Genuine P-VIP® lamps deliver superior brightness, durability, and safety, while counterfeit alternatives compromise performance and pose risks

The counterfeit problem

As one of the most popular projector lamps on the market, OSRAM’s P-VIP® projector lamps have become a target for counterfeit products. While some fakes are easy to spot, others closely mimic the originals, making it difficult to identify them. Unfortunately, no counterfeit can match the performance, brightness, or reliability of genuine P-VIP® lamps from OSRAM, putting not only your projector’s performance and your viewing experience at risk.
Due to substandard materials, inconsistent manufacturing processes, and lack of quality controls, the use of counterfeit products can result in:

• Rupture – impacting safety and resulting in damage to the fixture

• Low performance of the lamp in the fixture, affecting brightness, colour, and stability

• Premature aging and short life, requiring frequent replacement and increasing costs

• Lack of warranty and technical support, leaving the users with no recourse or assistance

• Inferior raw materials: Subpar and lower-quality raw materials, with no assurance from our suppliers.

Counterfeit projector lamps: The hidden dangers

In tests, OSRAM analyzed several counterfeit P-VIP® lamps from the market, with startling results. The initial brightness of these counterfeit lamps was up to 30% lower than that of genuine OSRAM lamps. This reduction in brightness can lead to visible screen defects such as blurry subtitles or difficulty reading presentation slides, compromising both personal and professional viewing experiences.

Brightness matters: The role of electrode gaps

Brightness in projector lamps is closely tied to the size of the electrode gap—the smaller the gap, the brighter the lamp. OSRAM’s stringent quality control ensures a consistent electrode gap across all genuine P-VIP® lamps, resulting in stable, high brightness. In contrast, counterfeit lamps often have gaps that are 30% larger, leading to significantly lower brightness. This inconsistency affects not only the lamp’s brightness but also the overall visual quality.

Uniform brightness: A key advantage of genuine OSRAM lamps

In projection, uniform brightness across the screen is crucial for delivering a vivid and immersive viewing experience. OSRAM takes great care in integrating each P-VIP® lamp into the projector system to ensure even light distribution. Counterfeit lamps, however, fail to replicate this uniformity, leading to uneven brightness and poor image quality.

Reliability and safety: The true cost of counterfeit lamps

Beyond brightness, the reliability of counterfeit lamps is another area of concern. In OSRAM’s lifetime testing, counterfeit lamps showed rapid degradation in brightness and poor durability. In some cases, the lamps shattered during testing, posing a potential safety risk. Genuine P-VIP® lamps, on the other hand, are built for long-term performance and reliability. Manufactured in OSRAM’s Berlin factory, each burner is made from high-purity quartz glass and subjected to rigorous quality control, ensuring optimal performance over time.

OSRAM: Committed to quality and performance

With over a century of lighting expertise, OSRAM produces premium P-VIP® projector lamps that deliver superior brightness, reliability, and performance. Every component, from the high-purity quartz burner tube to the specialized ceramic rings, is carefully selected and tested to withstand high temperatures and humidity, ensuring stable and safe operation.

To guarantee optimal performance and avoid the risks associated with counterfeit products, OSRAM strongly recommends purchasing genuine P-VIP® lamps through authorized distributors.

www.osram.com/entertainment-industry

Stay tuned

Please contact only OSRAM authorized distributors for any query.