We've talked about it on the forum before, "How long should a projector bulb last?" Some have stated they last for +2,000 hours. Some have never had a bulb burn out or become too dim.
Well, I've finally had enough! My projector, an Optoma H78-DC3 which I got the end of last August, will not put out enough lumens any more to even be watchable. The bulb has about 600 hours and I can't even increase the brightness enough to see it properly with my room lights out. And I have complete light control in my theater. It's supposed to last 2,000 hours in "bright mode". I've only had it in that mode for the last month or so since the thing started fading. And yes, for those who ask, I have a decent screen. It's a Stewart with Firehawk material.
I guess I'll order a new bulb in the morning and see if that helps. If it doesn't there is a problem with the projector.
My previous projector was a Yamaha DPX-1. The bulbs would last about 1,000 hours before they would become too dim. They were rated for 1,000 hours, though.
I'm beginning to hate this whole light bulb business with projectors.