One of the few LCD projector parts that can be replaced is the projector lamp. LCD projector lamps vary by model, so selection usually depends on the manufacturing company and types such as Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent, Halogen, and HID such as Metal halide and Low/High Pressure Sodium, 3M Projector, Full Spectrum, and Ballasts, to name a few.

The total lamp life is the expected operating time of the projector lamp, which is expressed in terms of hours. Most LCD projectors use a metal halide source with a lamp life of 750 to 4,000 hours or more. Lamp life is not a very useful measurement, since they gradually grow dimmer without burning out and will continue to function even if they are too dim to be considered usable. So the term