Optoma GT720 gaming projector lamp

The Optoma GT720 gaming projector is a popular projector for 3D gaming or HD viewing. Changing the Optoma GT720 gaming projector lamp is simple.

Like any other projector, the GT720 uses a specialized lamp that will need to be changed after 3000 hours of use. Follow our 4-step guide for changing the Optoma GT720 gaming projector lamp.

Step 1: Know when to replace the Optoma GT720 gaming projector lamp

When Optoma BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) reaches the recommended 3000 hours of use, a warning sign will appears on screen. Replace the lamp immediately when you see this warning signs. Using the lamp beyond the recommended time can result in the lamp exploding and creating a messy and time consuming clean up.

Other signs that the BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) lamp may be reaching it’s end of life:

the Lamp LED flashing amber
picture has poor colour quality
image vibrancy and definition has deteriorated

Step 2: Buying the right lamp

Be sure to buy an authentic lamp in order to keep your projector working properly and avoid safety and health issues from counterfeit lamps. While the price of generic lamps can be tempting, installing them into your Optoma GT720 projector can result in the sophisticated optics being damaged beyond repair. Generic lamps also don’t have the proper safeguards and can damaged your eyesight.

Why buy authentic?

Generic lamps have a much shorter life
These lamps use toxic chemicals as substitutes since they don’t have access to the proper materials
Copycat lamps are more prone to overheat and explode
Generic lamps are not properly calibrated to work with the sensitive electronics in projectors and installing can void the guarantee on your Optoma GT720.

Scroll down to read tips on spotting the counterfeit lamps.

Find this lamp sold on Amazon by these authorized distributors:

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Step 3: Installing a new Optoma BL-FP180E lamp

Pre-installation safety Preparation:

Follow these important safety tips before installing a new BL-FP180E into your Optoma GT720 projector.

Switch off the power to the projector by pressing the Power/Standby button.
Allow the projector to cool down for at least 30 minutes. If should be cool to the touch. The Optoma GT720 runs at a high temperature and you can burn yourself badly if you don’t allow the projector to cool down.
Disconnect the power cord.

Step-by-step instructions

Remove the old lamp

1: Use a screwdriver to loosen the two screws holding the lamp cover in place. The Optoma GT720 projector should be cool to the touch.

2: Remove the lamp cover and place to one side. Don’t lose the screws to the cover as the projector will not turn back on until the lamp cover has been properly installed.

3: Remove both screws holding the BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) in place.Lift the wire handle on the lamp and gently remove it from the projector. Be careful not to hit the lamp or you can cause it to break.

NOTE: The BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) contains mercury and should not be thrown into regular garbage. Recycle this lamp.

Install the new lamp:

Take the new Optoma BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) lamp out of its packaging and lift the handle on the lamp.
Gently place it into the projector making sure not to touch the actual bulb. Oil from fingerprint marks can burn black spots onto the lamp when it heats up.
Tighten the screws on the lamp.
Close the lid. Tighten the cover screws.
You are now ready to reset the lamp timer.

Step 4: Reset the Optoma GT720 lamp timer

Your Optoma GT720 comes equipped with an automatic lamp timer that tracks the number of hours left for the BL-FP180E (SP.8EF01GC01) 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 time resulting in the lamp exploding.

To reset the lamp timer:

Press MENU
Select OPTIONS
Select Lamp Settings
Select Lamp Reset
Select Yes

TIP FOR LONGER LAMP LIFE:

Under Brightness Mode:

Choose STD to dim the projector lamp and lower power consumption making the lamp last longer.
Choose BRIGHT to make the lamp brighter but decrease lamp life.

Learn the TOP Tips for extending the lamp life in your Optoma GT720 projector.

Watch for telltale signs you are about to purchase a counterfeit lamp:

lower than normal price. The industry standard is no more then 20% discount
amateur labelling with many spelling errors
Glue on the edges and elements out of alignment
Scratches inside the lamp cage

Ellis Starks says:

February 11, 2018 at 4:52 pm

I have an Optoma gt700. I started smelling a “burning” oder, and saw that the picture had gone out. There was still a light visible from inside the unit, and through the lens, but not enough to project an image. I ordered, an authentic replacement, and replaced the bulb. When i turned on the projector, the light does come on as before, but still no image. I did not notice the smell this time, but shut the system down immediately.
What could be the problem?

Shelagh McNally says:
February 14, 2018 at 6:38 am
Hi Ellis,
Clean the filters since they might be blocked and causing that smell. Also, have you reset the lamp timer to zero? If you haven’t done this step the projector will think it’s still using an old lamp with no life and keep shutting down. You can also try taking the lamp out and repeating the whole set for replacement to make sure everything lines up and is in place. Also check the lamp cover is secure. That burning smell was most likely the lamp reaching end of life.
Regards,
Shelagh

Change the Optoma GT720 gaming projector lamp