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Optoma is urging its customers, distributors and resellers to be vigilant against counterfeit lamps.
The vendor says genuine Optoma lamps carry a tamper resistant sticker.
"If the lamp module packaging does not carry this sticker, or the seal is broken or damaged, it may be a fake lamp," the firm said in a statement.
"Installing a non-genuine lamp module into an Optoma projector may damage the projector which would void the projector’s warranty. Repairs resulting from damage caused by a counterfeit copy lamp module would not be covered under the warranty."
Optoma has set up a facility on its website for customers to check whether they have a genuine lamp at www.optoma.co.uk/lampgenuinecheck.aspx. They can also email service@tsc-europe.com or call 01923 691 865.
Nick Price, Optoma’s Territory Manager, said: “We have recently been informed of a few cases where fake lamps have been used, which has resulted in damage to the projector.
“The counterfeit lamps may be cheaper but this is often due to cheaper components that have not been rigorously tested by the manufacturer and could damage the projector.
“We strongly recommend that customers fit only Optoma lamp modules into Optoma projectors and we have put a number of actions in place to help our customer recognise genuine lamps.”
"I would advise all customers to buy replacement lamps directly from Optoma or its authorised distributors and be vigilant against fakes.”
Distributor Midwich has backed Optoma’s warnings.
Stuart Mizon, divisional director at Midwich, added: “We fully support Optoma’s message in using genuine manufacturer consumables. We only stock, and only ever have stocked, the genuine article here at Midwich.
“We know of too many problems and horror stories from people who have used counterfeit lamps and go to great lengths to ensure we deal with genuine, trusted suppliers. For a large majority of our vendors, we deal direct with the manufacturer to ensure authenticity.”
Above: An official Optoma lamp
