not be thrown into regular garbage. Recycle this lamp!

Finish the projector lamp installation

Remove the packaging from the new projector lamp.
Lift up the handle and slowly lower it into the projector.
Push the projector lamp in securely until it reaches the end.
Tighten the three screws on the projector lamp.
Be careful not to touch the optical block inside the projector as this can damage the picture.
Also don’t touch the actual bulb in the new lamp as oily fingerprints can burn a black spot on the lamp when it heats up.

Slide the lamp cover back onto the Sony VPL-HW30AES projector.

Close the proejctor lamp cover and tighten the screws.

Remember to install the projector lamp cover properly as the projector will not turn off if the cover is loose or not installed correctly.

Replacing the air filter

Remove the Sony VPL-HW30AES filter holder. The air filter will be inside the holder. Don’t touch the fan inside as this can damage the projector.

Remove the old Sony VPL-HW30AES filter and put it to one side. Attach the new air filter so that is fits into the 10 claws properly on the holder.

Aligning the air filter with the shape of the filter holder will make it easier to install.

Be sure to put the air filter holder back into the projector making sure it aligned up properly. If not, the projector will not turn back on!

Wipe off any dust from the ventilation intake holes using a soft cloth. Put the projector back in its original position and turn it on. You’ll need to reset the lamp timer and to do this you must turn the Sony VPL-HW30AES projector back on.

Reset the projector lamp timer

Using the remote, scroll down to the Setup Menu. Press Enter.

A Lamp Setting message will appear asking you if the lamp has been replaced.

Click on Yes.

You will see a confirmation message and the Lamp Timer will be automatically reset to zero.

You can see the number of hours left on your lamp by going to the Information Menu.

You can extend the life of the Sony LMP-H202 projector lamp by always making sure the filter is clean and there is enough airflow around the projector. Learn more about making your projector lamp last longer: Top tips for extending DLP projector lamp life.

Install a Sony VPL-HW30AES projector lamp